water cutter
Kimtech’s philosophy is to always deliver machines in line with the customer’s requirements and wishes. We have three standard machines that cover most areas of application, and we also build special fully customised machines. The feed of our machines is driven by both ball cage drives and linear motors, providing precise positioning and vibration-free operation.
Kimtech’s smallest standard model of waterjet-cutting machine is adapted for sheets measuring 3 x 1.5 metres.
Read more about XY-Small
Our medium-size standard waterjet-cutting machine comes with a cutting head, and features the possibility of a tilter, i.e. a 5-axis cutting head.
Read more about XY-Medium
Our biggest standard machine accommodates up to four jets as well as 5-axis cutting, and is equipped with a linear motor drive for all axes.
Read more about XY-LargeHow a waterjet cutter works
A waterjet cutting machine, also called a waterjet cutter, is an advanced technology that uses a high-pressure waterjet to cut through materials with high precision. At Kimtech, we focus on waterjet cutting as a method, where the water is mixed with abrasive materials (such as sand) to handle hard substances such as metal, stone or composite materials. Unlike traditional cutting methods, waterjet cutting generates no heat, minimizing the risk of deformation or material changes – ideal for sensitive applications in manufacturing, aerospace or automotive industries.
From prototype to series production with waterjet cutting
Our waterjet cutting machines can be used for a range of purposes, from prototyping to mass production. For example, customers such as Edelstahl Schneidtechnik and Norsk Vannskjæring have used our machines to cut complex shapes in stainless steel and aluminum, while Outokumpu and Tovab have benefited from the technology for large volumes in demanding environments. With waterjet cutting, you can process thick materials up to several centimeters without compromising on quality.
When considering a waterjet cutting machine, it is important to think about your specific needs.
Frequently asked questions about our cutting machines
What size waterjet cutter is suitable for my production?
Depending on material size and volume – our XY-Small is a good entry point, while XY-Large is suitable for large-scale manufacturing. To choose the right size, you should evaluate your specific production needs, such as sheet sizes, processing volume and space constraints.
- The XY-Small model is ideal for smaller workshops or prototyping, with machine sizes from 0.5 x 0.5 m up to 3.1 x 2 m, adapted for standard 3 x 1 m plates. It offers high precision with positioning accuracy of ±0.050 mm/m and is ideal for confined spaces where you need to handle smaller volumes without compromising on quality.
- For medium-sized productions, XY-Medium is recommended, which handles machine sizes from 2 x 3 m to 3.1 x 6 m and is adapted for plates such as 3 x 1.5 m or 2 x 6 m. It offers increased flexibility with support for higher pressure classes (up to 6,000 bar) and options such as 5-axis cutting heads (Tilter45 or Tilter14) for bevel cuts and angle compensation.
- The XY-Large is designed for large industrial applications, with sizes ranging from 2 x 6 m up to 5 x 30 m, making it suitable for high-volume production and large sheets such as 6 x 2 m or 3 x 1.5 m. With up to four independent cutting heads and linear motor drive on the X and Y axes, it maximizes efficiency and speed, exemplified by the company Outokumpu PSC Nordic, where machines handle stainless steel sheets up to 13 x 5.5 m for structural components.
Similar scalability is demonstrated at TOVAB, which operates several machines for precision cutting in titanium and Hardox sheet metal across Europe. If your production requires customizations, such as extended tables or special sizes, we can tailor solutions based on your layout – contact us for a needs analysis.
What is the difference between PWJ (pure waterjet) and AWJ (abrasive waterjet)?
PWJ is for soft materials like rubber or textiles, while AWJ handles hard materials like metal. PWJ (Pure Water Jet) uses only a high-pressure jet of pure water to cut through soft or porous materials, such as rubber, textiles, foam or food, without adding abrasive particles. This results in a clean, cold process that avoids heat-induced deformations and is ideal for applications where precision and minimal material impact are critical, but it is limited to materials that do not require extra cutting force.
