FOCUS ON WATERJET
THE
The Optima 420 waterjet cutter.
WATER MARGIN
“ Waterjet is a cold cutting process that preserves material integrity, making it a key method for applications requiring clean edges and no heat distortion.”
A new UK start-up subcontractor chose an Optima O-Series 420 waterjet machine for versatile part cutting across various industry sectors.
Based in County Durham( UK), Waterjet- Tec Ltd is a new start-up that has recently invested in an Optima O-Series 420 waterjet cutting machine from Kerf Developments. Founded by co-directors Terry Stewart and Peter Robinson, the new business is situated near its sister company, Laser Profiling( North East) Ltd.
The serial entrepreneurs recognised an opportunity when a local waterjet firm went into administration. As Peter Robinson commented:“ We previously sold a business and I had retired, but a gap in the market for a subcontract waterjet business appeared and it was too good to pass up. We found a facility, looked for a machine and employed experienced staff.”
With decades of expertise in the sheetmetal industry, the business partners have employed two engineers with extensive knowledge in waterjet cutting.
The waterjet process is recognized as one of the most versatile and fastest-growing cutting processes used in production applications across the globe
The waterjet process is recognized as one of the most versatile and fastest-growing cutting processes used in production applications across the globe. The flexible and efficient cold-cutting process produces no heat-affected zones, thermal distortions, hardened material or material stresses. No noxious gases or liquids are used in waterjet cutting, and waterjets do not create hazardous materials or vapours. There is minimal material waste and environmental impact. A clean, burrfree finish often eliminates the need for secondary surface finishing.
The key requirements
“ We identified a market opportunity around two core points. Firstly, there was an opportunity for cutting a wide range of non-metallic materials beyond the traditional laser and plasma remit. Secondly, certain parts across industries( such as aerospace, offshore and the military) require cutting with no heat generation, as it has a propensity to alter the physical
64 | ismr. net | ISMR November 2025