Custom waterjet cutting in Quebec
Free delivery throughout Quebec
(on orders of $250+; excludes oversized items – details here).
High-performance waterjet cutting in Quebec. Instant quote and fast delivery.
Cut your composites, gaskets, and thick metals with unparalleled precision. Upload your DXF or CAD files to receive an instant quote, and gain access to the largest inventory of materials in the province. Free delivery within Quebec on all orders over $250.
Since. 2009 - tél: +1 514 524 9990
Cutining Area up to 144"x72"
High-precision waterjet cutting — uMake.ca, the online factory.
Specializing in custom cutting for composites, ceramics, stone, tile, and other technical materials, uMake offers advanced 5-axis waterjet cutting capabilities for the most demanding projects. All manufacturing is carried out 100% in Canada, under one roof, and to industrial quality standards. Get an instant online quote, benefit from fast turnaround times, and enjoy free delivery throughout Quebec.
What is waterjet cutting, and what can be achieved using this manufacturing process?
Waterjet cutting in Quebec is a cutting-edge technique that uses a high-pressure water stream—often mixed with abrasives—to precisely and efficiently cut a wide variety of materials, ranging from metals and composites to glass, stone, and plastic. The process begins with a high-pressure water pump that pressurizes the water and directs it toward the cutting head through a specialized tube. Inside this head, the water passes through a nozzle designed to focus the flow into an extremely fine, powerful jet, capable of penetrating even the most resistant materials with exceptional precision.
For harder materials, the nozzle is equipped with an abrasive mixing chamber that combines the water with abrasive particles, ensuring a clean, precise, and consistent cut that meets both industrial and artistic requirements. For softer materials—such as certain plastics, wood, or rubber—a pure water jet (without abrasives) is more than sufficient, allowing for a clean cut without damaging the material's surface. This unique versatility makes waterjet cutting an ideal solution for design projects, industrial manufacturing, prototyping, and even architectural applications throughout Quebec.
At uMake in Montreal, our expertise in waterjet cutting allows us to meet the needs of designers, architects, engineers, and manufacturing companies across Quebec. Whether you require custom parts, decorative panels, bespoke tiles, or complex technical components, we combine state-of-the-art technology, digital precision, and local service to deliver reliable, efficient results. With our advanced equipment and technical know-how, we ensure fast, clean cuts that strictly adhere to your specifications, all backed by personalized service tailored to projects in Quebec.
Plastiques
Pierres et carrelages
Céramiques
Verres
Caoutchouc
Mousse
Panneaux de ciment
Matériaux isolants
Métaux
Fibre de carbone
Matériaux aérospatiaux
Composites
FAQ
Waterjet Cutting Technology & Process in Quebec
What is waterjet cutting, and how does it differ from laser cutting? Waterjet cutting uses a stream of water pressurized to 60,000 PSI—often mixed with an abrasive (such as garnet)—to slice through materials with extreme precision, all without generating any heat. This is the fundamental difference compared to laser cutting: there is no heat-affected zone (HAZ). Consequently, the metal does not warp, harden, or undergo changes to its crystalline structure along the cut edge. For heat-sensitive materials—such as carbon fiber, aerospace composites, rubber, natural stone, or glass—waterjet cutting is often the only viable process. Companies and designers in Quebec who work with these technical materials choose uMake.ca for this very reason.
What is 5-axis waterjet cutting, and when should it be used? In a standard (2D) waterjet system, the cutting head moves only horizontally—the cut is always perpendicular to the surface. 5-axis cutting adds the ability to rotate and tilt the head by up to ±60°, making it possible to produce chamfers, bevels, undercuts, and complex 3D profiles in a single operation. At uMake.ca, our 5-axis system offers a precision of ±0.1 mm, with a C-axis rotation range of ±540°. For engineers and manufacturers in Quebec, this eliminates the need for secondary operations—such as grinding, bevel milling, or manual rework—thereby reducing overall project costs, even if the machine hourly rate is slightly higher.
