Also, waterjet cutting makes a cleaner cut for components that are to be welded, where a re-cast layer is undesirable. Both plasma and laser cutting creates an oxide layer that requires removal prior to welding. With abrasive water jet technology, the edge is clean and ready for welding, Sterner said.

LAI uses abrasive water jet for many drilling applications that require tight tolerances.

Some components LAI manufactures have as many as 150,000 holes with tight tolerances.

“When it comes to drilling holes using waterjet, we're very good at it,” Sterner said.

Tolerances of +/- 0.003 in. can be met with abrasive water jet, and tolerances of +/- 0.001 in. can be achieved with laser hole drilling.

MC Machinery Systems' Giannotte said abrasive waterjet cutting is a growing technology and an emerging business opportunity for small companies.

“A lot of job shops are upgrading to newer technologies because it's an ideal way to cut, particularly in parts where the heat affected zone is critical,” Giannotte said.

While not every shop invests in waterjet technology, some companies are finding the technology can provide rewards.

Southwest Waterjet Corp. (www.southwestwaterjet.com) offers precision waterjet cutting for applications that include signs, work for machine shops and other companies that don't have the equipment but require the precision that the technology delivers.

Mike Guden Sr., owner of Southwest Waterjet, said his shop can cut large steel plate or thin aluminum sheets for companies that require smaller, more manageable pieces with which to work.

“They have us do the waterjet cutting because it saves them on their coolant and cutting tools. It's cheaper for them to have us use our waterjet technology,” he said.

Southwest Waterjet has one Omni cutting machining, and Guden said he is planning to get a second machine later this year. Not only is waterjet cutting cheaper than other types of cutting, it's capable of making cleaner cuts, he said.

In the hot Arizona climate, Guden said he requires a chiller to cool the water because hot water wears out the machine components faster.

“Margins drive profits and waterjet is the most profitable manufacturing technology today. Mitsubishi has improved their waterjet cutting systems with all stainless steel components, full industrial CNC, and a garnet removal system that means it's never sitting in the tank,” Giannotte said.

“Waterjet cutting plays an important role in today's manufacturing environment. Some use waterjet to rough a piece and EDM to finish it,” he added.

LAI knows the importance in abrasive water jet's versatility when it comes to cutting various materials.

With revenues expected to reach $58 million in 2008, LAI continues to expand its capabilities by taking on more of it's customers' supply chain. When making the decision of which technology to use — laser or waterjet — there are a number of factors to consider including price.

But, said LAI's Sterner, “When you find the perfect fit it's a beautiful thing.”