Flow Mach 150

$120,000-$250,000 (new); $70,000-$160,000 (used 2016-2020) Updated 2026-03-14

Key Specifications

Accuracy

±0.076 mm (±0.003 in)

Repeatability

± 0.001 in

table sizes

1,300x1,300 mm to 4,000x2,000 mm

common config

3,100 x 2,000 mm (122 x 79 in)

pump type

HyperJet direct-drive

pump options

30 HP, 50 HP, or 60 HP

Overview

The Flow Mach 150 is an industrial abrasive waterjet cutting system from Flow International, the company that invented the modern abrasive waterjet in the 1980s. The Mach 150 sits in the mid-range of Flow’s lineup, positioned between the entry-level Mach 100 and the high-performance Mach 200. It’s built for shops that need reliable, production-grade waterjet cutting at a price point that doesn’t require the premium investment of Flow’s top-tier Dynamic XD systems.

Table sizes range from the 1313 (1,300 x 1,300 mm / 51 x 51 in) up to the 4020 (4,000 x 2,000 mm / 157 x 79 in), with the most common North American configuration being the 3120 at 3,100 x 2,000 mm (122 x 79 in). The machine comes with Flow’s HyperJet pump in 30 HP, 50 HP, or 60 HP configurations operating at up to 60,000 PSI (4,137 bar). The 94,000 PSI HyperPressure pump option is available for significantly faster cutting speeds.

Flow’s FlowXpert CAD/CAM software handles part programming from DXF/DWG import through nesting and toolpath generation. The software includes Flow’s SmartStream technology that automatically optimizes cutting speed based on desired edge quality — from roughing at Q1 to precision finishing at Q5. The FlowCut controller provides the machine interface with a touchscreen display.

Cutting capability covers virtually any material: metals, stone, glass, ceramics, composites, plastics, and rubber. Maximum cutting thickness in steel exceeds 200 mm (8 in) at reduced speeds, with production cutting typically running up to 150 mm (6 in). The cold-cutting process produces no heat-affected zone, making it the go-to technology for heat-sensitive materials and maintaining metallurgical properties.

New Mach 150 systems typically price between $120,000 and $250,000 depending on table size and pump configuration. The 94,000 PSI HyperPressure option adds a significant premium but delivers 30-50% faster cutting. Used Mach 150 units from 2016-2020 trade for $70,000-$160,000. Key competitors include the OMAX MAXIEM series, Jet Edge Mid Rail, and WARDJet Z-Series. Flow’s advantage is brand recognition, the largest installed base worldwide, and the HyperPressure pump option that no other manufacturer matches.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Table Sizes	1,300x1,300 mm to 4,000x2,000 mm
Common Config	3,100 x 2,000 mm (122 x 79 in)
Pump Type	HyperJet direct-drive
Pump Options	30 HP, 50 HP, or 60 HP
Max Pressure	60,000 PSI (4,137 bar); 94,000 PSI optional
Positioning Accuracy	±0.076 mm (±0.003 in)
Max Traverse Speed	15,240 mm/min (600 in/min)
Materials	Metals, stone, glass, ceramics, composites, plastics, rubber
Max Cutting Thickness	200+ mm (8+ in) in steel
Software	FlowXpert CAD/CAM + FlowCut controller
Edge Quality System	SmartStream (Q1-Q5)
Power Requirement	480V, 3-phase
Machine Weight	~3,600-6,800 kg depending on table size
Rapid Traverse Maximum	400 in/min
Linear Positional Accuracy	± 0.002 in
Repeatability	± 0.001 in
Z Axis Travel	8 in
Work Envelope	Mach 150 1313: 4'-3" x 4'-3"Mach 150 3020: 10' x 6'-6"Mach 150 4020: 13'-1" x 6'-6"
Acceleration	0.05 g
Ballbar Circularity	± 0.005 in

Specifications sourced from flowwaterjet.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Flow invented abrasive waterjet and has the largest global installed base — proven technology with extensive field experience
94,000 PSI HyperPressure pump option delivers 30-50% faster cutting than standard 60,000 PSI systems
SmartStream technology automatically optimizes cutting speed based on desired edge quality (Q1 rough to Q5 precision)
Multiple table sizes from 51x51 in to 157x79 in accommodate diverse shop layouts and sheet sizes
Cuts virtually any material with no heat-affected zone — the universal cutting tool for any fabrication shop
FlowXpert software provides integrated CAD/CAM from import through nesting and cutting in one environment

Limitations

Flow’s HyperJet pumps have higher consumable costs than OMAX’s direct-drive design for comparable 60,000 PSI operation
Abrasive waterjet running costs (garnet, nozzles, orifices) are higher per hour than laser cutting for thin sheet metal
The 94,000 PSI HyperPressure option adds significant cost and increases maintenance frequency on high-pressure components
Cutting speed on thin sheet metal is significantly slower than fiber laser — waterjet complements rather than replaces laser
Tank sludge removal and water management require ongoing maintenance labor

Best For

Job shops needing a versatile cutter that handles any material without multiple specialized machines Fabricators cutting heat-sensitive materials where zero HAZ is mandatory (titanium, Inconel, hardened steels) Shops processing thick plate beyond laser capability — waterjet handles 150+ mm steel where laser stops at 30-40 mm Stone, tile, and architectural fabricators cutting precision shapes in natural and engineered materials Aerospace and defense contractors cutting composites, armor plate, and exotic alloys Operations where the 94,000 PSI HyperPressure option’s speed advantage justifies the premium investment

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Flow Mach 150 cost?

New Mach 150 systems run $120,000-$250,000 depending on table size and pump config. Used units from 2016-2020 trade for $70,000-$160,000.

02 What is HyperPressure?

Flow’s 94,000 PSI pump technology that operates at 50% higher pressure than standard 60,000 PSI systems. This delivers 30-50% faster cutting speeds, particularly on thick materials.

03 How does the Mach 150 compare to OMAX MAXIEM?

Both are mid-range waterjets at similar price points. Flow has the HyperPressure option that OMAX doesn’t match. OMAX’s direct-drive pump design has lower consumable costs at 60,000 PSI. Software preference (FlowXpert vs Intelli-MAX) often drives the decision.

04 What materials can the Mach 150 cut?

Virtually anything: metals, stone, glass, ceramics, composites, plastics, rubber, foam. Max steel thickness exceeds 200 mm at reduced speeds.

05 What are the ongoing operating costs?

Major consumables: garnet abrasive ($0.20-0.40/lb), mixing tubes ($150-300, 40-120 hour life), orifices ($15-50, 40-100 hour life). The 94,000 PSI option has higher seal and check valve costs than 60,000 PSI operation.