AWJ (Abrasive Water Jet) is based on the same principle but mixes abrasive materials, such as yarn or sand, into the water jet to increase the cutting force. This makes AWJ suitable for hard and thick materials such as metals (e.g. stainless steel, titanium, aluminum), stone, glass or composites, as seen in customer cases such as Norsk Vannskjæring, where machines process all kinds of metals, stone and glass for industrial and artistic purposes. All our models support both PWJ and AWJ, with automatic sand feeding systems for continuous operation in AWJ mode, monitored via the HMI interface. The choice between PWJ and AWJ affects not only material compatibility but also operating costs, as AWJ requires abrasive handling but offers wider applications for harsh production environments.
How does the price of a water cutter affect your investment?
The price of a waterjet cutting machine varies based on the model, accessories and customizations. A waterjet cutting machine price often starts from basic models like XY-Small and increases with advanced features like Tilter or extra cutting heads. Contact us for a personalized quote. Your total investment depends on factors such as machine size, pressure class (4,000 or 6,000 bar), number of cutting heads and options such as automatic height sensor, laser pointer or 5-axis tilter for angle compensation. For example, the XY-Small starts as a cost-effective entry point for smaller productions, while the XY-Large, with its capacity for up to four heads and large tables up to 5 x 30 m, represents a higher initial cost but delivers long-term savings through increased productivity and reduced processing time.
Customizations can further impact price, for example by extending a machine from 8 to 13 meters during production to handle large stainless steel sheets, or by choosing tailor-made dimensions for multiple machines. We partner with Flow for robust high-pressure pumps, ensuring durability and reducing long-term repair costs. Other factors include accessories such as sludge pumping systems for easy waste disposal or material handling cameras, which optimize ROI through more efficient operation. As we build both standard and custom machines, we can optimize the investment according to your budget and ROI calculations – we recommend a dialogue with us to map out how the price aligns with your production volume and expected return.
What are the maintenance requirements of a waterjet cutting machine?
Our machines are built for minimal downtime, with remote support and robust components from partners like Flow for high pressure pumps. Maintenance focuses on regular overhauls of critical parts such as pumps, cutting heads and drive systems to ensure long life and high reliability. Flow pumps are designed to withstand extreme stress, with automatic sand feeding systems that prevent breakdowns through continuous monitoring via the HMI interface. Sludge handling systems pump out cutting sludge to a big bag for easy disposal, reducing manual labor and keeping the tank clean.
We offer immediate phone support and on-site service within hours, even across borders, to minimize downtime. We deliver spare parts quickly and handle remote troubleshooting efficiently, with rare failures and fast setup time thanks to our service organization. We recommend annual service contracts for proactive maintenance, including remote control and Beckhoff control system diagnostics, keeping downtime below 1% according to customer feedback.
Can waterjet cutting be integrated with my existing CAD/CAM software?
Yes, our control systems are compatible with Igems and offer camera for easy material handling. The Beckhoff control system, used in all models, is customized for waterjet cutting and integrates seamlessly with Igems CAD/CAM software for efficient design-to-production. The camera is directly linked to Igems, allowing the operator to import sheets or offcuts in real time – the sheet in the machine is displayed in the software, and you can place parts directly in the camera image for optimal material utilization and reduced waste.
This facilitates integration with existing CAD/CAM workflows, as seen with customers such as Norsk Vannskjæring, who use the system for further processing such as bending and drilling after cutting. Ergonomic features such as 21.5″ multi-touch screens and remote control enhance the user experience, while laser pointers help set zero points quickly. If your software differs from Igem’s, we can explore compatibility or customization – contact us for a technical evaluation to ensure smooth integration into your production line.
High-pressure pumps
Kimtech collaborates with Flow, a world leader in the field of high-pressure pumps. Flow’s pumps have long been proven to withstand the enormous stresses they are subjected to when cutting water.
