Which Cutting Method Is Right for Me?
Pick your material and thickness, and we will recommend the best method between waterjet and fiber laser cutting — with a reason.
Choose your material group and (optionally) thickness below. The recommendation updates instantly based on the data in our material & method suitability matrix.
Curious how each method works? Explore the cutting technologies. Technologies
Recommended method
Waterjet Cutting
SuitableWaterjet Cutting is suitable for this material (typical range: ~0.5 – 200 mm).
Get a quote with this methodFiber Laser Cutting
SuitableFiber Laser Cutting is suitable for this material (typical range: thin-medium sheet (~≤ 20 mm)).
Get a quote with this methodThe recommendation is general guidance based on material group and thickness. The exact method is confirmed at the quote stage, based on your geometry and tolerances.
Method Comparison Table
Compare waterjet and fiber laser cutting across heat impact, tolerance, thickness, material range, edge quality and speed/cost.
| Criterion | Waterjet Cutting | Fiber Laser Cutting |
|---|---|---|
| Heat impact (HAZ) | None — cold cut, no HAZ | Yes — narrow heat-affected zone (HAZ) |
| Typical tolerance | ± 0.05 – 0.2 mm (by thickness) | ± 0.03 mm repeatability (thin-medium sheet) |
| Max thickness capability | Up to ~300 mm (by material) | Steel ≤ 25 mm · stainless ≤ 30 mm · aluminium ≤ 20 mm |
| Material range | Metal, composite, glass — almost any material | Sheet metal; limited on glass and some reflective metals |
| Edge / surface quality | Burr-free, square edge (taper compensated) | Narrow kerf, crisp detail; thin HAZ trace |
| Speed / cost tendency | Economical on thick/hard sections; slower than laser on thin sheet | Fastest on thin-medium sheet, economical in volume |
Waterjet Cutting
- Heat impact (HAZ)None — cold cut, no HAZ
- Typical tolerance± 0.05 – 0.2 mm (by thickness)
- Max thickness capabilityUp to ~300 mm (by material)
- Material rangeMetal, composite, glass — almost any material
- Edge / surface qualityBurr-free, square edge (taper compensated)
- Speed / cost tendencyEconomical on thick/hard sections; slower than laser on thin sheet
Fiber Laser Cutting
- Heat impact (HAZ)Yes — narrow heat-affected zone (HAZ)
- Typical tolerance± 0.03 mm repeatability (thin-medium sheet)
- Max thickness capabilitySteel ≤ 25 mm · stainless ≤ 30 mm · aluminium ≤ 20 mm
- Material rangeSheet metal; limited on glass and some reflective metals
- Edge / surface qualityNarrow kerf, crisp detail; thin HAZ trace
- Speed / cost tendencyFastest on thin-medium sheet, economical in volume
Frequently Asked Questions
For thin-to-medium sheet at higher volumes, fiber laser is faster and more economical. For thick sections, heat-sensitive alloys, composite or glass, waterjet is ideal. The selector above guides you based on material and thickness.
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