--- title: "OEM vs Aftermarket Parts for Your Waterjet Machine: A Comprehensive Decision Guide" description: You can buy water jet parts from an OEM, aftermarket, or remanufactured provider when replacing a part - but which option will be the best? Let's explore. image: https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/hubfs/oem%20vs%20aftermarket.jpg --- [![Jet Edge](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/hubfs/Jet_Edge_November2019/images/Jet-Edge-Logo-250x61.png)](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/) - [Waterjets](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/water-jet-cutter-motion-systems/) - [Edge Mid Rail Series](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/edge-mid-rail-series/) - [Edge Mid Rail Edge X3](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/products/water-jet-cutter-motion-systems/edge-x-3-mid-rail-gantry-waterjet-cutting-machine/) - [Edge Mid Rail Edge X5](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/products/water-jet-cutter-motion-systems/5-axis-waterjet-cutting-machine/) - [Edge Mid Rail Dual Carriage](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/products/water-jet-cutter-motion-systems/edge-dual-carriage-mid-rail-waterjet/) - [Edge High Rail Series](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/edge-high-rail-series/) - [Edge X3-HR](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/products/water-jet-cutter-motion-systems/edge-x3-hr/) - [Edge X5-HR](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/products/water-jet-cutter-motion-systems/edge-x5-hr/) - [Jet Start Series](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/jet-start-series/) - [Jet Start 510A](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/products/water-jet-cutter-motion-systems/jet-start-510a/) - [Jet Start 510A5](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/products/water-jet-cutter-motion-systems/jet-start-510a5/) - [Custom Configuration](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/custom-configuration/) - [Pumps](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/water-jet-pumps/) - [Hero Series](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/hero-intensifier-pump-series/) - [HERO 50](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/products/water-jet-pumps/hero-50/) - [HERO 50+](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/products/water-jet-pumps/hero-50-plus/) - [HERO 100](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/products/water-jet-pumps/hero-100/) - [HERO 100+](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/products/water-jet-pumps/hero-100-plus/) - [HERO 150](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/products/water-jet-pumps/hero-150/) - [HERO 150+](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/products/water-jet-pumps/hero-150-plus/) - [Custom Configuration](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/custom-configured-ultra-high-pressure-pumps/) - [Accessories](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/water-jet-accessories/) - [Resources](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/resources/) - [Resource Center](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/resources/) - [Guide to jetedgewaterjets.com](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/jetedgewaterjets-com-site-navigation-resources/) - [Service & Support](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/water-jet-system-pump-service/) - [Maintenance Training Classes](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/resources/jet-edge-training/) - [Maintenance Training Videos](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/resources/?_technical_service_and_support=maintenance-training-videos) - [Technical Bulletins](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/resources/?_technical_service_and_support=technical-bulletins) - [Blog](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/) - [Case Studies](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/resources/?_waterjet_cutting_best_practices=case-studies) - [Product & Application Videos](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/resources/?_video_library=product-videos) - [Application Analysis](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/application-analysis/) - [Choice Waterjet Parts](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/choice-waterjet-parts/) - [Financing](https://financewithafp.com/jetedge/) - [About](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/about/) - [Contact](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/contact/) [ORDER PARTS](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/jet-edge-e-commerce-store/) [ORDER PARTS](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/jet-edge-e-commerce-store/) # OEM vs Aftermarket Parts for Your Waterjet Machine: A Comprehensive Decision Guide - [Home](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/) - OEM vs Aftermarket Parts for Your Waterjet Machine: A Comprehensive Decision Guide [Oct 19 2023](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/water-jet-machines/oem-vs-aftermarket-parts-for-your-waterjet-machine-a-comprehensive-decision-guide) [Water Jet Machines](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/tag/water-jet-machines) ![OEM vs Aftermarket Parts for Your Waterjet Machine: A Comprehensive Decision Guide](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/hubfs/oem%20vs%20aftermarket.jpg) NOTE: This post was republished with updates on 3/31/26 Water jet cutting systems are high-precision tools engineered to produce the most complex cuts with the best first-cut edge finish in the largest number of materials. The old saying, “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” definitely describes water jets. Yet, the quality and characteristics of each part impact how much greater the sum will be. Change the quality of a part, and the sum (performance in cutting systems) changes. Where are we going with this analogy? You can buy water jet parts from an OEM, aftermarket, or remanufactured provider when replacing a part - but which option will have the least impact on the performance of your water jet? Let’s explore.   ## OEM or Aftermarket Parts - Which Should You Choose? Complex products commonly have aftermarket parts available. Aftermarket parts sellers thrive on creating “clones” of their OEM counterparts and selling them for less than the originals. Aftermarket parts work well in specific applications like automotive. But are they suitable for water jets that rely on extreme precision and stringent quality control (QC) levels to perform at their best? Let’s look at the pros and cons of each, starting with OEM.   ### OEM Water Jet Parts - Advantages The advantages of OEM parts are obvious; no one knows how to make the part better than the company that engineers and manufactures it. These companies have the technical drawings, manufacturing specifications, CAD files, materials, and tooling (if required) for the original part. Here are the advantages of replacing your parts with OEM. - **Quality** – OEM manufacturers tend to have higher QC standards and practices. - **Compatibility** – You know the OEM part will work with your specific water jet model. - **Warranty** – OEM parts typically have better warranty coverage than their OEM equivalent and exercising warranty claims should a part fail may be easier. Make sure you read your OEM’s warranty policy carefully to make sure the equipment warranty is not voided by using aftermarket parts. - **Support** – The OEM knows their equipment more intimately and has all of the technical documentation for the equipment sold to you. With the OEM, you will get both the part you need and the support required to install it. Visit our [MyEquipment](https://jetedgewaterjets.com/my-equipment/) page at Jet Edge to see how that technical support is shared with users. - **Recommended Service Intervals** – The OEM often produces service schedules that recommend when service should take place. That [predictive maintenance data](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/water-jet-machines/what-is-visual-management-and-predictive-maintenance-how-does-it-apply-to-water-jet-cutting-systems) is based on the assumption OEM parts are used and these intervals may not apply to aftermarket parts. - **Longevity and durability** – The quality of materials and manufacturing precision runs higher in OEM environments, enabling the OEM part to last longer than the aftermarket offering. - **Performance consistent with the previous part** – You are replacing like for like, ensuring the performance of the part and your water jet will be the same as before the part replacement. An uncomplicated way to summarize the benefits of an OEM part is this, “**No surprises**.” You know it will fit and perform just like the original that came with the water jet.   ### OEM Water Jet Parts - Disadvantages It’s hard to ignore the advantages of an OEM replacement part. But, the option does have its disadvantages, which include the following: - **Higher cost** – This may be the most common criticism of an OEM part; they cost more because delivering the above benefits is more expensive. - **After Market parts variety** –  OEMs generally recommend a narrow product offering intended to optimize their equipment performance. After Market suppliers don’t carry the same need for providing long-term support and therefore may be willing to adapt parts or equipment with less caution or concern.    ### Aftermarket Water Jet Parts - Advantages Now, it’s time to dive into the pros and cons of aftermarket parts. What sets the aftermarket option apart? - **Lower pricing** –  This is generally the primary angle aftermarket companies rely on. Since aftermarket companies generally do not have the overhead OEM’s do with engineering, R&D, production, highly experienced technical support staff, etc. they can afford to accept lower margins. They may also rely on foreign sourced components in low wage countries that use lower quality materials. For more information on this, see our blog about the importance of [Made in America](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/water-jet-machines/is-made-in-america-important-for-water-jet-system).  - **Broad range availability** –  Many aftermarket companies sell parts for a range of brands. For customers operating systems from many different OEMs, this may represent an opportunity to buy parts for all these units from a single source.  - **Variety of Options **–  As aftermarket companies don’t have the same concern for ensuring compatibility and long-term support, they may be willing to sell a broader range of offerings than what the OEM has developed and tested. For adventurous customers, this may be appealing, but it also shifts the burden of testing and confirming capability onto the customer, and in the event of incompatibility or other issue, leaves the customer in a bind.     ### Aftermarket Water Jet Parts - Disadvantages Aftermarket parts do suffer from an entrenched view they are not and never will be as good as the OEM supplied product. Some of those disadvantages, include: - **Limited product offering** – The aftermarket distributor can never expect to carry the full range of components the OEM can. So, they tend to focus on a narrow range of components that are easier to source, lower in cost and turn more frequently./ - **Incompatibility** –  Parts change over the life of an asset as products are enhanced. In the normal course, an OEM may revise parts or assemblies to maximize performance. The aftermarket supplier does not have access to the engineering documentation and will always be slow to “copy” the new designs. - **Patents** –  Many OEM technologies are patented upon release. The aftermarket part must be different enough from the OEM to avoid patent infringement legal issues. As a result, when you buy an aftermarket part, you risk it not being perfectly compatible with your water jet.  - **Quality concerns** – Aftermarket companies primarily rely on pricing and must find ways to reduce the cost of producing their products. Foreign sourcing, lower-quality materials, incomplete assemblies, and other corner cutting may reduce quality. - **Warranty** –  Aftermarket part warranties rarely match the protection of an OEM warranty. And, for overseas aftermarket companies, exercising and receiving satisfaction on a warranty claim can be challenging.  - **Support** – Let’s face it: the OEM for your water jet is not likely to offer help when you have an issue resulting from using an aftermarket part. That means you must carefully investigate your aftermarket supplier's support capabilities and reputation before buying your part. - **Longevity and durability** – A lower-quality part rarely performs as long and reliably as an OEM one. That means you face more frequent maintenance and replacement, incurring costs that erode the price savings.   ## A Comment of Remanufactured Assemblies In certain instances, you may find remanufactured assemblies are available. In the best case, the remanufacturer disassembles the old assembly, thoroughly cleans the parts, replaces worn and broken components, and tests it to ensure proper operation. It is an unfortunate reality that not all remanufacturers follow this best practice approach. Additionally, it is important to understand if a remanufacturer is using OEM parts to ensure maximum performance and compatibility. ## Talk to Jet Edge About Your Replacement Part Needs We encourage you to call us first whenever you need to replace a part. One of our engineers will gladly discuss your situation and needs. Together, we’ll work to ensure you have all the information necessary to choose the option that best meets your needs.   ---   ![Jet-Edge-Brochure-CTA-Image-Jet-Edge](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Jet-Edge-Brochure-CTA-Image-Jet-Edge.png?width=238&name=Jet-Edge-Brochure-CTA-Image-Jet-Edge.png) ## Check Out Our Digital Brochure!   Since 1984, Jet Edge has been designing and manufacturing Ultra-High-Pressure Water jet technology that doesn't back down. Our systems are used around the world in a broad range of industries from the world's leading airlines, to automotive, aerospace and industrial manufacturers, and machine job shops.  **To learn more about the Jet Edge difference, our water jet motion systems, pumps and much more, click the button "Download Brochure" to get it now!**   [![DOWNLOAD BROCHURE](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/5771486/af809d73-e779-4ec7-ae10-61e777f7f8c3.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/5771486/af809d73-e779-4ec7-ae10-61e777f7f8c3)   Category: [Water Jet Machines](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/tag/water-jet-machines) [By Todd Eccless](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/author/todd-ecless) [Oct 19, 2023](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/water-jet-machines/oem-vs-aftermarket-parts-for-your-waterjet-machine-a-comprehensive-decision-guide) [Leave a comment](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/water-jet-machines/oem-vs-aftermarket-parts-for-your-waterjet-machine-a-comprehensive-decision-guide#comments-listing) [Previous All About Waterjet Bricks – What They Do and When You Should Use Them](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/water-jet-machines/all-about-waterjet-bricks-what-they-do-and-when-you-should-use-them) [Next Water Jet System Productivity Enhancers Part 2: Cutting Stacked Materials with Your CNC Water Jet Machine](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/water-jet-machines/water-jet-system-productivity-enhancers-part-2-cutting-stacked-materials-with-your-cnc-water-jet-machine) ### Related Posts [![How the Federal Tax Provision Section 179 May Improve the Cash Flow Benefit of a Water Jet Investment](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/hubfs/section179-featured-800x400.png)](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/how-the-federal-tax-provision-section-179-may-improve-the-cash-flow-benefit-of-a-water-jet-investment) [How the Federal Tax Provision Section 179 May Improve the Cash Flow Benefit of a Water Jet Investment](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/how-the-federal-tax-provision-section-179-may-improve-the-cash-flow-benefit-of-a-water-jet-investment) Aug 21, 2026 [![Up-Time Series Part 2: Parts, Consumables, and Training](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/hubfs/uptime_header_2x1%20-%20800%20x%20400.png)](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/up-time-series-part-2-parts-consumables-and-training) [Up-Time Series Part 2: Parts, Consumables, and Training](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/up-time-series-part-2-parts-consumables-and-training) Aug 10, 2026 [![An Introduction to Preparing Your Facility for a Water Jet Cutting System](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/hubfs/site%20prep%20for%20water%20jet%20cutting2-1.jpg)](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/water-jet-machines/an-introduction-to-preparing-your-facility-for-a-water-jet-cutting-system) [An Introduction to Preparing Your Facility for a Water Jet Cutting System](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/water-jet-machines/an-introduction-to-preparing-your-facility-for-a-water-jet-cutting-system) Jun 23, 2026 [![Why Water Jet Cutting Matters in Power Generation Manufacturing and MRO](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/hubfs/power%20generation%20blog.jpg)](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/water-jet-machines/why-water-jet-cutting-matters-in-power-generation-manufacturing-and-mro) [Why Water Jet Cutting Matters in Power Generation Manufacturing and MRO](https://blog.jetedgewaterjets.com/water-jet-machines/why-water-jet-cutting-matters-in-power-generation-manufacturing-and-mro) May 15, 2026 [![A Blog About our Blog Button (revised) - 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