Waterjet Cutting
Process: Erosion process using a mixture of high-pressure water and garnet (sand)
Heat Input: None (cold process)
Thermal Damage: No part distortion or thermal damage
Material Types: All materials
Material Thickness: <11"
Part Accuracy: .001"
Edge Cleanup: None, part can be used as-is after cutting
Plasma Cutting
Process: Melting process using a high-temperature gas
Heat Input: High heat input
Thermal Damage: Significant distortion and thermal damage
Material Types: Primarily steel, stainless steel, and aluminum
Material Thickness: <2-3"
Part Accuracy: .010"
Edge Cleanup: Heavy deburring and slag removal required
Laser Cutting
Process: Melting process using a concentrated light beam
Heat Input: High heat input
Thermal Damage: Significant distortion and thermal damage
Material Types: Primarily steel, stainless steel, aluminum
Material Thickness: <1"
Part Accuracy: .001"
Edge Cleanup: Heavy deburring and slag removal required
Wire EDM
Process: Erosion process using electrical discharge
Heat Input: High heat input
Thermal Damage: Significant microscopic thermal damage
Material Types: Only conductive material
Material Thickness: <12"
Part Accuracy: .001"
Edge Cleanup: Recast layer removal is often required
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