Method and apparatus for severing work objects

A method for severing work objects constructed of laminate materials including establishing a high pressure jet of fluid passing substantially along a longitudinal axis; placing the work object and the jet of fluid in alignment with each other so that the jet of fluid intersects the work object; and moving the work object and jet of fluid relative to each other to sever the work object with the jet of fluid. An apparatus for severing work objects constructed of laminate materials, the apparatus having a conveyor for transporting the work objects along a path of travel; a system for directing a high pressure jet of fluid along an axis; a beam mounting the directing system in juxtaposition to the conveyor with the axis intersecting the conveyor; and a moving assembly operable to move the beam substantially transversely of the path of travel whereby the work objects are successively severed by the jet of fluid into configurations defined by movement of the work objects in the path of travel and by movement of the beam and thereby the jet of fluid.