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Looking For A Laser Cutter – Here’s Why Perhaps You Shouldn’t Be…

Are you looking for a laser cutting service?

There are plenty out there with good reviews but here’s a thought. Is laser cutting really still the best technology for your job?

What if there was a technology which could cut to greater depths, which didn’t damage the cut edge and which was environmentally friendly. What if this technology could even cut complex 3-d parts?

What if it could cut virtually any material, certainly far more than laser.

Welcome to the wonderful world of water! Welcome to water jet cutting.

We should point out at this stage that at TMC Water Jet we are water jet cutters, the leading UK water jet cutters in fact, however do give us a minute to explain why this technology might be better suited to your needs.

 

The one time laser can cut it

 

Before we completely write off laser cutting, there is one type of job when this technology is still a reasonable option.

Lasers are fine at cutting thin material, where a simple cut is required and where the fact that heat can affect the cut edge is not of huge concern.

If, for instance, you want metal or plastic less than 2.5 centimetres cut in a straightforward shape, then it is worth getting a quote from a laser cutter.

A water jet could of course do the job too – possibly more quickly, often more economically and definitely with less abrasion to the edge.

For these simple cuts it is worth comparing laser cutting quotes against those from a water jet cutter.

Oh, lasers are also great for light shows; far better than water jets.

 

The advantages of water jet cutting

 

Away from the relatively even playing field for simple cuts, water jet cutting has huge advantages.

Here are a few reasons why lasers simply can’t cut it in comparison (sorry, we’re water jet cutting experts, not pun experts).

  • Water jets can cut to 10 times the depth of laser cutting. Lasers, for all their fearsome portrayal in James Bond films, aren’t actually all that powerful when it comes to cutting. While they can cut through at 2.5 centimetres, a water jet can make it through 25 centimetres depth of almost any material.
  • Water jets don’t create heat. The process of water jet cutting is best described as accelerated erosion. Vastly accelerated. Like the sea eating away at a cliff edge, the water jet eats away at the material’s edge, making a perfect cut in minimal time and without any heat-caused micro abrasions or structural defects.
  • Water jets can cut in multiple axes. Some water jet cutters utilise XD cutting technology (we’re one of those cutters). What is XD cutting? It is a cutting head that can move through multiple axes, this means that complex parts can be cut in one fluid motion rather than through multiple cuts. This saves time, expense and also ensures that no faults are introduced. Do the cut once and do it right.
  • Water jets make minimal waste. When cutting using a water jet there is only water and the soluble cutting agent. This is all disposed of easily, safely and with no damage to the environment. Water jet cutting is friendlier to the environment than other technologies.

 

Your next cutting

While laser cutting is still an option for some jobs, the direction of travel is very much away from this technology (especially in geographical areas that are starting to dominate, such as parts of Asia).

There is nothing laser cutting can do that water jet cutting can’t and there is plenty that water jet cutting can achieve which simply isn’t an option for those using laser.

Ultimately, water jet cutting can cut more materials and to a greater depth and it cut without creating heat and damage.

If you want to discuss why it might be worth considering water jet cutting and would welcome some advice and an obligation-free quote, please do get in touch with us.