Flow International Mach 500 5-Axis Waterjet
Key Specifications
Z Travel
Rapid Traverse
Accuracy
Repeatability
acceleration
work envelope
How much does the Flow International Mach 500 5-Axis Waterjet 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 International Mach 500 5-Axis Waterjet is the 5-axis listing of Flow's Mach 500. The figures Flow publishes describe the motion system, and for multi-axis cutting three of them carry the most weight: positioning accuracy of ± 0.0005 in (± 0.0127 mm), repeatability of ± 0.0008 in (± 0.02 mm) and ballbar circularity of ± 0.0025 in (± 0.0635 mm).
Why those three? A bevelled or compound-angle cut moves the linear axes and the head together, so a path error in X and Y is carried down the whole depth of a tilted kerf and does not stay at the top edge. Circularity is the nearest table figure to that behaviour, because a ballbar test measures both axes moving at once.
Z travel comes as 12 in or 24 in (305 mm or 610 mm). On a 5-axis job the taller option is worth pricing. A tilting head needs room above the part, and tube, formed sheet and edge preparation on fabricated shapes all stand well clear of the slats. Rapid traverse is 700 in/min (17.8 m/min) with 0.1 g acceleration.
Work envelopes are the 2020, 3020, 3060, 4020 and 4080, the largest being 13'-1" × 26'-0" (4 m × 8 m). Flow's table states no tilt angle, rotation range, pump pressure or cutting head for this listing, so write a bevel requirement into the enquiry as an angle and a material thickness.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Repeatability | ± 0.0008 in (± 0.02 mm) |
| Acceleration | 0.1 g |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 700 in/min (17.8 m/min) |
| Positioning Accuracy | ± 0.0005 in (± 0.0127 mm) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 12 in, 24 in (305 mm, 610 mm) |
| 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) |
| Ballbar Circularity | ± 0.0025 in (± 0.0635 mm) |
Specifications sourced from flowwaterjet.com — verified 2026-10-03
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Ballbar circularity of ± 0.0025 in (± 0.0635 mm), the figure that reflects two axes moving together
- The 24 in (610 mm) Z option gives a tilted head clearance over tall or formed parts
- Repeatability of ± 0.0008 in (± 0.02 mm) for repeat bevel jobs
- Envelopes up to the 4080, 13'-1" × 26'-0" (4 m × 8 m)
Limitations
- No tilt angle or rotation range is listed for the 5-axis head
- Pump pressure and pump power are missing from the table
- The 0.1 g acceleration and 700 in/min (17.8 m/min) rapids are the standard Mach 500 figures; the 5-axis name brings no faster motion
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
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). These are machine motion figures. The accuracy of a bevelled edge also depends on the head, the pump and the material.
02
Flow's specification table for the Mach 500 does not state a tilt angle or a rotation range. Put the largest bevel angle and the thickest material you need to cut into the enquiry and ask Flow to confirm both for the head being quoted.
03
Flow lists 12 in and 24 in (305 mm and 610 mm). Flat plate bevelling can be done within the shorter travel. Tube, formed sheet and fabricated parts sit higher and leave less room for a tilted head, which is the case for the 24 in (610 mm) option.
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