Machine Comparison
Flow Mach 500 vs Flow Mach 700
Flow International vs Flow International · CNC Waterjet
Summary
The Flow Mach 500 and Flow Mach 700 are Flow's upper-range production waterjets, both offering 12 in or 24 in (305 mm, 610 mm) of Z travel. The Mach 500 is aimed at precision and high-mix work; the Mach 700 at thick plate, exotic alloys and multi-head production.
The Mach 700 is the faster machine, with 1,417 in/min (36 m/min) rapids against 700 in/min (17.8 m/min). The Mach 500 lists the tighter accuracy: ± 0.0005 in (± 0.0127 mm) positioning against ± 0.0015 in (± 0.038 mm), and ± 0.0008 in repeatability against ± 0.001 in.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Flow Mach 500 | Flow Mach 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Z-Axis Travel | 12 in, 24 in (305 mm, 610 mm) | 12 in, 24 in (305 mm, 610 mm) |
| Rapid Traverse | 700 in/min (17.8 m/min) | 1,417 in/min (36 m/min) ▲ |
| Positioning Accuracy | ± 0.0005 in (± 0.0127 mm) ▲ | ± 0.0015 in (± 0.038 mm) |
| Repeatability | ± 0.0008 in (± 0.02 mm) ▲ | ± 0.001 in (± 0.03 mm) |
Advantages
Flow Mach 500
- ± 0.0005 in (± 0.0127 mm) positioning accuracy against ± 0.0015 in (± 0.038 mm)
- ± 0.0008 in (± 0.02 mm) repeatability against ± 0.001 in (± 0.03 mm)
Flow Mach 700
- 1,417 in/min (36 m/min) rapid traverse against 700 in/min (17.8 m/min)
- Aimed at thick plate and multi-head production setups
Verdict
Both offer up to 24 in of Z travel, so choose by speed against accuracy. The Mach 500 suits precision and high-mix shops where ± 0.0005 in positioning on titanium, composites and stone matters most. The Mach 700 suits production shops cutting thick plate and exotic alloys in volume, often with multiple heads, where 1,417 in/min rapids raise throughput.