Choosing between a waterjet cutting system and a fibre laser cutting system depends on the materials you process, production requirements and workshop applications.
Both technologies are widely used in Australian fabrication workshops, but they are designed for different purposes. Understanding the differences can help you determine which system is more suitable for your production needs.
What is Waterjet Cutting?
Waterjet cutting is a cold cutting process that uses ultra-high-pressure water mixed with abrasive garnet to cut materials.
Because no heat is generated during cutting, waterjet systems are suitable for materials that are sensitive to heat distortion or cracking.
Waterjet cutting is commonly used for:
- Stone fabrication
- Porcelain slabs
- Glass processing
- Thick metal plates
- Aluminium and stainless steel
- Decorative inlays and complex shapes
What is Fibre Laser Cutting?
Fibre laser cutting uses a focused laser beam to melt metal materials at high speed.
Compared with waterjet cutting, fibre laser systems are significantly faster when processing thin sheet metal materials.
Fibre laser systems are commonly used for:
- Stainless steel sheet metal
- Mild steel fabrication
- Aluminium sheets
- Production cutting
- Commercial metal fabrication
- Industrial manufacturing
Heat-Affected Zone Comparison
One of the biggest differences between waterjet and fibre laser cutting is heat generation.
Waterjet cutting does not generate heat during processing, making it ideal for:
- Stone materials
- Laminated glass
- Heat-sensitive metals
- Thick materials
- Decorative fabrication work
Fibre laser cutting generates heat during cutting, which can create a heat-affected zone on some materials.
However, for thin sheet metal production, fibre laser systems provide extremely fast cutting speeds and excellent efficiency.
Thick Material Cutting
Waterjet cutting systems are commonly used for thick material cutting applications.
For example:
- Thick stainless steel plates
- Aluminium blocks
- Stone slabs
- Porcelain materials
Fibre laser systems can cut thick metal materials, especially high-power systems such as 12000w or 20000w fibre lasers, but cutting speed and edge quality may reduce significantly on thicker sections.
For very thick materials, waterjet cutting often provides cleaner results with less secondary processing.
Stone and Glass Applications
Waterjet cutting is widely used in stone and glass fabrication workshops because it can cut brittle materials without generating thermal stress.
Typical applications include:
- Porcelain mitre cutting
- Sink cut-outs
- Stone inlays
- Decorative glass
- Laminated glass panels
Fibre laser systems cannot process stone or glass materials.
Operating Cost Comparison
Fibre laser cutting systems are generally more economical for high-speed thin sheet metal production.
Waterjet systems require abrasive garnet during cutting, which increases operating cost.
However, waterjet systems offer significantly wider material capability and flexibility.
The most suitable solution depends on your production type and material range.
Which System is Better for Your Workshop?
A fibre laser system may be more suitable if your production mainly involves:
- Thin sheet metal
- High-volume metal production
- Stainless steel fabrication
- Fast cutting speed requirements
A waterjet system may be more suitable if your workshop processes:
- Stone materials
- Glass materials
- Thick metals
- Heat-sensitive materials
- Complex fabrication work
Many fabrication workshops use both technologies together to maximise production flexibility.
Waterjet and Fibre Laser Solutions in Australia
Tassino supplies industrial waterjet systems in Australia and also provides waterjet and fibre laser cutting services for fabrication workshops.
Our systems are suitable for:
- Stone fabrication
- Glass processing
- Metal fabrication
- Commercial manufacturing
- Custom industrial applications
We also provide:
- Installation
- Commissioning
- Operator training
- Spare parts support
Need Help Choosing the Right Cutting System?
If you are unsure whether a waterjet or fibre laser system is more suitable for your workshop, feel free to contact our team.
We can recommend a suitable solution based on:
- Materials
- Thickness
- Production requirements
- Workshop layout
- Budget and operating costs