pic: Finished side plates w/paint

[WileyB-J]

Originally Posted by cadandcookies

That's interesting (to me, as someone who has little experience with waterjet or laser cutting). Were there any significant differences in the parts? Are there still any major differences in the final parts (other than the obvious)?

Good questions man.

The main reason for the usage of two different cutting mediums is simply due to the distribution of the machine allotment. Why nest out to just one machine when you can do it on two?

Not much difference in cut quality. The laser should have a +- tolerance of 0.007", and 0.003" for the AWJ.

The thinner 1/8" material theoretically will dissipate heat better, allowing the laser to be a more applicable operation; though the 3/16" shouldn't really have any issues either. The AWJ was just dormant at the time.