Fiber Laser Cutting vs. Waterjet: Choosing the Right Process
A practical comparison of fiber laser and waterjet cutting for fabrication shops, covering material thickness, edge quality, heat-affected zones, and cost per part.
Choosing between fiber laser cutting and waterjet cutting depends on material type, thickness, edge quality requirements, and production volume. Fiber lasers excel at cutting thin-to-medium gauge sheet metal at high speeds with excellent edge quality and minimal kerf width. Our 6kW Ermaksan fiber laser handles steel, stainless, and aluminum up to moderate thicknesses with rapid cycle times. Waterjet cutting, on the other hand, uses no heat, making it ideal for heat-sensitive materials, thick stock, and applications where heat-affected zones are unacceptable. For most fabrication programs involving sheet metal and plate, fiber laser is the faster and more cost-effective choice.
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