When should you choose 5-axis waterjet cutting over standard 2D cutting? 5-axis cutting is recommended when your part requires: Weld preparation bevels on thick steel Chamfered edges for precise assembly Conical or tapered angles on structural components A reduction in secondary machining for parts with tight tolerances Complex contours on thick plates of aluminum, titanium, or stainless steel It is particularly in demand within the metal construction, aerospace, and architectural sectors in Quebec.
What materials can be waterjet cut in Quebec with uMake? Our waterjet system can process an exceptionally wide range of materials. Here are our capabilities by category: Material | Maximum Thickness | Notes Mild steel / stainless steel | Up to 8–10 in | Optimal precision under 1.5 in Aluminum | Up to 10 in | Optimal precision under 2 in Titanium | Up to 8 in | No HAZ (Heat-Affected Zone); ideal for aerospace Brass / copper | Up to 10 in | Clean finish, smooth edges Marble / granite | Up to 3 in | Low-pressure piercing required Porcelain / ceramic | Up to 3 in | Low-pressure piercing required Glass | Up to 6 in | Low-pressure piercing required Carbon fiber | Up to 5 in | Pneumatic pre-piercing required Composites / FRP | Up to 5 in | Pre-piercing required to prevent delamination Rubber / gaskets | Up to 12+ in | Pure water (no abrasive) Open/closed-cell foam | Up to 12+ in | Pure water (no abrasive) Acrylic / plastics | Up to 10 in | Optimal precision under 3 in Corian | Up to 8 in | Pre-piercing recommended Tool steel | Up to 10 in | Precision under 1.5 in You may also supply your own material—uMake accepts customer-provided materials for the majority of projects.
What is the maximum thickness your waterjet system in Quebec can process? Our 60,000 PSI waterjet system can cut up to 12 inches (300 mm) thick for soft materials (rubber, gaskets, foam). For metals and hard materials, high-precision cutting is optimal up to 4 inches. Beyond that, we offer "near-net-shape" cutting for heavy industrial applications, capable of handling up to 8–10 inches for most metals. If you have a project in Quebec involving exceptionally thick materials, please contact our team at quoting@umake.ca for a technical assessment.
What tolerances can be achieved with waterjet cutting? The typical tolerances for our waterjet system are: ±0.1 mm for standard precision (default setting Q3 on duform.app) ±0.01 mm for maximum precision using a fixed-point cutting head (5-axis mode) ±0.005 in. for hard materials using high-quality cutting (Q1/Q2) These levels are suitable for mechanical parts, aerospace components, architectural assemblies, and industrial prototypes. For projects in Quebec City and throughout the province that require certified tolerances, our team can provide technical documentation regarding the cut.
What are the Q1 to Q5 cut quality levels at uMake? When generating a quote on duform.app, you can select the cut quality level best suited to your application: Q1 (+20% cost) — Near-mirror finish, minimal cut marks. Suitable for anodizing, visible surface finishes, and exposed architectural parts. Q2 (+10% cost) — Slight corner marks; suitable for powder coating and precision assemblies. Q3 (default) — A balance between speed and quality. The standard for most industrial orders in Quebec. Q4 (-10% cost) — Rough edges. Suitable for internal, non-visible industrial applications. Q5 (-20% cost) — Burrs present. For parts that will undergo further machining after cutting. Choosing the right quality level can have a significant impact on your production costs—especially for batch or series production.
Does waterjet cutting alter the properties of the material being cut? No. This is one of the major technical advantages of waterjet cutting: since no heat is generated during the cutting process, the material undergoes no metallurgical transformation. There is no heat-affected zone (HAZ), no heat-induced microcracking, no thermal deformation, and no edge hardening. This is particularly critical for high-performance alloys (such as titanium, Hastelloy, and Inconel), aerospace composites, and certified materials whose mechanical properties must remain intact following fabrication. For engineers and manufacturers in Quebec working under ASME, ISO, or aerospace standards, this is often a decisive factor in the choice of process.
