Process comparison
Micro abrasive waterjet versus Wire EDM
Both Finecut micro abrasive waterjet and Wire EDM are suitable for precision manufacturing, but they offer different advantages.
Thermal effects and material integrity
Finecut is a non-thermal process and does not create a heat-affected zone or recast layer. Its low cutting forces can also suit thin sheets, flexible geometries and heat-sensitive materials.
Conductivity and starting holes
Finecut can cut both electrically conductive and non-conductive materials and can pierce the material directly. Wire EDM requires an electrically conductive material and, for closed internal contours, normally requires a starting hole.
Select the process around the application
Wire EDM may be preferable for certain thick conductive components or applications requiring extremely fine geometrical accuracy. Finecut is particularly attractive for heat-sensitive materials, ceramics, composites, multilayer materials and applications where several different materials must be cut using the same system.
Application fit
When Finecut earns its place—and when it may not.
Finepart does not recommend a Finecut System simply because the technology can cut the material. The recommendation should be based on the application, verified results and the customer's technical and commercial objectives.
Finecut creates the greatest value when:
- A heat-affected zone, recast layer or thermal distortion is unacceptable.
- The material is non-conductive, brittle, composite, multilayer—or several materials must be cut with the same system.
- Intricate geometry, narrow cuts or low cutting forces are important.
- Direct piercing and closed internal contours add practical value.
- Application testing confirms the required dimensions, edge quality and material performance.
Finecut may not be the right solution when:
- A thick, electrically conductive component is better suited to Wire EDM.
- The application requires geometrical accuracy beyond the result verified for Finecut.
- The part or required motion lies outside the selected system's working area or configuration.
- Testing cannot demonstrate the required dimensions, edge quality or material performance.
- Technical and commercial evaluation shows that another process is a better overall fit.
Put the insight to work
Start with
your part.
Share your material, drawing and functional requirements. Finepart can verify the process and recommend the right system configuration.
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