How Waterjet Cutting Improves Edge Quality in Stainless & Aluminum Projects

Waterjet cutting is a non-thermal cutting process that uses a high-pressure stream of water often mixed with abrasive particles like garnet to slice through metals, plastics, stone, and composites. The key advantage is the ability to cut without introducing heat, which protects the base material’s structural integrity and surface finish.

For stainless and aluminum alloys that are sensitive to warping or discoloration under high heat, waterjet cutting is an ideal solution.

Waterjet cutting is particularly well-suited to stainless steel, which is prone to work hardening and heat discoloration with other methods. Key advantages include:

Unlike plasma or laser cutting, waterjet cutting does not introduce heat into the material. This eliminates the risk of heat-affected zones areas that may become brittle or structurally compromised.

Waterjet cutting leaves smooth, burr-free edges that often require little to no secondary finishing. This is especially important for stainless steel used in sanitary applications, food-grade components, and ornamental fabrications.

Waterjet technology can cut stainless plates up to several inches thick with consistent accuracy, making it ideal for heavy-duty industrial projects where dimensional control is critical.

Aluminum poses unique challenges in fabrication due to its softness and tendency to develop burrs. Here’s why waterjet cutting is the preferred method:

Because waterjet cutting is a cold process, there is no risk of aluminum warping, which is common with high-heat cutting tools.

Aluminum components that require bending or shaping benefit from smooth, clean-cut profiles, which reduce stress concentrations and help maintain strength post-fabrication.

Waterjet systems canhandle complex geometries, holes, and notching with exceptional precision without compromising aluminum’s soft surface or introducing surface damage.

Let’s compare the edge quality results across various cutting technologies:

Waterjet cutting offers the best balance of edge integrity, surface finish, and material flexibility, making it the most versatile option for both stainless and aluminum jobs.

Action Stainless serves fabricators and manufacturers who require tight tolerances and high surface integrity across industries such as:

• Food and Beverage Processing - where clean welds and sanitary surfaces are essential.
• Architectural Fabrication - where visible edges must meet strict aesthetic standards.
• Energy and Chemical Equipment - where component seals depend on smooth, distortion-free edges.
• OEM Fabrication - where exact part geometries reduce assembly errors and production time.

Waterjet cutting is often the first processing step that sets the tone for the entire fabrication process.

At Action Stainless, waterjet cutting isn’t outsourced, it’s part of our in-house, value-added processing services, operated by trained technicians who understand both the material and the application.

Key features of our waterjet service include:

• Tolerances within ±0.005"
• Table sizes up to 6' x 12'
• Abrasive and pure waterjet capabilities
• Capacity to cut stainless, aluminum, and other metals

Whether you need blank shapes, custom profiles, or nested parts ready for welding or forming, we provide the precision and repeatability required by today’s advanced fabrication shops.

Fabricators, machine shops, and tank manufacturers across the U.S. trust Action Stainless for high-quality processing because we offer:

• Integrated Services - including saw cutting, grinding, and polishing to streamline your material prep.
• Fast Turnarounds - reduced delays and supply gaps through regional inventory and coordinated logistics.
• Material Expertise - support in choosing the right stainless or aluminum grade based on end-use.
• Certifications & Traceability - available upon request for critical applications in food, medical, or aerospace.

When edge quality and delivery speed both matter, Action Stainless delivers.

We regularly cut a range of materials that benefit from precision and surface care, including:

• 304, 304L, 316, 316L stainless steel
• Aluminum 3003, 5052, 6061
• Duplex and super austenitic grades
• Polished sheets and plates
• Flat bar, sheet, and specialty profiles

Our in-house processing ensures your material is cut, prepped, and ready for fabrication saving your team time and cost.

Waterjet cutting is more than a high-tech solution, it’s a practical advantage for shops that need consistent quality and dimensional accuracy. It reduces rework, improves part consistency, and extends tool life in secondary machining and forming.

With no edge contamination and no thermal distortion, waterjet is the cleanest, most efficient cutting method for stainless and aluminum two of the most demanding metals in modern fabrication.

If you’re working with high-value stainless or aluminum projects and edge quality is a top priority, Action Stainless can help. We combine high-grade inventory, in-house waterjet cutting, and service-first distribution to give your fabrication process a competitive edge.