Introduction

Stone has been one of the most widely used materials in construction, decoration, and art for centuries. With the growing demand for precision, efficiency, and complex designs, traditional cutting methods such as saws and grinders often fall short—causing cracks, thermal damage, or high material waste.

This is why the waterjet cutting machine has become the preferred tool in modern stone processing workshops. In this guide, we will explain how waterjet machines are used in stone fabrication, key benefits, best practices, and a real-world customer case study with HEAD Waterjet, a trusted global supplier.

Why Waterjet Cutting for Stone?

Unlike saw blades or laser systems, waterjet cutting uses ultra-high-pressure water, often mixed with abrasive garnet, to cut stone without heat or vibration.

Advantages of waterjet cutting for stone:

• Cold Cutting Process: No heat-affected zone (HAZ), preserving natural stone texture.

• Complex Shapes: Perfect for mosaics, medallions, curved edges, and decorative inlays.

• Material Versatility: Suitable for granite, marble, quartz, slate, and engineered stone.

• Minimal Waste: Precise cuts reduce scrap and save expensive stone materials.

• Environmentally Friendly: No dust, low noise, and safer for operators.

How to Use a Waterjet Cutting Machine for Stone

1. Preparing the Material

• Place the stone slab securely on the waterjet cutting table.

• Ensure surface is clean and free from dust or coatings.

2. Programming the Design

• Import CAD/CAM files directly into the waterjet software.

• Set cutting parameters based on thickness and stone type.

3. Selecting Pressure and Abrasive

• Granite/Marble: Typically cut at 55,000–60,000 psi.

• Adjust abrasive feed rate for different hardness levels.

4. Cutting Process

• Start the high-pressure pump.

• The cutting head guides the jet stream to follow programmed shapes.

• Water and abrasive mixture slices through the stone smoothly.

5. Finishing

• Minimal edge polishing is required, as the cut is already smooth.

• Collect waste abrasive for recycling or proper disposal.

Best Practices for Stone Waterjet Cutting

• Use Quality Abrasive: Consistent garnet size ensures stable cutting.

• Maintain Pump and Nozzles: Regular checks extend machine life.

• Optimize Nesting: Arrange patterns in software to maximize material usage.

• Control Water Quality: Proper filtration avoids pump damage.

• Training Operators: Skilled setup ensures consistent performance.

Real-World Case Study: HEAD Waterjet in Stone Processing

Client Background
A stone workshop in Sydney, Australia, specialized in producing high-end kitchen countertops and decorative stone medallions, struggled with traditional saw cutting. Problems included edge chipping, limited design flexibility, and high labor costs.

Solution Implemented
The company upgraded to a HEAD 4020BA waterjet cutting machine with a 420MPa high-pressure pump and automatic abrasive removal system.

Results:

• Reduced waste by 35%, saving thousands in raw granite slabs.

• Delivered intricate stone medallions for luxury hotels and homes.

• Cut 80mm thick granite cleanly without thermal cracks.

• Increased order capacity by 40% due to faster turnaround.

Customer Testimonial:

“The HEAD Waterjet machine completely changed our workflow. We can now handle complex stone designs that were impossible before. Support from HEAD’s local engineers in Australia made the transition smooth and reliable.”

Why Choose HEAD Waterjet for Stone Processing?

• Proven Global Brand: Among the top three Chinese waterjet exporters.

• Stone-Cutting Expertise: Special fixtures designed for handling heavy stone slabs.

• Cost-Effective After-Sales: Affordable spare parts and long-term service.

• 24/7 Reliability: Machines engineered for continuous heavy-duty operation.

• Trusted Worldwide: Used by stone fabricators in Australia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Conclusion

The waterjet cutting machine is an essential tool for modern stone processing, enabling fabricators to produce chip-free edges, intricate designs, and efficient production. By following best practices and using a reliable supplier such as HEAD Waterjet, workshops can improve productivity, reduce costs, and expand their business opportunities.

Contact HEAD Waterjet today for a free stone cutting sample and tailored quotation.