Two of the fastest cutting methods for industrial products are waterjet cutting and flash cutting. These remarkable machines carve through materials at lightning speeds. But while similar, these two speedy processes are suited for different applications.
Let’s explore the differences between waterjet cutting and flash cutting, what materials work best with the methods and how to discern which is best for your project.
What is Waterjet Cutting?
Waterjet cutting uses a mix of abrasive material and an extremely high-pressured water stream to cut metals and other composites. Since the process doesn’t use heat, it’s great for cutting heat-sensitive materials, such as metals.
However, that very advantage can be it’s drawback: if you’re using heat-sensitive materials like plastic, waterjet can warp edges.
Waterjet cutting eliminates the requirement of using steel-cut dies and can be reprogrammed instantly, so it’s also ideal for small-run part production.
The benefits of waterjet cutting include:
- Exceptional accuracy
- Less waste and material to dispose of
- Creating smoother edges on heat-resistant materials
What is Flash Cutting?
Flat cutting uses an oscillating knife to cut through materials. This process offers one of the fastest cutting techniques at a fraction of the cost, as it doesn’t require tools.
Unlike waterjetting, this process is ideal for heat-sensitive materials like plastic and flexible materials. Flash cutting is ideal for soft to semi-rigid materials.
However, like waterjet cutting a flash cutting machine also does not require steel-cut dies. This makes this a highly effective production process for rapid go-to-market products.
The benefits of flash cutting include:
- Superior accuracy
- Fast turnaround times
- Lower costs
- No custom dies needed
- High degree of flexibility in depths
Related Content: How Does Dieless Knife Cutting Work?
Is Flash Cutting the Same As…
Dieless Knife Cutting?
Yes! Flash cutting and dieless knife cutting all refer to the same process. You may see different terms used, but these both to the same type of cutting process and machinery.
Laser Cutting?
No. While laser cutting and flash cutting both cut at high speeds, they do so using different methods. Flash cutting still uses an oscillating knife, whereas laser cutting uses a heated laser to cut. For that reason, laser cutting has some limitations when it comes to cutting heat-sensitive materials and thicker material sheets.
Is Waterjet or Flash Cutting Better for Plastic Fabricated Parts?
While waterjet cutting and flash cutting both offer incredible benefits, flash cutting comes out on top for us. Waterjet cutting is a useful process for certain applications, but for plastic part production flash cutting wins every time. Flash cutting ensures that plastics and other soft materials will not warp during the cutting process. Additionally, the capabilities of flash cutting make it easy to carve designs into plastic parts. Flash cutting offers superb control, precision, and speed in projects in comparison to waterjet cutting, so it’s the clear winner for plastic fabricated parts and more.
Where to Find Flash Cutting Services
Our team at ICP offers an incredible range of machining capabilities for a range of fabrication projects. If precision and speed are what you’re looking for, look for ICP. Contact us today to get a quote for your next flash cutting project.
Learn more about our flash cutting services
Industrial Custom Products is a one-stop-shop for custom manufacturing and plastic fabrication, including: prototyping and product development, die cutting and dieless knife cutting, thermoforming and vacuum forming, large part thermoforming, CNC plastic routing, fabrication and assembly and drape forming.
