What are Waterjet Cutting Edge Qualities?
Cut edge qualities range from Q1 to Q5. Q1 is the fastest cut and is used primarily for material separation. Depending on edge finish requirements, slower cutting speeds of Q2 through Q5 are selected. Parts requiring close tolerance geometry will of course require smoother edge finishes in that area of the part. (Note: Some other terms also used in the industry to indicate cut speed or edge quality - 100%, 80%, 60%, 40% & 20% or Fastest, Medium fast, Normal, Better & Best)

Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Q5

Photo courtesy of OMAX Corp

Why is choosing the right Edge Quality important?
Depending on what the cut pieces will be used for, your cuts may require different edge qualities. The Edge Quality directly affects the cost of the job, because it requires more or less time depending on the edge quality chosen. You could ask two different companies for quotes to cut the same piece, out of the same material, and get two vastly different quotes because of the edge qualities. When getting quotes on waterjet cutting, always ask what edge quality you were quoted at. Requesting a small sample part, similar to the one shown below, will help determine your requirements and also be an example of what you can expect on your parts.

Multiple qualities can be utilized within a single piece.

Visual of Cutting Program

Photo courtesy of OMAX Corp

Visual of Actual Piece

Photo courtesy of OMAX Corp

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