The global waterjet cutting machine market size was valued at USD 966.7 million in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 1,289.2 million by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 3.7% from 2023 to 2030. This moderate but steady growth is primarily driven by the increasing inclination of industries toward eco-friendly and sustainable cutting procedures. Sectors such as automotive, electronics, textile, mining, packaging, and construction are increasingly adopting waterjet cutting systems because they eliminate heat-affected zones, reduce hazardous emissions, and support cleaner operations. Additionally, the continuous rise in the adoption of advanced machinery enabled by substantial improvements in process automation across various manufacturing environments is expected to strengthen the demand for waterjet cutting machines during the forecast period.

Waterjet cutting technology is gaining notable traction due to its exceptional versatility in accurately cutting a wide range of materials, including flammable materials, composites, glass, and metals. The technology uses either pure water or a blend of water and abrasive material as the cutting medium, enabling the machine to slice through steel plates up to 10 inches thick. Leading industry players, such as Flow International Corporation, offer high-performance systems like the Mach series, which can cut materials up to 24 inches in thickness, thereby demonstrating the capability and strength of modern waterjet equipment. Furthermore, waterjet machines can efficiently perform varied operations, including rapid drilling, cutting thin intricate details, and creating precision shapes in materials such as glass, stone, and metal, making them indispensable tools for complex fabrication requirements.

The waterjet cutting machine industry is further expected to grow due to the widespread trend toward industrial automation and the rising demand for highly customized products across sectors. Manufacturers are increasingly investing in research and development to enhance machine precision, efficiency, and ease of integration. These innovations help make waterjet systems more cost-effective and accessible to a broader range of industries. As technological sophistication grows and operational costs decline, the industry is poised to experience significant expansion in the coming years.

With increasing complexity and curvature requirements in modern cutting processes, robotic waterjets are rapidly gaining popularity. Industries such as aerospace and defense, automotive, and energy and power frequently require highly complex cutting tasks involving components like turbines, blades, spare parts, and flanges. Robotic technologies enable real-time enhancement of efficiency, consistency, and overall productivity. Another key growth factor is the reduction in labor costs, as these advanced machines can be managed with minimal human intervention. Equipped with intelligent CAD/CAM/Control software, waterjet cutting systems allow a single operator to manage multiple machines simultaneously. Their semi-automated operation is encouraging shop owners to integrate more of these machines into their workflow, thereby further fueling industry growth. 

Key Market Trends & Insights:

• The Asia Pacific region held the largest market share of 35.65% in 2022 and is also expected to experience the fastest growth rate of 4.3% during the forecast period. This expansion is largely attributed to improving economic conditions, increasing manufacturing capabilities, and rapid industrialization in countries such as China, India, and South Korea.
• By type, the abrasive waterjet cutting machine segment accounted for the largest market share of 94.27% in 2022, supported by its superior ability to cut a wider range of materials. Meanwhile, the pure waterjet cutting machine segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.4% from 2023–2030, boosted by growing use in applications requiring precise, heat-free cutting of softer materials.
• By product, the 3D waterjet cutting machines segment captured the largest market share of 52.52% in 2022, owing to their flexibility in producing complex geometries. The robotic waterjet cutting machines segment is expected to register the fastest growth rate of 4.6% from 2023–2030, driven by automation trends and the need for high-precision, automated cutting tasks.
• By application, the glass/metal art segment accounted for the largest market share of 27.97% in 2022. Rising investments in commercial and residential construction, architectural installations, and customized artistic projects contribute to this segment’s growth. Similarly, the foam-cutting segment is projected to record the fastest CAGR of 5.3% over the forecast period, supported by demand from packaging, automotive interiors, and insulation applications.
• By end use, the automotive industry held the largest market share of 27.97% in 2022, largely due to the growing requirement for high-precision cutting of complex automotive components. The aerospace and defense sector is forecast to register the highest CAGR of 4.3% from 2023–2030, as it increasingly incorporates waterjet technology for precision cutting of sensitive and high-strength materials.

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Market Size & Forecast:

• 2022 Market Size: USD 966.7 Million
• 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 1,289.2 Million
• CAGR (2023-2030): 3.7%
• Asia Pacific: Largest market in 2022

Key Companies & Market Share Insights:

Major players in the global waterjet cutting machine market include Colfax Corporation; Omax Corporation; Koike Aronson, Inc.; WARDJet, Inc. (AXYZ Automation Group); and Dardi International Corporation, among others. These companies are actively strengthening their market presence through strategic moves such as acquisitions, partnerships, and regional expansions. A strong emphasis is placed on product innovation, with significant investments in research and development to introduce advanced, energy-efficient, and high-performance systems. Market leaders are also focusing on expanding their product portfolios and integrating smarter, more powerful features into waterjet machines to meet the evolving needs of global industries.

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Conclusion:

The global waterjet cutting machine market is set for consistent growth, supported by rising industrial automation and the increasing preference for environmentally friendly cutting technologies. Advancements in machinery, particularly in robotic and 3D waterjet systems, are enhancing precision and productivity across industries. Expanding applications in automotive, aerospace and defense, construction, and artistic fabrication continue to strengthen overall market demand. Regional growth, especially in the Asia Pacific, highlights increasing industrialization and technological adoption. With ongoing research and development and strategic initiatives by key market players, the industry is poised to achieve strong and sustainable expansion through 2030.