Waterjet Cutting Basics

What is waterjet cutting and how does it work?

Waterjet cutting uses a high-pressure stream of water, often mixed with an abrasive, to cut through a wide range of materials. It doesn’t generate heat, making it ideal for precision cuts on heat-sensitive materials.

What’s the difference between pure and abrasive waterjet cutting?

Pure waterjet cutting uses only water and is best for softer materials like rubber or foam. Abrasive waterjet cutting adds a fine grit, usually garnet, to cut through tougher materials like metal, carbon fibre, or stone.

What materials can MRC Industries cut?

We can cut nearly any material except glass. This includes metals, rubber, stone, carbon fibre, composites, plastics, and more. We cut up to approximately 200mm thick depending on the material.

What are the advantages of waterjet cutting?

It’s clean, cold (no heat-affected zones), precise, and very versatile. It also allows for tight tolerances and smooth finishes without extra processing.

How accurate is waterjet cutting?

MRC achieves high precision, with tolerances as tight as ±0.1 mm. This makes it ideal for both prototypes and high-spec work.

Working with MRC Industries

Do you accept walk-ins or only large jobs?

Both. We work with walk-in customers on one-off jobs, as well as large manufacturers with ongoing cutting needs.

What is your turnaround time?

Most jobs are completed in under a week. Larger or more complex work may take up to two weeks.

What industries do you serve?

We work with a wide range of clients including university research labs, fabrication shops, and manufacturers.

Are you Melbourne-based? Do you serve other areas?

Yes, we’re based in Melbourne and regularly ship work to clients across Australia.

Do you cut carbon fibre?

Yes. We specialize in carbon fibre and other composite materials. We ensure clean edges and accurate setup.

How do I get a quote?

Send us your specs by email or through our contact form. We provide fast, accurate quotes based on your job requirements.

Why choose MRC Industries?

We combine precision cutting with personal service. Our clients rely on us to deliver the right finish, on time and to spec.

Material-Specific Cutting

Can you cut rubber with a waterjet?

Yes. Waterjet cutting is ideal for rubber, including soft, thick, or layered rubber. It produces clean edges without burning or distortion, which is common with other methods like laser cutting.

Do you cut Hardox or specialty steels?

Yes. We can cut Hardox and other abrasion-resistant or hardened steels. Waterjet is well-suited to these materials because it avoids heat, which can affect the hardness or integrity of the steel.

Cost & Efficiency

Is waterjet cutting expensive?

It depends on the material, thickness, and complexity of the job. While waterjet cutting isn’t always the cheapest option, it often saves time and money by avoiding rework, heat distortion, or extra finishing.

How is waterjet cutting priced?

We typically quote based on material type, thickness, and cut time. Thicker or tougher materials take longer to cut, which can increase the cost. We’re always happy to help you optimise the design for speed and budget.

Is waterjet cutting fast?

It’s efficient for a wide range of materials, but not always the fastest method for thin or simple cuts. However, it’s usually the best choice for high-precision or multi-material jobs where quality and flexibility matter.