When doing your research about the best types of cutting equipment and techniques, you might have learned about laser cutting. As you might have seen when doing your research, laser cutting is a very popular method for cutting through materials like metal and wood, and it's definitely something to consider if you need to have some type of material cut. However, you should also explore the option of waterjet cutting, since it has its own benefits. In fact, there are some cases when you might want to choose waterjet cutting instead of laser cutting, such as in the scenarios listed here.

You're Concerned About Heat

Although laser cutting does have its benefits, one thing that you should be prepared for is the fact that the laser itself can really heat up the surface of your material while you're cutting, especially in the area where the cut is being made. With some materials, this might not be a big deal at all. However, in some cases, such as if you need to have a more fragile type of sheet metal cut and are concerned about the metal melting or otherwise being damaged, you should consider looking into options where heat is not used. In this case, waterjet cutting can be a wonderful option.

You're Having Cutting Done on a Certain Surface

Laser cutting is often considered to be the best choice when cutting a piece of metal or wood, and it can be used for other types of cutting, too. However, there are some materials that shouldn't be cut with laser cutting. For example, PVC, fiberglass, and plastic can be damaged during the laser cutting process, so waterjet cutting is usually considered a better choice. If you aren't sure about the best cutting method for your specific type of material, you should consult with a professional.

You're Able to Spend a Bit More

While waterjet cutting can cost slightly more than laser cutting, the benefits discussed above make it well worth the extra cost. If you're working on a project that you have a bigger budget for, or if you need help with a small project that won't take a lot of time, then you might not be quite as concerned about the extra cost. You should look at the pros and cons of waterjet cutting for your specific project and inquire about pricing; then, you can determine if it's worth the potential extra cost.