Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between laser cutting and waterjet cutting?
Laser cutting uses a focused thermal beam to cut materials and produce smooth edges for complex shapes precisely. Waterjet cutting uses a high-pressure stream of water to cut materials without heat, making it ideal for temperature-sensitive materials or applications requiring no heat-affected zones.
When should waterjet cutting be used instead of laser cutting?
Waterjet cutting is preferred when materials may warp, harden, or degrade under heat. The process enables accurate cutting of sensitive materials while maintaining structural integrity and dimensional stability throughout production.
What types of materials can Staub process using laser and waterjet cutting?
Staub’s laser and waterjet systems process a wide range of metals and engineered materials in sheet sizes up to 60″ × 120″. These capabilities support both standalone cutting requirements and downstream precision machining operations.
How do laser and waterjet cutting improve manufacturing efficiency?
Both cutting methods allow complex profiles, internal cutouts, bevels, and pierced features to be produced with high accuracy before machining begins. This reduces secondary operations, minimizes material waste, and improves overall production throughput.
How do laser and waterjet cutting integrate with Staub’s precision machining solutions?
Laser and waterjet cutting often serve as upstream processes within Staub’s automated manufacturing workflow, preparing near-net components that move directly into CNC machining, finishing, inspection, and assembly operations for production-ready delivery.