The Wazer Revolution: Waterjet Cutting Technology Within Everyone’s Reach

Cutting using waterjet technology is a non-thermal machining process that uses a high-pressure water jet (generally between 3,000 and 6,000 bar) focused through a very fine nozzle to cut materials. There are two types of waterjet technology: one using only water (for soft materials) and one using abrasive mixed with water, which allows cutting hard materials such as metals, stone, or glass.

The waterjet cutting process is divided into three stages:

• Pressure generation: A pump compresses the water to high pressures.
• Velocity conversion: The high-pressure water passes through a very small-diameter orifice (between 0.08 and 0.12 mm), producing a high-speed jet.
• Abrasive mixing: The water jet enters a mixing chamber where it drags abrasive particles, accelerating them at high speed. These particles impact the material and erode it, creating the cut.

One of its main advantages over other cutting methods, such as laser or plasma, is that it does not use heat. This means the material does not suffer thermal deformation or structural changes, which is crucial for high-precision parts. Thanks to this, waterjet cutting can be used on a wide variety of materials: from textiles, rubber, or wood to glass, ceramics, stone, and steel.

Video 1: Operation of Waterjet technology. Source: Modern Machine Shop México

Besides being precise and clean, this system is very flexible, allowing straight cuts, complex curves, or intricate details without post-processing. This has made it highly appreciated in sectors such as construction, automotive, aerospace, machinery manufacturing, and even art and design, where high-detail custom parts are needed.

Until recently, this technology was limited to industrial environments due to its complexity and technical requirements.

Now, new compact machines like those offered by Wazer have changed this.

Wazer: the first compact waterjet machines

Traditional waterjet machines were out of reach for most small businesses and workshops due to their high cost and large size, as well as technical requirements. To make this technology accessible, Wazer developed and launched the first compact waterjet system in 2018 at an affordable price.

Wazer Pro and Wazer Desktop are compact machines ready to be used in almost any facility. They only require a 220V power connection and a water supply with a minimum pressure of 2.4 bar.

Wazer Desktop: the most compact waterjet system on the market

The WAZER Desktop, measuring only 856x648x551 mm, is the most compact waterjet machine available. It offers a cutting area of 30 × 46 cm, perfect for creating custom parts and detailed projects without the need for large, expensive equipment. Its precision, up to 0.08 mm, ensures flawless results even on complex materials, and its 1.1 mm thin jet allows fine, detailed cuts where accuracy is critical.

Image 1: Wazer Desktop on a desk. Source: Wazer.com.

Despite its professional capability, the WAZER Desktop is surprisingly easy to use and install. It only needs running water, a drain, and a standard power outlet to start working. Its abrasive tank, with a capacity of over 13 kg, allows up to one hour of continuous cutting before reloading, making it a reliable tool for workshops and demanding projects.

With the WAZER Desktop, you can cut metal, glass, ceramics, composites, plastics, and more, with the safety of a heat-free system that avoids deformation. It is ideal for entrepreneurs, makers, and small businesses seeking advanced manufacturing capabilities without relying on external suppliers.

Wazer Pro: industrial capabilities in a compact format

The WAZER Pro is the evolution of compact waterjet cutting: more robust, more efficient, and designed for users who need intensive work without sacrificing precision. With the same 30 × 46 cm cutting area as the Desktop, it maintains a small footprint while incorporating a larger abrasive tank—nearly 19 kg—for up to 90 minutes of uninterrupted cutting.

Like the Wazer Desktop, its 0.08 mm precision guarantees professional results on all materials: steel, aluminum, glass, ceramics, composites, plastics, and more. Its 1.1 mm thin jet allows intricate cuts and flawless finishes, ideal for advanced prototyping and final production parts.

Its WAM software, intuitive and web-based, turns your designs into ready-to-cut jobs in minutes, without advanced technical knowledge.

With its reinforced build and extended work autonomy, the WAZER Pro is designed for demanding environments: from factories and engineering labs to design studios and production workshops. It is the perfect tool for those seeking speed, performance, and freedom to cut complex materials without relying on external services.

With the WAZER Pro, waterjet cutting reaches a new level of accessibility and power, combining the best of industrial technology in a format suitable for modern manufacturing.

Image 2: Wazer Pro. Source: Wazer.com

Endless applications

Waterjet technology offers significant advantages over more common alternatives like laser cutting or CNC milling.

Compared to desktop laser systems, waterjet can cut virtually any material, including metals, ceramics, and glass. For example, Wazer Pro can cut aluminum, plastic, glass, or composite sheets up to 25 mm thick and steel sheets up to 10 mm thick. Additionally, it does not emit microparticles or VOCs, making it cleaner and safer without additional filtration systems.

Compared to CNC milling, waterjet can cut thicker materials quickly in a single pass, producing cleaner and more precise cuts. Unlike laser or CNC milling, waterjet cutting is cold, preventing deformations or structural alterations for cleaner, precise results.

Thanks to these features, waterjet technology is used in rapid prototyping, production of jigs and templates for assembly lines, spare parts production, quality control specimens, and short-run parts manufacturing.

It is also applied in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods manufacturing.

For instance, in aerospace, Wazer machines have been used to produce components for NASA rovers, primarily by precision cutting aluminum, titanium, steel, or high-performance composite sheets.

Image 3: Detail of an exploration rover. Source: Wazer.com.

Another example is the US company Applied Systems Engineering (ASEI), specializing in mission-critical combat and guidance control systems. Using Wazer machines reduces development times and improves safety by avoiding external contractors. Kellan Cannon, an electronics technician, states that Wazer machines run continuously 7–8 hours daily and highlights their ease of use and maintenance.

Image 4: Batch of parts produced with Wazer waterjet machines. Source: Wazer.com.

Wazer has also successfully entered the automotive sector, both in large companies and small workshops.

Dura-Shiloh, a supplier to major car manufacturers, adopted Wazer waterjet technology for metal prototypes. Andrew Pherson, design engineer, noted that prototype production times dropped from 4 weeks to 1 day, and cost per part fell from $300 to under $50.

Image 5: Prototype produced with Wazer equipment. Source: Wazer.com

AutoXross, a company modifying race cars, uses Wazer machines to cut high-performance fiberglass and carbon fiber materials reliably, precisely, and safely. Waterjet technology prevents cracks and fractures that occur with traditional methods, reducing costs and production times.

Image 6: Spoiler with components made with Wazer equipment. Source: Wazer.com

Glassworking is another area where waterjet technology excels. Waterjet is ideal for precise and reliable cutting of all types of glass, suitable for stained glass production and restoration, artworks, crafts, and precision optics for science and research.

Other notable applications include signage, where waterjet enables the production of three-dimensional letters in nearly any material.

Image 7: Elements for a stained glass window produced with Wazer equipment. Source: Wazer.com

Waterjet technology is therefore one of the most versatile cutting technologies, handling a wide variety of materials thanks to its high power and cold cutting capability. Wazer has revolutionized it by offering compact, easy-to-use machines accessible to all types of professionals.