AKS Cutting Systems water-kut X4
Image: akscutting.com, AKS Cutting Systems
Key Specifications
Rapid Traverse
motion accuracy
max cut width
max cut length
table sizes
z axis travel
How much does the AKS Cutting Systems water-kut X4 cost?
Price estimate
We do not have a price for the AKS Cutting Systems water-kut X4 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
Ball screws on every axis define the AKS water-kut X4. Where most large waterjets use rack and pinion for the long axis, this bridge gantry has dual X-axis ball screw drives, one on each side, and a single ball screw on the Y-axis bridge. The result is the tightest motion figure in the AKS range: +/- 0.001 in per 3 ft accuracy of motion.
That accuracy is paid for in speed and in length. Travel speed is 800 ipm (20.3 m/min), and the product page lists just three sizes: 4 ft x 5 ft, 6 ft x 12 ft and 12 ft x 20 ft. Maximum cut width is up to 12 ft (3.66 m) and maximum cut length up to 20 ft (6.10 m). The brochure notes that longer versions are made with a precision ground helical rack and pinion drive instead, so a buyer who needs length should ask which drive a given size has and what accuracy goes with it.
The Z axis has 8 in (203 mm) of programmable travel. As on the cantilever model, the work table is independent of the motion base, the machine is laser calibrated and software compensated, and submerged cutting with water level raise and lower control is built in. An automatic touch probe holds the nozzle stand-off.
Pumps and abrasive handling are common to the range. The page offers KMT pumps from a 55,000 psi direct drive unit to 90,000 psi (6,205 bar) intensifiers, between 30 hp (22.4 kW) and 125 hp (93.2 kW), feeding a KMT abrasive cutting head from a 670 lb (304 kg) bulk hopper.
For precision work the option that matters is the Taper Control System, and AKS says the X4 can carry dual TCS cutting heads for production. Control is a Mitsubishi 80W industrial CNC with a 19 in (483 mm) screen.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Motion Accuracy | +/- 0.001 in per 3 ft of motion (+/- 0.03 mm per 914 mm) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 800 ipm (20.3 m/min) |
| Max Cut Width | Up to 12 ft (3.66 m) |
| Max Cut Length | Up to 20 ft (6.10 m) |
| Table Sizes | 4 ft x 5 ft, 6 ft x 12 ft, 12 ft x 20 ft |
| Z Axis Travel | 8 in (203 mm) programmable |
| Drive System | Ball screw drives on X, Y and Z axes; dual X-axis ball screw drives on both sides, single Y-axis bridge ball screw drive |
| 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) screen |
| Software | Metamation MetaJet CAD, CAM and True-Shape auto nesting |
Specifications sourced from akscutting.com — verified 2026-10-05
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +/- 0.001 in per 3 ft accuracy of motion, against +/- 0.003 in per 3 ft on the water-kut X3
- Dual X-axis ball screw drives and a ball screw on the Y-axis bridge
- Cuts up to 12 ft (3.66 m) wide, the widest of the three AKS waterjets
- Laser calibrated and software compensated, with an independent work table
- Can be fitted with dual Taper Control System cutting heads
- 8 in (203 mm) of programmable Z-axis travel with an automatic touch probe
Limitations
- Travel speed of 800 ipm (20.3 m/min) is below the 1,200 ipm (30.5 m/min) of the water-kut X2
- Only three sizes on the product page: 4 ft x 5 ft, 6 ft x 12 ft and 12 ft x 20 ft
- Longer versions use helical rack and pinion in place of the ball screw, according to the brochure
- A bridge gantry has rails on both sides, so it lacks the three-sided loading access of the water-kut X3
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
AKS lists +/- 0.001 in per 3 ft accuracy of motion for the X4, compared with +/- 0.003 in per 3 ft for the water-kut X3. The figure describes the motion system, which uses ball screw drives on all axes and is laser calibrated and software compensated. Finished part tolerance also depends on taper, pressure and cut quality settings.
02
A traditional bridge gantry with dual X-axis rails driven by ball screws on both sides and a single ball screw on the Y-axis bridge. The Z axis has 8 in (203 mm) of programmable travel. The brochure adds that longer lengths are achieved with a precision ground helical rack and pinion drive system.
03
The product page lists 4 ft x 5 ft, 6 ft x 12 ft and 12 ft x 20 ft, with a maximum cut width of up to 12 ft (3.66 m) and a maximum cut length of up to 20 ft (6.10 m). The brochure mentions further standard sizes by model code, so ask AKS for the current list if another size is needed.
04
When tolerance or width decides the job. The X4 is listed at +/- 0.001 in per 3 ft and cuts up to 12 ft (3.66 m) wide. The water-kut X3 is listed at +/- 0.003 in per 3 ft and up to 8 ft (2.44 m) wide, but its cantilever frame is open on three sides for loading. Both travel at 800 ipm (20.3 m/min).
05
KMT pumps throughout: NEO and SL-VI intensifiers at 60,000 psi, Pro intensifiers at 90,000 psi (6,205 bar), and a Tri-Line direct drive pump at 55,000 psi. Sizes run from 30 hp (22.4 kW) to 125 hp (93.2 kW).
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