Both laser cutting and waterjet cutting are high-precision cutting technologies offered by Grupo IAM from our facilities in Bergara. Although they may seem like similar alternatives for many projects, they have very different technical profiles and each one excels in specific situations. Knowing the differences is key to choosing the most suitable technology for each material and each part.
How does laser cutting work?
Laser cutting uses a high-intensity beam of light to melt, vaporize, or burn the material in the cutting zone. It is a fast and highly precise technology for thin to medium metal sheets, especially carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. However, it generates a heat-affected zone (HAZ) on the cut material that can alter its mechanical and metallurgical properties. At Grupo IAM we have 1 laser cutting machine for applications where this technology is the most suitable.
How does waterjet cutting work?
Waterjet cutting uses high-pressure water — up to 6,000 bar at our facilities — mixed with abrasive (garnet) to cut the material. It is a completely cold process: it generates no heat, creates no heat-affected zone, and does not alter the material’s properties. It is compatible with virtually any material, whether conductive or not, and handles thicknesses of up to 200 mm. We have 6 conventional waterjet cutting machines and 1 micro cutting machine.
Key differences between laser and waterjet
- Heat-affected zone: laser generates heat in the cutting zone, which can alter material properties, discolor surfaces, or create residual stresses. Waterjet is a cold process: no HAZ.
- Compatible materials: laser mainly works with metals. Waterjet cuts metals, glass, ceramic, composite, plastic, rubber, stone, and virtually any solid material.
- Thicknesses: laser is more efficient with thin and medium thicknesses. Waterjet can cut thicknesses up to 200 mm in a single pass.
- Surface finish: laser may leave a cut edge with oxidation marks or slag on some materials. Waterjet leaves a clean cut with no thermal alterations.
- Speed: laser is faster on thin steel sheets. Waterjet is more competitive on thick plates or non-metallic materials.
Laser vs Waterjet: Which one to choose for your project?
| Technical requirement | Laser Cutting | Waterjet Cutting |
|---|---|---|
| Material range | Mainly metals (steel, stainless, aluminum). | Virtually everything: metals, composite, CFRP, glass, ceramic, plastics, rubber, stone. |
| Heat sensitivity | Generates HAZ (suitable if heat does not affect the part). | Cold process (0% heat): Ideal for heat-sensitive materials or delicate finishes. |
| Recommended thicknesses | Thin to medium sheets. | Thick plates (up to 200 mm) where laser loses efficiency. |
| Speed and productivity | Very high on thin/medium metal sheets and long runs. | More competitive on thick plates or non-metallic materials. |
| Material integrity | May cause minor thermal/surface alterations. | No metallurgical alteration or residual stresses in the cut zone. |
Grupo IAM: both technologies under one roof
At Grupo IAM we offer both laser cutting and waterjet cutting from our facilities in Bergara, Gipuzkoa. This allows us to always recommend the most suitable technology for each project without bias: we have no interest in using one over the other, but rather in providing the best technical solution for your part. If you have questions about which technology is best for your project, contact us with no obligation and we will help you choose the best option.