What is pneumatic pre-piercing, and when is it necessary? Certain materials—such as carbon fiber, multilayer composites, and thick glass—can undergo delamination (separation of layers) when initially pierced using a high-pressure water jet. uMake.ca is equipped with an automatic pneumatic piercing head that pre-pierces the material before the high-pressure cutting process begins. This step eliminates the risk of delamination, surface fracturing, and splintering in fragile materials. If your project in Quebec involves carbon fiber, FRP, laminated glass, or aerospace composites, this technical capability is essential for ensuring defect-free parts.
What is an "automatic focal head" at uMake? Our waterjet system is equipped with an automatic focal head that continuously measures the distance between the nozzle and the material surface, maintaining a constant 2 mm gap—even if the material is curved, bowed, or slightly wavy. This ensures a uniform kerf (cut width) from top to bottom, regardless of the part's geometry. For projects involving tile, irregular natural stone, or slightly warped metal sheets—common scenarios on construction and renovation sites in Quebec—this technology guarantees consistent cutting quality across the entire surface. Yes. The waterjet cutting service offered by uMake.ca is ideal for thick, delicate, or heat-sensitive materials that cannot be processed effectively by lasers. Our 5-axis waterjet table can cut materials up to 4 inches thick across a 72" × 144" surface, and it can process stone (terrazzo, marble, granite), composites (carbon fiber, G10), rubber, industrial foams, glass, ceramics, and much more. For architects and designers in Quebec City working on custom flooring, facade panels, or architectural slabs, waterjet technology is often the only solution capable of delivering the required precision and finish without damaging the material.
Orders, Lead Times & Applications in Quebec
How can you get an instant quote for waterjet cutting in Quebec? Visit app.umake.ca (also accessible via duform.app), create a free account, and upload your DXF, STEP, IGES, AI, SVG, or vector PDF file. The platform automatically analyzes your designs—detecting the material, thickness, and cutting length—and generates an instant quote, including pricing, lead times, and delivery options. You can adjust the cutting quality (Q1 to Q5), quantity, and delivery speed in real time. For complex projects involving 5-axis geometries, specialized materials, or large volumes, please send your files to quoting@umake.ca for a custom estimate.
What file formats do you accept for waterjet cutting orders in Quebec? uMake.ca accepts the following formats for waterjet cutting: DXF — a universal format recommended for all 2D cuts STEP / STP and IGES — required for 5-axis cuts and 3D profiles AI (Adobe Illustrator) — ideal for decorative designs, mosaics, and signage SVG — accepted for 2D geometries Vector PDF — accepted (non-rasterized only) DWG — native AutoCAD format For the best results, ensure your paths are continuous, closed, and free of overlaps. Specify any bevel angles or profile requirements for 5-axis cuts. Our technical team can review and optimize your file before production, if necessary.
Can I provide my own material for waterjet cutting in Quebec? Yes. uMake.ca accepts customer-supplied material for both standard and 5-axis waterjet cutting. Your material must be flat, clean, and compatible with abrasive waterjet cutting. Materials must fit within the maximum dimensions of our cutting table (72" × 144" for 3-axis, 60" × 120" for 5-axis). Providing your own material can significantly reduce the total cost of your order—which is particularly useful for projects involving specialty materials, construction site surplus, or certified materials. Please contact quoting@umake.ca before sending any material to confirm compatibility.
Is there a minimum order requirement for waterjet cutting in Quebec? No. uMake.ca does not impose any minimum quantity or minimum order value for waterjet cutting. You can order a single prototype piece—such as a custom gasket, a cut marble tile, or a unique architectural panel—and receive the same level of service, precision, and order tracking as you would for a full-scale production run. This flexibility is especially valued by tile artisans, interior designers, engineers, and startups in Quebec who are working on one-of-a-kind projects or in the prototyping phase.
