AKS Cutting Systems CNC Waterjet Cutting

AKS Cutting Systems water-kut X3

Q: How much does the AKS Cutting Systems water-kut X3 cost?

The price estimate for the AKS Cutting Systems water-kut X3 is uncertain: we have no price for it that we can cite and no estimate we can stand behind, so we give no figure. Configuration, tooling, automation and installation move the final price substantially. A specific price can be requested at https://machinetoolindex.com/machines/aks-cutting-systems-water-kut-x3#price; the request is passed to AKS Cutting Systems or an authorised dealer.

Specs verified 2026-10-05 · akscutting.com Updated 2026-10-05

AKS Cutting Systems water-kut X3 cantilever waterjet

Image: akscutting.com, AKS Cutting Systems

Key Specifications

Rapid Traverse

800 ipm (20.3 m/min)

motion accuracy

+/- 0.003 in per 3 ft of motion (+/- 0.08 mm per 914 mm)

max cut width

Up to 8 ft (2.44 m)

max cut length

Up to 20 ft (6.10 m)

table sizes

4 ft x 5 ft, 6 ft x 12 ft, 6 ft x 20 ft, 6 ft x 24 ft, 8 ft x 12 ft, 8 ft x 14 ft, 8 ft x 20 ft

machine design

3-sided open cantilever design with independent work table

How much does the AKS Cutting Systems water-kut X3 cost?

Price estimate

Uncertain

We do not have a price for the AKS Cutting Systems water-kut X3 that we can stand behind, so we show no number. Configuration, options and installation move the final price a long way: a quote is the reliable figure.

Overview

Open on three sides, the AKS water-kut X3 is a cantilever abrasive waterjet aimed at fabrication shops that load large plate by crane or fork truck. A single-sided X-axis base carries a cantilevered Y-axis bridge over an independent work tank. AKS lists a maximum cut width of up to 8 ft (2.44 m), a maximum cut length of up to 20 ft (6.10 m), a travel speed of 800 ipm (20.3 m/min) and motion accuracy of +/- 0.003 in per 3 ft.

The brochure states that the machine was originally designed by MC Machinery, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi, and improved upon by AKS engineers in the U.S.A. That background shows in the control: a Mitsubishi 80W industrial CNC with Mitsubishi motors and drives, a 19 in (483 mm) display and a joystick for manual motion in all three axes.

Seven table sizes are listed on the product page, from 4 ft x 5 ft through 6 ft x 12 ft, 6 ft x 20 ft and 6 ft x 24 ft to 8 ft x 12 ft, 8 ft x 14 ft and 8 ft x 20 ft. The work table is separate from the motion base, which AKS says isolates thermal distortion and prevents crash or bump damage from reaching the axes. Submerged cutting with water level raise and lower control is built in, and the brochure lists an automatic touch probe, a laser pointer and garnet removal pre-plumbing among the standard features.

High pressure comes from KMT. The pump table offers intensifiers at 60,000 psi and 90,000 psi (6,205 bar) and a 55,000 psi direct drive unit, from 30 hp (22.4 kW) to 125 hp (93.2 kW). Abrasive is stored in a 670 lb (304 kg) bulk feeder hopper.

A Taper Control System is offered for this model. It adds two axes of motion at the head, angular and rotational, to tilt the jet's natural taper away from the part edge. Shops cutting thick parts with straight walls should price it in from the start.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Motion Accuracy	+/- 0.003 in per 3 ft of motion (+/- 0.08 mm per 914 mm)
Rapid Traverse Rate	800 ipm (20.3 m/min)
Max Cut Width	Up to 8 ft (2.44 m)
Max Cut Length	Up to 20 ft (6.10 m)
Table Sizes	4 ft x 5 ft, 6 ft x 12 ft, 6 ft x 20 ft, 6 ft x 24 ft, 8 ft x 12 ft, 8 ft x 14 ft, 8 ft x 20 ft
Machine Design	3-sided open cantilever design with independent work table
Pump Pressure Max	90,000 psi (6,205 bar) with KMT Pro intensifier
Pump Options	KMT NEO intensifier, 60,000 psi, 30 hp (22.4 kW) or 50 hp (37.3 kW); KMT Pro intensifier, 90,000 psi, 50 hp (37.3 kW), 60 hp (44.7 kW) or 125 hp (93.2 kW); KMT SL-VI intensifier, 60,000 psi, 50 hp (37.3 kW) or 100 hp (74.6 kW); KMT Tri-Line direct drive, 55,000 psi, 30 hp (22.4 kW)
Cutting Head	KMT high-pressure abrasive cutting head
Abrasive Hopper	670 lb (304 kg) abrasive bulk feeder hopper
CNC Control	Mitsubishi 80W industrial CNC controller
Operator Screen	19 in (483 mm) display
Software	Metamation MetaJet CAD, CAM and True-Shape auto nesting

Specifications sourced from akscutting.com — verified 2026-10-05

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

3-sided open cantilever design for loading and unloading large plates
Seven table sizes, up to 8 ft x 20 ft
Independent work table isolates thermal distortion and crash or bump damage from the motion base
Built-in submerged cutting with water level raise and lower control
Taper Control System available, adding angular and rotational axes at the head
Automatic lubrication system for the moving parts

Limitations

Travel speed is 800 ipm (20.3 m/min); the water-kut X2 is listed at 1,200 ipm (30.5 m/min)
Motion accuracy of +/- 0.003 in per 3 ft, where the water-kut X4 is listed at +/- 0.001 in per 3 ft
AKS's page and brochure disagree on the Z-axis travel and on the Y-axis drive type, so both need confirming
The page lists a 6 ft x 24 ft table but a maximum cut length of up to 20 ft (6.10 m)

Best For

Fabrication shops loading large plate from the side Plate up to 8 ft (2.44 m) wide Quiet, submerged abrasive cutting Thick parts with straight walls, using the Taper Control System

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Why is the AKS water-kut X3 built as a cantilever?

For access. The Y-axis bridge is supported from one side only, which leaves the table open on three sides for loading and unloading large plates and gives an unobstructed view of the cut. The trade-off of any cantilever is a bridge supported at one end, which is why width is limited to 8 ft (2.44 m).

02 What table sizes does the water-kut X3 come in?

The product page lists 4 ft x 5 ft, 6 ft x 12 ft, 6 ft x 20 ft, 6 ft x 24 ft, 8 ft x 12 ft, 8 ft x 14 ft and 8 ft x 20 ft. The specification block gives a maximum cut width of up to 8 ft (2.44 m) and a maximum cut length of up to 20 ft (6.10 m), so the cut length of the longest table should be confirmed.

03 Which pumps are offered on the water-kut X3?

All are KMT units. The pump table lists NEO and SL-VI intensifiers at 60,000 psi, Pro intensifiers at 90,000 psi in 50 hp (37.3 kW), 60 hp (44.7 kW) and 125 hp (93.2 kW) sizes, and a Tri-Line direct drive pump at 55,000 psi with 30 hp (22.4 kW).

04 What does the Taper Control System do on the water-kut X3?

A waterjet naturally cuts a slightly tapered kerf. The Taper Control System angles and rotates the jet so that the taper falls on the scrap side, away from the part's straight edge. AKS says the result is a part produced faster and with straighter walls, regardless of the thickness or composition of the material.

05 What control does the water-kut X3 use?

A Mitsubishi 80W industrial CNC controller with a 19 in (483 mm) display, a full standard keyboard and a joystick that jogs all three axes. Parts are programmed and nested in Metamation MetaJet, which the brochure describes as CAD, CAM and True-Shape auto nesting software developed for waterjet cutting.