Waterjet Cutting
Steel Dynamics UK runs the UK's largest waterjet cutting bed: 14 metres by 4 metres, offering unmatched precision, material efficiency and versatility.
We cold-cut stainless steel up to 200 mm thick, duplex, super duplex and nickel alloys to ±0.1 mm tolerance, with full ISO 19443 nuclear-grade traceability from mill to finished part.
No heat-affected zone, no thermal distortion, no compromise on the metallurgical integrity buyers in nuclear, defence, aerospace and high-integrity chemical service depend on.
Largest Waterjet in the UK
We are home to the UK’s largest 14M x 4M waterjet cutting machine. We can carry out waterjet cutting on Stainless Steel grades up to 200mm in thickness, offering the highest precision and cutting of complex shapes and contours - with minimal tolerances.
One of the most significant advantages of waterjet cutting, especially for stainless steel, is that it is a cold cutting process. This means no heat is generated during cutting, which is crucial when working with stainless steel to preserve its mechanical properties and finish. With waterjet cutting, the integrity of the stainless steel remains intact, and there is no risk of thermal distortion.
Waterjet Benefits
Waterjet sits in a different category from laser or plasma. The cut is performed by a focused high-pressure water jet, typically with abrasive garnet for metals, at around 60,000 psi. Because it removes material mechanically rather than thermally, there is no metallurgical change to the surrounding metal.
For stainless steel, duplex, super duplex and nickel alloys destined for high-integrity service, this matters - thermal cuts can introduce micro-cracking, sensitisation and dimensional movement that disqualify parts from nuclear, subsea and aerospace specifications. It is also the only practical method for very thick stainless plate (above the 25–30 mm range) that fibre laser realistically handles.
Environmental Benefits
In addition to its technical advantages, waterjet cutting is an environmentally friendly process. Since it does not generate fumes, smoke, or hazardous waste, it contributes to a cleaner and safer working environment. The process also uses relatively less energy compared to other cutting methods, reducing the overall carbon footprint of manufacturing operations.
All our waterjet cutting machines operate with 100% eco-efficiency, meaning we can sustainably support our customers with the most environmentally friendly processing equipment. Moreover, water used in the cutting process can often be recycled within our closed-loop system, and the abrasive material can be reused or disposed of with minimal environmental impact.
Its ability to cut without generating heat ensures that the mechanical properties of stainless steel are preserved, while its ability to handle varying thicknesses and produce smooth, clean edges makes it a preferred choice for a wide range of industries.
For industries looking to achieve precision cuts with minimal waste and environmental impact, waterjet cutting by Steel Dynamics UK is an optimal choice, setting the standard for modern fabrication methods.