Flow Mach 500
Key Specifications
Z Travel
Rapid Traverse
Accuracy
Repeatability
table sizes
cutting head
How much does the Flow Mach 500 cost?
Estimated price range
Our best estimate for a cnc waterjet cutting in this class — not a quote from Flow International. Configuration moves it a long way.
Overview
The Flow Mach 500 is a 5-axis waterjet cutting table with positioning accuracy of ± 0.0005 in (± 0.0127 mm) and repeatability of ± 0.0008 in (± 0.02 mm). It is offered in five sizes from 2020 to 4080, with a 700 in/min (17.8 m/min) rapid traverse and a choice of 12 in or 24 in (305 mm or 610 mm) of Z travel.
The five envelopes are 2020 at 6'-6" × 6'-6" (2 m × 2 m), 3020 at 10'-0" × 6'-6" (3.05 m × 2 m), 3060 at 10'-0" × 20'-0" (3.05 m × 6 m), 4020 at 13'-1" × 6'-6" (4 m × 2 m) and 4080 at 13'-1" × 26'-0" (4 m × 8 m). The long 3060 and 4080 beds take full-length plate, or several standard plates end to end.
The listed cutting head is the Dynamic Waterjet XD, a 5-axis head, and there are two pump options: HyPlex Prime at 60,000 PSI or HyperJet at 94,000 PSI. Which pump is fitted sets the working pressure, so the 94,000 PSI maximum applies only to a HyperJet machine. Abrasive is garnet, with 80 mesh as standard.
Against the rest of the range this is the accuracy choice. The Mach 300 lists ± 0.001 in (± 0.025 mm) positioning accuracy and 472 in/min (11.9 m/min). The Mach 700 is faster, at 1,417 in/min (36 m/min), and far larger, but lists ± 0.0015 in (± 0.038 mm). Acceleration here is 0.1 g and ballbar circularity is ± 0.0025 in (± 0.0635 mm).
Decide Z travel early. The 24 in (610 mm) option suits tall parts and angled cuts on formed sections; the 12 in (305 mm) version is enough for flat plate. Flow's table does not list a maximum cutting thickness for this model.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Table Sizes | 2020 / 3020 / 3060 / 4020 / 4080 |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 700 in/min (17.8 m/min) |
| Repeatability | ± 0.0008 in (± 0.02 mm) |
| Cutting Head | Dynamic Waterjet XD (5-axis) |
| Pump Options | HyPlex Prime 60,000 PSI / HyperJet 94,000 PSI |
| Max Operating Pressure | 94,000 PSI (6,480 bar) |
| Abrasive | Garnet (80 mesh standard) |
| Rapid Traverse Maximum | 700 in/min |
| Work Envelope | 2020: 6'-6" × 6'-6"; 3020: 10'-0" × 6'-6"; 3060: 10'-0" × 20'-0"; 4020: 13'-1" × 6'-6"; 4080: 13'-1" × 26'-0" (2020: 2 m × 2; 3020: 3.05 m × 2; 3060: 3.05 m × 6; 4020: 4 m × 2; 4080: 4 m × 8 m) |
| Acceleration | 0.1 g |
| Ballbar Circularity | ± 0.0025 in (± 0.0635 mm) |
| Max Pressure | Up to 94,000 PSI (6,500 bar) with HyperJet |
| Positioning Accuracy | ± 0.0005 in (± 0.0127 mm) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 12 in, 24 in (305 mm, 610 mm) |
Specifications sourced from flowwaterjet.com — verified 2026-10-03
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Positioning accuracy of ± 0.0005 in (± 0.0127 mm), half the ± 0.001 in (± 0.025 mm) band of the Mach 300
- 5-axis Dynamic Waterjet XD cutting head is listed
- Five sizes, up to 13'-1" × 26'-0" (4 m × 8 m) on the 4080
- Z travel of 12 in or 24 in (305 mm or 610 mm)
- Pump options of HyPlex Prime at 60,000 PSI or HyperJet at 94,000 PSI
- 700 in/min (17.8 m/min) rapids with 0.1 g acceleration
Limitations
- The 94,000 PSI rating needs the HyperJet pump option; the HyPlex Prime option is 60,000 PSI
- Rapid traverse of 700 in/min (17.8 m/min) is about half the 1,417 in/min (36 m/min) of the Mach 700
- Largest envelope is 4 m × 8 m; the Mach 700 goes to 5 m × 24 m
- No maximum cutting thickness is listed in Flow's table for this model
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Five: 2020 (2 m × 2 m), 3020 (3.05 m × 2 m), 3060 (3.05 m × 6 m), 4020 (4 m × 2 m) and 4080 (4 m × 8 m). In feet and inches the smallest is 6'-6" × 6'-6" and the largest 13'-1" × 26'-0". Each can be had with 12 in or 24 in (305 mm or 610 mm) of Z travel.
02
Flow lists two options: HyPlex Prime at 60,000 PSI and HyperJet at 94,000 PSI. Maximum operating pressure of 94,000 PSI applies with the HyperJet. Decide on the pump with the material mix in mind, because it fixes the pressure the machine cuts at.
03
Positioning accuracy is ± 0.0005 in (± 0.0127 mm), repeatability is ± 0.0008 in (± 0.02 mm) and ballbar circularity is ± 0.0025 in (± 0.0635 mm). Those are the tightest positioning figures in the Mach tables from the Mach 150 to the Mach 700.
04
The listed cutting head is the Dynamic Waterjet XD, which Flow describes as 5-axis. With 12 in or 24 in (305 mm or 610 mm) of Z travel to choose from, pick the taller option if angled cuts on tall or formed parts are part of the work.
05
Size, speed and accuracy. The Mach 500 tops out at 4 m × 8 m, moves at 700 in/min (17.8 m/min) and lists ± 0.0005 in (± 0.0127 mm) positioning accuracy. The Mach 700 runs from 4 m × 8 m to 5 m × 24 m, moves at 1,417 in/min (36 m/min) and lists ± 0.0015 in (± 0.038 mm). Both offer 12 in or 24 in (305 mm or 610 mm) of Z travel and 0.1 g acceleration.
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