If you’re searching for laser cutting vs waterjet cutting, you’re likely trying to decide which precision service will deliver the best results for your project. At Alcobra Metals, we offer both in-house services with no minimum orders, fast turnaround, and nationwide shipping. This post breaks down how each process works and their key differences. It will help you understand what method will be best for your part.
Laser cutting uses a high-powered focused beam to melt or vaporize material with high precision. At Alcobra Metals, we run two laser cutters:
Mitsubishi 3015 GX-F60 (6,000-watt Advanced Fiber Laser Oscillator): Our flagship machine delivers lightning-fast cuts with a 0.004″ beam kerf. It handles up to 1″ mild steel, ¾″ stainless steel, and ½″ aluminum. Features include AI nozzle monitoring, real-time beam shaping, AGR-ECO technology (up to 77% less nitrogen), and augmented reality for optimal nesting.
Amada FO 3015 M2 NT (4,000-watt): Excellent for high-quality output on slightly thinner stock. This workhorse machine features a tuned oscillator and spatter-free pierce for higher-quality piercing in thicker materials. This laser uses the older CO2 cutting technology that has stood the test of time, producing consistent results for longer-running production quantities.
Laser cutting shines for intricate designs, tight tolerances, and high-volume sheet work. Parts come off the machine with smooth edges and minimal heat-affected zones on most jobs. It’s ideal for metals like aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel.
Waterjet cutting is a cold-cutting process that uses ultra-high-pressure water (87,000–100,000 PSI) mixed with garnet abrasive. No heat means zero distortion or hardening of the material.
Our machines include:
Waterjet cutting handles any material several inches thick—metals, plastics, composites, ceramics, rubber, wood, and glass. It’s the go-to choice when heat would ruin your part.
| Feature | Laser Cutting (Mitsubishi/Amada) | Waterjet Cutting (Flow/Wardjet) |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Thin-to-medium sheet metals, intricate details | Thick materials, heat-sensitive parts |
| Max Thickness | 1″ mild steel, ¾″ stainless, ½″ aluminum | Nearly 10″ on most materials |
| Heat Affected Zone | Small (minimal on fiber lasers) | None – true cold cut |
| Cut Speed | Much faster | Slower |
| Edge Quality | Very smooth, often ready to use | Smooth with light deburring if needed |
| Material Versatility | Metals and some plastics | Almost anything (metals, stone, glass, composites) |
Choose laser cutting when you need:
Choose waterjet cutting when you need:
Many customers combine both services with our other offerings (CNC machining, shearing, or production saw cutting) for complete custom parts.
We’re not just a service center—we stock material and can often cut it the same day. No minimum orders means you can order one prototype or 50,000 pieces. We are happy to work with you at any quantity. Our in-house processing eliminates middlemen, speeds up lead times, and keeps costs low. Whether you’re a hobbyist building spring garden art, a fabricator needing trailer brackets, or an engineer prototyping aerospace components, we make custom metal cutting simple.
We’ll review your file, confirm tolerances, and deliver precision-cut parts fast.
Laser cutting vs waterjet cutting doesn’t have to be confusing. At Alcobra Metals, both services come with expert advice, no-minimum flexibility, and the quality you expect from a full-service metal supplier.
Have a project in mind? Request a free quote today or browse our materials to get started. Your parts are just one cut away!
Beginner’s Guide To Cutting Metals (No Minimum Orders) If you’re searching for laser cutting vs waterjet cutting, you’re likely trying to decide which precision service will deliver the best results
Having trouble sourcing domestically-produced aluminum telescoping tubing? You are in luck! Alcobra Metals is a leading supplier of structural grade aluminum telescoping tubes in round, square, and rectangular profiles. In
