Pierce Delamination
When high‑pressure water strikes the material directly at the pierce point, the impact force instantly separates layers. Even if the rest of the cut is perfect, the pierce point is already damaged — the most common and hardest‑to‑control problem in waterjet cutting carbon fiber.
Edge Delamination & Fraying
Mechanical cutting shear forces cause layer separation and fiber pull‑out. Aerospace and automotive incoming inspection applies zero tolerance to edge quality — any delamination or fraying means rejection. Waterjet cutting composites eliminates shear‑induced delamination and fraying, delivering clean edges that pass zero‑tolerance inspection.
Thermal Damage
Laser cutting creates a heat‑affected zone that carbonizes the resin matrix and alters fiber properties. For CFRP and epoxy‑based composites, thermal damage directly compromises structural integrity — the primary reason laser cutting is restricted for aerospace‑grade composite materials.
