Specsheet

Nozzle before quote

A worn or blocked nozzle affects cutting quality, speed and costs directly. Always check nozzle condition before quoting or starting any CNC cutting job.

By Mr Ashlin Gounden, MD, Service

Mr Ashlin Gounden Author

Why nozzle condition matters before quoting work

The nozzle is the last part of your cutting head that controls the shape, size and quality of your tool or jet. If it’s worn, blocked or out of round, every part you cut will suffer: edges get rough, accuracy slips, and you burn through consumables faster. For CNC plasma, waterjet and routers, the nozzle sets the limit on speed and quality, and it often changes more than you think.

Quoting a job or planning a run, you need to know your machine is performing as expected. If the nozzle isn’t checked first, you might underquote or promise deliveries you can’t meet. On a waterjet or plasma, a bad nozzle will slow cutting, waste plate and even ruin a full batch. Always start with the basics: know your nozzle state before you try to price a job or commit to a lead time.

How to check your nozzle before quoting

Checking your nozzle is quick, but it needs to be done properly every time. Dont assume yesterday’s settings are still correct. Follow these steps as a habit before you accept work or update your quote:

Questions to ask our team or your technician

If you’re unsure about your nozzle’s condition, or you see unusual wear, send us a message using our contact form. We’ll help you identify if it’s time to replace or service your nozzle, and advise on what to check next.

You can also ask about the right cleaning tools, nozzle types for specific materials, or recommended spare stock for your equipment. If you’re running in a high-dust area or have frequent power cuts, mention this so we can advise on best practice for your site.

Common mistakes we see in nozzle checks

The most common mistake is skipping the check altogether, assuming yesterday’s nozzle is still fine. Another is using a worn or mismatched nozzle for a different job or plate thickness, which leads to bad cuts and wasted time.

We also see operators using the wrong cleaning tools that scratch or deform the nozzle or forgetting to run a test cut after re-seating. Always double check your nozzle state and test before accepting or quoting new work, one small slip can cost you a whole sheet or batch.

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