Water Jet Cutting. A Decade of Change

A recent report has studied the past decade of water jet cutting, looking at the global impact of the technology and how 2023 compares to the early 2010s.

The report makes for fascinating reading, though given you have to pay to download a copy it may be a tad niche for many!

However, it prompted us to consider how we might summarise the past decade of change and the trends seen.

Here are a few key thoughts.

Ever-improving cutting

Key to water jet cutting, naturally, is the ability to cut accurately and economically. In the past decade, further enhancements have been made.

Software is more accurate than ever and can produce better cuts, and the cutting pressure has increased, while the nozzle size heads ever smaller – at least for jobs demanding this degree of extreme accuracy.

There is also less waste, with cutting better able to scan the item being cut to make the best use of space, for instance assessing a sheet of metal to then ascertain how best to cut as many parts as possible. This benefit is explored further below.

Further uses

One huge change has been seeing more industries embrace eater jet cutting. It has been used by industry for many years, but its use in sectors such as food production has grown greatly in the past decade.

We are aware of those in meat production, vegetable processing, and even fine bakeries who utilise water jet cutting.

With advanced technology it is possible to assess food coming through and then minimise waste, building on the previous point.

For instance, fish can be filleted and cut into portions to ensure there is the least possible waste, while in asparagus processing the cut can be made at the optimal point on the stem.

Creativity

Cutting technology might not spring instantly to mind when you are thinking of artwork, and yet we have seen firsthand how advancements are helping artists to produce beautiful work.

We have worked on projects with sculptors and museums, and many other water jet-cutting companies across Europe can reflect on similar projects.

There are pieces of artwork available to public view that, but for water jet cutting, would not exist.

Amateur Enthusiasm

Desktop water jet-cutting machines are now available, meaning that any workshop can conceivably have water jet cutting technology.

For simple jobs repeated often these can be a good option, perhaps like the growth in 3D printing.

However, most still find it far more efficient to work with a professional water jet cutting company as required – the quality of cut is better and there are no ongoing maintenance costs, or need to master the art of water jet cutting.

Smaller projects

The growth of water jet cutting is often talked of in terms of market share and how it has grown, while other options such as laser diminish.

This is linked to huge contracts with car manufacturers, airlines and major industries.

However, the machines are agnostic and are happy to be working on any project, and most water jet companies also love having a true mix of jobs on the order book. We certainly do.

Greater awareness of water jet cutting has seen all manner of hobbyists contact us to see if we can help them with their pursuits. Often, we can.

We have produced parts for model railway enthusiasts, a man making replica Star Wars parts and companies needing beautiful new signs outside their building.

Work with the UK’s leading Water Jet Cutters

At TMC, we are a water jet cutter that serves the whole of the UK and increasingly Europe too, with clients across the content trusting us to work on their projects.

Despite our success, we remain a company that focuses on every client and work on projects of all sizes. If you think water jet cutting might be of use for your project, please do get in touch for an obligation-free chat.

Call us on 01625 610 441 or use our Contact Form.