Waterjet Cutting Services

Mercer Gasket & Shim’s waterjet cutting service offers a fast, flexible, and accurate method for fabricating complex or difficult parts while maintaining the integrity of the material.

Our ISO 9001:2008-certified processes are executed by technically oriented manufacturing professionals using powerful, high-pressure equipment to produce parts within tight tolerance requirements. You can read more about the equipment we use on our equipment list page or if you would like to ask one of our experts about the process and how it can benefit you, click the contact button to the right.

From materials selection and part design to prototype development and short run production, our full-service approach provides you with parts that exhibit exceptional edge and structural qualities.

In-house waterjet cutting specifications:

Our waterjet cutting equipment can cut through soft materials like rubber and foam, as well as tough high-performance metal alloys. We also have a large 144” x 144” x 2” work envelope that allows us to fit the specific needs of our customers.

As a customer-focused organization, we are committed to helping you achieve your production objectives and excel at delivering precision components within severe time constraints. We have a successful track record for meeting the needs of diverse markets while operating in compliance with many challenging industry standards. Contact us today to learn how our waterjet cutting services can benefit your next project.

Keep reading if you want to learn more about waterjet cutting and when you should consider using Mercer Gasket & Shim’s waterjet cutting services.

Waterjet cutting is a versatile and precise cutting technology that utilizes a high-pressure stream of water mixed with abrasive particles to cut through a variety of materials. The waterjet cutting process can be used for a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, ceramics, composites, and more.

Here are some key features and reasons why waterjet cutting is preferred over other cutting technologies in certain conditions:

1. Versatility: Waterjet cutting is versatile and can be used for cutting a wide range of materials, from soft rubber to hard metals. It is particularly effective for materials that may be sensitive to high temperatures or those that are difficult to cut using traditional methods.
2. Thickness Capability: Waterjet cutting can effectively cut through materials with substantial thickness. This capability makes it suitable for cutting thick materials that may pose challenges for other cutting methods. Waterjet cutting’s ability to handle thick materials efficiently can result in reduced machining time.
3. No Limitation on Material Hardness: Unlike some cutting technologies that struggle with hard materials, waterjet cutting is not limited by the hardness of the material. It can cut through hard metals, ceramics, and other tough materials without compromising precision.
4. No Thermal Distortion: Cutting thick materials using traditional methods like laser or plasma can introduce thermal distortion due to heat. Waterjet cutting, being a cold-cutting process, eliminates this concern, ensuring that the structural integrity of the thick material remains intact.
5. Multi-Layer Cutting: Waterjet cutting can handle multi-layer cutting, enabling the simultaneous cutting of stacked materials. This is advantageous for improving efficiency in certain production processes.
6. Precision: Waterjet cutting offers high precision and accuracy in cutting complex shapes and intricate patterns. It is often used for applications where tight tolerances are required.
7. No Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ): Unlike some other cutting methods, waterjet cutting does not generate heat during the cutting process. This absence of heat-affected zones is beneficial for materials that are sensitive to temperature changes, preventing alterations in material properties.
8. Minimal Material Waste: The narrow kerf width of the waterjet results in minimal material wastage, making it a cost-effective option, especially when dealing with expensive materials.
9. Environmental Friendliness: Waterjet cutting is considered environmentally friendly as it does not produce hazardous fumes or waste. It doesn’t involve the use of chemicals, and the water used in the process can be recycled.
10. No Tool Wear: Unlike traditional cutting methods that involve tool wear, waterjet cutting does not use cutting tools. This leads to lower maintenance costs and longer tool life.
11. Reduced Setup Time: Waterjet cutting can be set up relatively quickly, making it suitable for small production runs or prototyping.
12. No Mechanical Stresses: The absence of mechanical stresses in waterjet cutting makes it suitable for cutting materials that are prone to distortion or warping when subjected to traditional cutting methods.

Waterjet cutting is a versatile and precise cutting technology that is used in various industrial applications. The ideal cutting process is often determined by factors such as material type, thickness, and desired precision.

Here are five industrial applications where waterjet cutting is considered an ideal cutting process:

1. Metal fabrication: Waterjet cutting is commonly used in metal fabrication for cutting a wide range of metals, including steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. It is suitable for intricate shapes and thick materials, making it popular in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and general manufacturing.
2. of Aerospace components: The aerospace industry often requires precise cutting of materials like titanium, aluminum, and composites. Waterjet cutting provides a clean and accurate cutting method, which is essential for components in aircraft manufacturing. Its ability to cut without creating heat-affected zones makes it advantageous for materials sensitive to thermal damage.
3. Stone/Tile Cutting: In the construction and architectural industries, waterjet cutting is employed for cutting natural stone, marble, granite, and ceramic tiles. This technology allows for intricate designs and precise cuts without causing damage to the material. It is commonly used for flooring, countertops, and decorative elements.
4. Glass Cutting: Waterjet cutting is suitable for cutting glass in applications such as architectural glass, glass panels for electronics, and glass components for furniture. The cold cutting process of waterjet technology minimizes the risk of thermal stress and breakage in glass materials.
5. of Automotive Components: Waterjet cutting is widely used in the automotive industry for cutting various materials, including metals, plastics, and composites. It is employed in the production of automotive parts, such as chassis components, interior panels, and gaskets, where precision is crucial.

Contact us for a quote or to learn more about Mercer’s waterjet cutting!