Precision Cutting with Laser and Water Jet
Feb 2nd 2026
Why Laser Cutting and Water Jet Cutting Are Essential
When precision and performance matter, laser cutting and water jet cutting are the processes that make the difference. At Niagara Specialty Metals, experts like Will Nelson bring more than two decades of experience to ensure that every part, whether it’s a knife blank, aerospace component, or medical part is cut with exacting accuracy.
The Art and Science of Laser Cutting
From Design to Finished Part
Laser cutting begins long before the machine powers up. Customers submit drawings or designs, and Will runs simulations to calculate how long the job will take and how much material is required. Using CAD and nesting software, he arranges each piece to maximize efficiency. “I enjoy tweaking those nests and trying to get as many knives out of it as possible,” Will explains. That attention to detail saves customers money by reducing waste.
Why Nitrogen Is a Game-Changer
Traditional oxygen or air cutting leaves oxides and heat-affected zones (HAZ) that can compromise steel. For knife makers, this can mean weakened edges and downstream processing issues. Niagara’s nitrogen-assisted laser cutting eliminates those risks. “You’re really limiting how much you’re destroying the edge of the knife for the customer,” Will says. The result? Cleaner edges, less distortion, and blades that retain their performance properties.
Speed Meets Consistency
Laser cutting also provides faster turnaround compared to water jetting. Combined with Niagara’s in-house steel supply, customers can receive cut-to-spec parts within days instead of weeks.
Why Water Jet Cutting Still Matters
How Water Jet Cutting Works
Water jet cutting uses a high-pressure stream of water, up to 50,000 psi, combined with garnet abrasive to literally erode metal. Will compares it to “Niagara Falls on a microscopic scale”. The process slices through tough materials without adding heat.
Heat-Free and Contamination-Free
This heat-free process is critical for industries like aerospace and medical, where blueprints may specify water jet cutting only. Eliminating any chance of heat-affected zones ensures compliance with strict performance standards.
When Customers Prefer Water Jet Cutting
Although Niagara has shifted about 95% of knife steel jobs to nitrogen lasers, some customers remain loyal to water jetting. In many cases, it’s because specifications require it; in others, it’s because they value the zero-heat method. While water jetting is slower and more consumable-heavy, Niagara keeps it available for the customers who need it most.
Customer Value: More Than Just Cutting
One-Stop Shop Efficiency
What truly sets Niagara apart is its ability to combine steel supply with cutting services. Other companies may supply the steel but send it elsewhere for cutting—adding delays, shipping costs, and headaches. Niagara eliminates the middleman. “Other distributors aren’t laser cutters, and laser cutters aren’t distributors. We eliminate that step,” Will explains.
Reducing Waste and Logistics Costs
By handling everything in-house, Niagara helps customers avoid unnecessary freight charges and long queues at outside shops. That means projects get completed faster, with fewer touchpoints and lower risk of error.
Lead Times that Give Customers Confidence
In industries where timing is everything, Niagara’s lead times stand out. Customers don’t have to wait months or juggle multiple vendors, they can rely on Niagara for steel that’s cut, processed, and shipped on schedule.
A Culture That Supports Precision
ESOP Ownership Fuels Quality
Behind every laser cut or water jet slice is a team that owns the company. As a 100% ESOP, Niagara’s employees have a vested interest in customer satisfaction. That ownership shows up in careful planning, precise execution, and a commitment to long-term relationships.
Experience You Can Count On
Will himself has been at Niagara for over 22 years, and many of his teammates share similar longevity. That stability ensures customers are working with true experts who know how to get the job done right the first time.
Conclusion: Precision Delivered Every Time
For customers who demand accuracy, efficiency, and reliability, Niagara Specialty Metals is the trusted partner for laser cutting and water jet cutting. Whether it’s nitrogen-assisted lasers that protect knife edges or water jetting that meets strict aerospace standards, Niagara delivers results that make a real difference.
From knives to aerospace components, every cut reflects the expertise of professionals like Will Nelson and the ownership culture that ensures your success is their success.
Looking to learn more about Niagara Specialty Metals in-house services? Check out some of our related blogs here:
Inside Niagara Specialty Metals: Innovation, Legacy, and the Future of Knife & Aerospace Steels
Steel Toughness vs Strength: What’s the Difference?
The ESOP Advantage at Niagara Specialty Metals
For more information, check out our other blogs.
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