VT machining provides CNC Waterjet Cutting Nickel Silver for customers who need accurate, repeatable Nickel Silver components. Because Nickel Silver is corrosion resistant with a bright silver-white finish, we adapt the process to suit — controlling the variables that matter for this alloy.
Process Data for CNC Waterjet Cutting Nickel Silver
| Cutting speed at 10 mm | ~153 mm/min |
|---|---|
| Cutting speed at 25 mm | ~48 mm/min |
| Profile tolerance | ±0.1 mm; edge taper <0.05 mm with taper compensation |
| Heat-affected zone | None |
Shown for Nickel Silver (C752 / CuNi18Zn20), the most common Nickel Silver grade we see for CNC Waterjet Cutting. Typical values for Nickel Silver (C752 / CuNi18Zn20), Half-hard or spring temper; confirmed on the first part.
CNC Waterjet Cutting Capability for Nickel Silver
- No heat-affected zone
- Thickness to 150+ mm
- Tolerance ±0.1 mm
- Any-metal capability
Nickel Silver material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Laser Cutting Nickel Silver page.
How CNC Waterjet Cutting Nickel Silver Works
A focused fibre-laser beam melts and blows material from the Nickel Silver 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.
Programming is driven directly by your 3D model or print. Work-holding, tool selection and the cutting strategy are planned around the critical features and the material before the first chip is cut. First-off inspection confirms the process is centred before production continues.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Waterjet Cutting Nickel Silver
| 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 Nickel Silver
We are happy to suggest design tweaks that improve manufacturability. Keeping holes no smaller than the material thickness, allowing for kerf, and grouping features sensibly improves edge quality and nesting yield on Nickel Silver. 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 Nickel Silver holds contour tolerances around ±0.05 mm depending on thickness, with a narrow kerf and a clean, near burr-free edge.
Exact achievable figures depend on the alloy, the feature size and the part geometry. Tell us which dimensions are critical and we will advise feasibility up front.
Applications of CNC Waterjet Cutting Nickel Silver
Customers order CNC Waterjet Cutting Nickel Silver components for everything from instrumentation to structural and functional assemblies. Whether you need a single prototype or recurring production volume, the same process discipline applies.
Typical Nickel Silver Parts for CNC Waterjet Cutting
Illustrative examples of CNC Waterjet Cutting Nickel Silver 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
- Nickel Silver
- 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
- Nickel Silver
- 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
- Nickel Silver
- 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 Nickel Silver
- 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 Nickel Silver 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 Nickel Silver
Send the drawing, the Nickel Silver grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What is CNC Waterjet Cutting Nickel Silver and how is it done?
CNC Waterjet Cutting Nickel Silver refers to abrasive waterjet cutting erodes metal with a high-pressure abrasive stream, with no heat-affected zone. Applied to Nickel Silver — corrosion resistant with a bright silver-white finish — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.
Why is Nickel Silver a good choice for CNC Waterjet Cutting?
Nickel Silver is corrosion resistant with a bright silver-white finish, which makes it well suited to CNC Waterjet Cutting. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Nickel Silver cutting part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
Can VT machining make custom Nickel Silver parts to my drawing?
Yes. Nickel Silver cutting is made to order from your CAD/2D drawing. Share your geometry, material grade, tolerance and quantity and we will confirm feasibility, lead time and pricing.
What surface finish is achievable on Nickel Silver with CNC Waterjet Cutting?
Laser cutting leaves a clean cut face on Nickel Silver with a small heat-affected zone; most parts need little secondary finishing.
What tolerances can you hold for CNC Waterjet Cutting Nickel Silver?
Achievable tolerances for Nickel Silver cutting depend on the alloy, geometry and feature size. Laser cutting holds contour tolerances to around ±0.05 mm depending on thickness. Exact figures are confirmed against your drawing callouts.