What are the production and delivery timelines for waterjet cutting in Quebec? Typical turnaround times at uMake.ca are as follows: Materials in stock: Shipped within 24 to 48 hours of order confirmation. Materials requiring special order: Shipped upon receipt of the material (varies). Delivery within Quebec: 1 to 3 business days after dispatch from Montreal, via standard carrier. Delivery is free for all orders over $250 throughout Quebec (excluding oversized shipments). For urgent requests, please contact our team directly at +1 514 524 9990 or via email at quoting@umake.ca—we evaluate expedited shipping options on a case-by-case basis.
How much does waterjet cutting cost in Quebec? The cost of waterjet cutting depends on several variables: Type and thickness of the material (stone and thick metals cost more than thin plastics) Length and complexity of the cutting path Abrasive consumption (higher for hard, thick metals) Selected quality level (Q1 to Q5 — a difference of ±20%) Standard 2D vs. 5-axis cutting (machine rates are slightly higher for 5-axis) Quantity (setup costs are amortized over larger production runs) As a general guideline, cutting ceramic tiles starts at $0.25 per linear inch. To get an accurate price for your project in Quebec, use the instant quote tool at app.umake.ca—you’ll receive a real-time price with no delays or need for negotiation.
For which applications is waterjet cutting most commonly used in Quebec? uMake’s clients in Quebec primarily use waterjet cutting for: Architecture & construction: stone or thick metal cladding panels, custom terrazzo slabs, and mosaic flooring (marble, granite, porcelain) Interior design: architectural tiles cut with intricate patterns, Corian or quartz kitchen islands, and glass partitions Industry & mechanical: industrial gaskets (made of rubber or Teflon), thick steel mounting plates, and machine components Aerospace & defense: parts made from titanium, Inconel, or composite materials—all processed without a heat-affected zone (HAZ) Public art & installations: precision-cut floor mosaics, sculptures made from thick metal, and outdoor architectural installations Signage & displays: lettering and shapes crafted from thick aluminum or stainless steel
What is the difference between abrasive waterjet cutting and pure waterjet cutting? There are two types of waterjet cutting, depending on the material: Abrasive waterjet: High-pressure water is mixed with a garnet abrasive within the nozzle’s mixing chamber. This method is used for all hard materials—metals, stone, glass, ceramics, and composites. It is the standard method for the vast majority of orders in Quebec. Pure waterjet (without abrasive): Water alone—with no added abrasive—is used for soft and flexible materials, such as rubber, foam, gaskets, and certain pliable plastics. The cut width (kerf) is finer (approximately 0.01" compared to 0.02"–0.05" with abrasive), and the cut surface remains perfectly clean, with no abrasive residue. Our system automatically selects the appropriate method based on the material—you do not need to specify anything.
Can waterjet cutting replace laser cutting for thick metals in Quebec? For thin metals (less than ¼" thick), fiber laser cutting is generally faster and more cost-effective than waterjet cutting. However, for thick metals (exceeding ½" to ¾"), waterjet cutting becomes not only competitive but often superior: there is no heat-affected zone, edges are cleaner—free of oxide or dross—and it can process thicknesses that a laser simply cannot handle. For engineers and metal fabrication shops in Quebec, the rule of thumb at uMake is as follows: use fiber laser for thin sheet metal, and waterjet for thick plates or heat-sensitive materials. Our quoting platform can help you determine the most economical process for your specific project.
Can I combine waterjet cutting with other services at uMake for my project in Quebec? Absolutely. uMake.ca is a full-service manufacturing facility under one roof in Montreal—meaning you can combine multiple processes into a single, coordinated order, without having to manage several different suppliers. Common examples for clients in Quebec include: Waterjet cutting + CNC metal bending: thick steel plates cut via waterjet, then formed into enclosures or frames using a press brake. Waterjet cutting + powder coating: parts cut and then finished with a durable, weather-resistant coating. Waterjet cutting + fiber laser cutting: a mix of materials within a single project—thick plates processed via waterjet, and thin sheet metal via laser. Waterjet cutting + UV printing: architectural panels cut and then printed on directly. This vertical integration reduces lead times, simplifies logistics, and ensures consistent quality across all processes.