Waterjet vs Bridge Saw — Choosing the Right CNC Cutting Solution
A practical comparison for stone fabricators. Learn the strengths, trade-offs, and ideal use-cases for waterjet cutting and CNC bridge saws, then discover how Midecnc solutions fit your workflow.
4+1 Axis Bridge Saw
High-throughput solution for countertop production
5 Axis Bridge Saw
Precision cutting for complex countertop designs
4020AC — 5-Axis Waterjet
Multi-material, high-precision waterjet
Compare waterjet and bridge saw technologies across speed, precision, material compatibility, operating cost and common use-cases. Use quick links below to jump to sections.
Key Differences
What is a CNC Bridge Saw?
A CNC bridge saw uses a diamond blade mounted on a gantry to make straight and angled cuts on large stone slabs. Available in 4+1 and 5-axis, they excel at volume cutting and mitered edges for countertops.
What is a Waterjet?
Waterjet cutting uses a high-pressure water stream with abrasive to cut virtually any material without heat-affected zones. Ideal for intricate profiles, mixed-material work, and applications where thermal damage must be avoided.
Waterjet vs Bridge Saw — Quick Comparison
| Feature | Bridge Saw | Waterjet |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting speed | Fast for straight & miter cuts | Slower, especially on thick materials |
| Precision | ~±0.1 mm | ~±0.05 mm |
| Materials | Stone (granite, marble, quartz) | Stone, metal, glass, composites |
| Operating cost | Lower | Higher (abrasive & maintenance) |
| Best use | Countertops, slabs, high-volume production | Intricate inlays, custom mixed-material work |
Which Machine Should You Choose?
Bridge Saw
- High throughput for slab/edge cutting.
- Ideal for natural stone & engineered quartz.
- Lower total cost for straight-cut production.
Waterjet
- Intricate shapes, internal cutouts, inlays.
- Multiple materials, heat-sensitive components.
- Custom, small-batch, decorative work.
Practical Strategy
Many fabricators use a hybrid workflow: bridge saws for bulk slab preparation and straight cuts, waterjets for finishing details, mosaics, or mixed-material components.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Evaluate Machines for Your Workshop?
Request a demo, send sample files, or ask for a cost estimate. Our engineers will help you choose the optimal configuration.
Request Demo & QuoteRecommended Machines
For interior decoration professionals, Midecnc offers CNC machines that deliver precision, efficiency, and creative flexibility. Whether you’re working with sintered stone, ceramic panels, or composite materials, our bridge saws and engraving systems are optimized for both artistic detailing and structural fabrication.
5 Axis CNC Bridge Saw
Designed for top-tier interior and architectural applications, the 5-Axis CNC Bridge Saw enables ultra-precise mitre cuts, curve shaping, sink cutouts, and even sculpted reliefs—all in one intelligent workflow. Built for sintered stone, marble, quartz, and ceramic panels, it delivers unmatched efficiency and versatility for designers and fabricators.
- Photo Taking & Suction Cup System: Advanced alignment and stone stabilization system enhances safety and accuracy.
- True 5-Axis Cutting: Offers full XYZ movement with spindle rotation and tilt for advanced 3D profiling, edge shaping, and bevel cuts (up to 45°).
- Handles Complex Shapes: Ideal for cutting triangles, ellipses, diamonds, circles, countertops, tables, and more.
4+1 Axis CNC Bridge Saw
An ideal choice for projects requiring mitre cuts, linear polishing, and embedded slotting. Reliable, fast, and easy to use for everyday interior cutting tasks.
- ±90° blade rotation with 0–90° tilt
- Perfect for cabinet grooves and lighting slot creation
- Heavy-duty frame & easy control: Built for stability and intuitive operation
AC 5 Axis CNC Waterjet Cutting Machine(4020AC)
A flagship model for large-format slab cutting, edge profiling, and mitre processing. Perfectly suited for interior applications involving porcelain, sintered stone, and decorative materials.
- 5-axis full interpolation cutting for seamless joint creation and artistic angles
- Auto nesting and intelligent toolpath optimization to reduce waste
- Supports porcelain, sintered stone, glass, MDF, and composites
Talk to Our Expert Sales Team
Whether you need a single-head rock drilling cutter with CAD support or a complete CNC stone machine for basin hole and countertop fabrication, we’re here to help you scale with precision.
Recommended Reading
Expand your knowledge about CNC stone machinery with these expert guides: