EN
The whirlwind development of specially designed hybrid laser-waterjet cutting systems has entirely changed high-quality natural and engineered stone fabrication, as now the manufacturers offer these custom solutions. These machines utilize the superior edge definition capability of laser cutting together with waterjet technology’s productive material removal, this is being capable of intense precision on even the most demanding granite and quartz surfaces.
How It Works
The hybrid system guides both the high-pressure waterjet nozzle and the laser head that is pointed at a precise location along identical cut paths. For feed speeds up to 2 m/min, the waterjet is responsible for most of the cutting function, while the laser completes the cutting with error tolerance within ±0.1 mm of designed dimensions. The hybrid unit consists of a real-time vision sensor that monitors cut accuracy on a time real basis, modifying the laser intensity and water force in real time to correct for control differences, uneven stone properties or defects.
Key Benefits
Ultra-Smooth Edges: The elimination of the need for secondary polishing make laser-polished cut edges perfect for intricate profiles.
Minimal Kerf Width: Waste losses and forms of nesting optimization and slab pricing are optimized with the width of the kerf of 1.2 mm.
Faster Cycle Times: With hybrid cutting cycle times are increased up to 30% as compared to that available using dedicated waterjetr processing.
Versatile Applications: From designing elegant mosaics to robust structural panels, this system performs equally on each.
Early experiencers recorded a 25% decline in labor-hours consumed on finishing while a 15% increase in production capacity in their initial quarter. Customers observe that better quality finishes on cuts and tighter tolerances offer stone industry real opportunities in high end retail and architectural programs.
Market Impact
Hybrid laser-waterjet systems are expected to set the new benchmark for stone cutting in view of stiff competition on the rise. Distributors in Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia are to hold regional demonstrations demonstrating real-time feature side by side comparisons to traditional CNC saws. According to industry experts, in 2026, hybrid cutting technology is likely to take 20% of new high-end sales in the stone machinery market, with a trend toward combining various processing approaches emerging.
