Machine Comparison
Flow Mach 300 vs Flow Mach 500
Flow International vs Flow International · CNC Waterjet
Summary
The Flow Mach 300 and Flow Mach 500 are production waterjets from Flow, both listing 12 in (305 mm) of Z travel. The Mach 300 is the step up from entry-level machines, with options such as 5-axis bevel cutting and dual heads. The Mach 500 is the higher-precision model aimed at aerospace, taper-free straight-edge work and high-mix production.
The Mach 500 leads on every speed and accuracy row in the table: 700 in/min (17.8 m/min) rapids against 472 in/min (11.9 m/min), ± 0.0005 in positioning accuracy against ± 0.001 in, and ± 0.0008 in repeatability against ± 0.001 in.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Flow Mach 300 | Flow Mach 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Z-Axis Travel | 12 in (305 mm) | 12 in, 24 in (305 mm, 610 mm) |
| Rapid Traverse | 472 in/min (11.9 m/min) | 700 in/min (17.8 m/min) ▲ |
| Positioning Accuracy | ± 0.001 in (± 0.025 mm) | ± 0.0005 in (± 0.0127 mm) ▲ |
| Repeatability | ± 0.001 in (± 0.025 mm) | ± 0.0008 in (± 0.02 mm) ▲ |
Advantages
Flow Mach 300
- Step up from entry-level waterjets, with a direct-drive pump option
- 5-axis bevel cutting for weld prep and dual-head options for repeat orders
Flow Mach 500
- 700 in/min (17.8 m/min) rapid traverse against 472 in/min (11.9 m/min)
- ± 0.0005 in (± 0.0127 mm) positioning accuracy against ± 0.001 in (± 0.025 mm)
- ± 0.0008 in (± 0.02 mm) repeatability against ± 0.001 in (± 0.025 mm)
Verdict
The Mach 500 is the choice for aerospace and precision shops that need ± 0.0005 in positioning and straight-edge cuts on titanium, Inconel and composite stacks, along with faster 700 in/min rapids. The Mach 300 suits contract and fabrication shops moving up from an entry-level waterjet, where ± 0.001 in accuracy is enough and bevel cutting for weld prep is the bigger need.