How does waterjet cutting compare to EDM cutting?

When comparing waterjet cutting with EDM:

  • Abrasive jets are much faster than EDM.
  • Abrasive Jets machine a wider variety of materials (virtually any material).
  • Abrasive jets make their own pierce holes.
  • Abrasive jets do not heat the surface of what they machine.
  • Abrasive jets are capable of ignoring material aberrations that would cause wire EDM to lose flushing.
  • New technology allows Abrasive jets to obtain tolerances of up to +/- 0.1mm or better.
  • No heat affected zone with Abrasive jets.
  • Abrasive jets require less setup.