CNC Waterjet Cutting Kovar is a core capability at VT machining. We combine controlled cutting with material-aware setup for Kovar — an alloy that is matched thermal expansion for glass/ceramic seals — to produce parts that meet your specification first time.
Process Data for CNC Waterjet Cutting Kovar
| Cutting speed at 10 mm | ~105 mm/min |
|---|---|
| Cutting speed at 25 mm | ~33 mm/min |
| Profile tolerance | ±0.1 mm; edge taper <0.05 mm with taper compensation |
| Heat-affected zone | None |
Shown for Kovar, the most common Kovar grade we see for CNC Waterjet Cutting. Typical values for Kovar, Annealed; confirmed on the first part.
CNC Waterjet Cutting Capability for Kovar
- No heat-affected zone
- Thickness to 150+ mm
- Tolerance ±0.1 mm
- Any-metal capability
Kovar material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Laser Cutting Kovar page.
How CNC Waterjet Cutting Kovar Works
A focused fibre-laser beam melts and blows material from the Kovar sheet along the programmed contour. Power, focal position, nozzle stand-off and assist-gas pressure are tuned to the alloy and thickness for a clean, square edge.
We start from your supplied geometry and tolerance scheme. The setup is designed to minimise re-clamping, which protects positional accuracy across features. A first article is verified against the drawing before the balance of the batch is released.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Waterjet Cutting Kovar
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Contour dimension | ±0.10 mm | ±0.05 mm |
| Hole diameter | ±0.10 mm | ±0.05 mm |
| Kerf width | 0.20 mm | 0.10 mm |
| Squareness of cut edge | 0.5° | 0.2° |
| Heat-affected zone | 0.15 mm | 0.05 mm (N₂ assist) |
| Minimum hole diameter | 1.2 × thickness | 1.0 × thickness |
| Edge condition | light dross | burr-free, N₂ cut |
Standard is what a normal quotation assumes. Precision is available on nominated features and is priced separately, because it needs extra setups, in-process gauging and CMM verification. Call out only the features that need it — blanket-tightening a drawing is the single most common reason a quote comes back expensive.
Design Tips for CNC Waterjet Cutting Kovar
Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. Keeping holes no smaller than the material thickness, allowing for kerf, and grouping features sensibly improves edge quality and nesting yield on Kovar. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
CNC Waterjet Cutting Tolerances & Surface Finish
Laser-cut Kovar holds contour tolerances around ±0.05 mm depending on thickness, with a narrow kerf and a clean, near burr-free edge.
The tightest tolerances are reserved for the features your drawing flags as critical. Share your tolerance scheme and we will confirm what is realistic before quoting.
Applications of CNC Waterjet Cutting Kovar
Kovar parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.
Typical Kovar Parts for CNC Waterjet Cutting
Illustrative examples of CNC Waterjet Cutting Kovar parts and the callouts that usually drive the process plan. They show the kind of work that fits this process; they are not specific customer orders.
Gasket / shim set
- Material
- Kovar
- Size
- Ø120 × 0.5 mm
- Key callouts
- ID/OD ±0.05 mm, no heat discolouration
- Batch
- 3,000 pcs
Small-diameter holes below 1.2 × thickness are punched, not lased.
Machine guard panel
- Material
- Kovar
- Size
- 900 × 600 × 3 mm
- Key callouts
- Slot pattern ±0.10 mm, hole-to-edge 6 mm
- Batch
- 150 pcs
Cut with common-line pairs to halve the pierce count.
Control panel face
- Material
- Kovar
- Size
- 400 × 300 × 1.5 mm
- Key callouts
- Cutout position ±0.10 mm, no dross on visible face
- Batch
- 600 pcs
Cut with nitrogen so the edge takes powder coat without secondary grinding.
No drawing yet? Build one in the browser.
Set the metal, dimensions and features, watch the 3D model update as you type, then switch to the 2D sheet to add dimensions and tolerances. Download it or send it straight to us with your RFQ.
What We Need to Quote CNC Waterjet Cutting Kovar
- GeometrySTEP or IGES for the 3D model, plus a PDF drawing if you have tolerance callouts. A dimensioned sketch is enough to start.
- MaterialThe exact Kovar grade and condition — temper, heat-treat state or hardness. If you are not sure, tell us the function and we will suggest one.
- QuantityPrototype count and the expected annual volume. Both change how the part is made and therefore what it costs.
- TolerancesWhich features are critical. Everything else runs to our standard tolerance, which is what keeps the price sensible.
- FinishSurface treatment, cosmetic requirements, and any faces that must be masked.
- DocumentsWhether you need a material certificate, dimensional report, FAIR or PPAP with the shipment.
Missing something from the list is not a problem — send what you have. We will come back with the specific questions rather than a generic form.
Other Metals for CNC Waterjet Cutting
Other Processes for Kovar
Send the drawing, the Kovar grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Which industries use CNC Waterjet Cutting Kovar parts?
CNC Waterjet Cutting Kovar parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Kovar components are required.
How clean are the edges produced by CNC Waterjet Cutting on Kovar?
Laser cutting leaves Kovar with a narrow kerf and a clean, near burr-free edge and only a small heat-affected zone.
What surface finish is achievable on Kovar with CNC Waterjet Cutting?
Laser cutting leaves a clean cut face on Kovar with a small heat-affected zone; most parts need little secondary finishing.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Waterjet Cutting Kovar?
CNC Waterjet Cutting prototypes for Kovar can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.