A 5-axis waterjet is an advanced CNC solution designed for high-precision metal cutting. It uses an ultra-high-pressure stream of water mixed with abrasive media – typically garnet – to cut metal accurately and efficiently.
Unlike standard flat-cutting systems, a 5-axis waterjet adds controlled head rotation and tilt, allowing our machine to produce angled or beveled cuts up to a maximum of 45° in a single setup.
How It Works
The core technology is still abrasive waterjet cutting:
High-pressure pump pressurizes water (often >60,000 psi).
Water passes through a tiny opening to create a supersonic jet.
Abrasive grit (e.g., garnet) is added at the nozzle to cut harder metals.
The cutting head tilts and rotates to maintain accuracy when producing bevels up to 45°.
Because waterjet cutting is a cold cutting process, it doesn’t introduce heat-affected zones, preserving the material’s structural properties – a major advantage over plasma or laser cutting on heat-sensitive alloys.
Examples of 5-Axis waterjet beveling & capabilities.
Key Advantages
Precise Bevel Cutting (Up to 45°)
The added rotational axes allow for consistent, accurate bevels up to 45°, making parts suitable for welding, assembly, or structural applications without additional edge preparation.
No Heat Distortion
Since no heat is applied during cutting, there is no warping, micro-cracking, or metallurgical change, even on heat-sensitive alloys.
Reduced Secondary Operations
Integrated beveling eliminates the need for post-cut grinding, machining, or manual edge prep – saving time and reducing labor costs.
Material Versatility
5-axis waterjet systems can cut a wide range of metals, including:
Thickness capabilities vary by material and pump power but can range from thin gauge metals to several inches thick.
Tolerances & Beveling Capabilities
- .015″ to 1/2″ thick: +/- .030″
- > 1/2″ to 2″ thick: +/- .045″
- > 2″ to 3″ thick: +/- .090″
- > 3″ to 3 1/2″ thick: +/- .125″
- 4″ to 4 1/2″ thick: +/- .1875
- > 4 1/2″ thick: +/- .25
- The waterjet bed size is 72″ x 144″ & 120″ x 240″
- Beveling capability up to 45°
Diagonal squareness 3/16″ for cut rectangles/squares
Drawings in .dxf or .dwg format are preferred. Other acceptable formats include .iges and .pdf files.
Cutting up to 6″ thick material for straight cuts and 1 1/2″ for bevels.
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