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Interwest Manufacturing and Waterjet Cutting

Waterjet + fiber laser · Material guide

Materials We Cut

Between the abrasive waterjet and the fiber laser, we cut almost anything that fits on a 6 × 12 foot table and is up to 6 inches thick. Here is what we cut most often and which process usually fits.

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Metals
Waterjet + laser
Non-metals
Waterjet
Max thickness
6 in.
Exception
Tempered glass

Aluminum cutting

We cut aluminum sheet and plate for brackets, panels, enclosures, marine and trailer parts, and signs. Thin aluminum usually runs on the fiber laser. Thick plate, or parts where the temper has to stay untouched, go on the waterjet.

Stainless steel cutting

Stainless is common for food-service, restaurant, and equipment parts. The laser is fast in thin gauges. The waterjet cuts thick stainless with no heat tint or heat-affected zone, which helps when the part will be welded or needs to stay corrosion-resistant at the edge.

Titanium and exotic alloys

Titanium, Inconel, and other heat-sensitive alloys are cut on the waterjet, so the material properties at the edge stay the same as the rest of the part.

Copper and brass cutting

Copper and brass reflect laser energy and pull heat away from the cut, so they usually go on the waterjet. Typical jobs include bus bars, electrical parts, gaskets, and decorative pieces.

Stone, glass, plastic, and rubber

The waterjet cuts granite, marble, tile, and non-tempered glass without chipping, and plastics, rubber, and foam without melting or tearing. If it is flat and fits on the table, ask.

Material guide

Material Usual process Notes
Mild steel Laser or waterjet Laser for thin sheet; waterjet for thick plate up to 6 in.
Stainless steel Laser or waterjet Waterjet leaves no heat tint or heat-affected zone.
Aluminum Laser or waterjet Sheet and plate, most alloys and tempers.
Tool steel, AR plate, Hardox Waterjet Cold cutting keeps the hardness and temper.
Copper, brass, bronze Waterjet Bus bars, gaskets, decorative parts.
Titanium, Inconel, exotic alloys Waterjet No heat-affected zone on heat-sensitive alloys.
Glass (plate, annealed, laminated) Waterjet Not tempered glass.
Granite, marble, natural stone Waterjet Inlays, cutouts, and signs.
Porcelain and ceramic tile Waterjet Detailed mural work gets an extra review.
Plastics such as HDPE Waterjet No melted edges.
Rubber and foam Waterjet Gaskets, pads, and inserts.
Carbon fiber and composites Waterjet Cold cutting, no scorching.
Wood and laminates Waterjet Signs and layered pieces.

Materials We Cut

Recent work

See all projects
  • Stone flowers and discs Stone · waterjet cut
  • Copper bus bars Copper
  • HDPE parts Plastic · waterjet cut
  • Perforated panel Sheet metal
  • Interwest display sign Layered wood

Common questions

Is there anything you can’t cut?

Tempered glass, because it shatters when cut. Beyond that, the limits are size (72 × 144 in.) and thickness (up to 6 in.).

Which is cheaper, laser or waterjet?

For thin steel, stainless, and aluminum the laser is usually faster and cheaper. For thick plate and non-metals the waterjet is the right tool. We quote the process that fits the part.

What do I need to send for a quote?

A DXF or DWG file is ideal, but a PDF drawing, a STEP file, a sketch with dimensions, or a photo of the part with a tape measure in the shot is enough to start. Tell us the material, thickness, quantity, and when you need it if you know them. If not, we will ask.

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