Flow Mach 300

$200,000 - $400,000 (new) Updated 2025-03-15

Key Specifications

Rapid Traverse

15,240 mm/min (600 ipm)

Accuracy

+/- 0.038 mm (0.0015 in)

Repeatability

± 0.001 in

cutting method

Abrasive waterjet

max pressure

60,000 PSI (4,137 bar)

pump type

Flow HyPlex Prime direct-drive

Overview

The Flow Mach 300 bridges the gap between Flow's Mach 200 series and the high-pressure Mach 500/700 platforms. It operates at 60,000 PSI using the HyPlex Prime direct-drive pump, which offers ~85% electrical efficiency vs ~65% for intensifiers, reducing energy costs and maintenance.

Table sizes range from 1,500 x 1,500 mm to 4,000 x 2,000 mm. Positioning accuracy is +/- 0.038 mm (0.0015 in) with repeatability of +/- 0.025 mm (0.001 in) -- tighter than the Mach 200 series. The motion platform uses precision linear guides and ball screws driven by AC servo motors.

The Mach 300 supports Flow's full cutting head range: standard abrasive, Dynamic Waterjet for taper compensation, and Dynamic Waterjet XD for 5-axis bevel cutting to 60 degrees. Dual-head configurations double throughput on identical parts. FlowXpert CAD/CAM with Q1-Q5 quality settings balances edge finish vs speed.

The heavy-duty welded steel frame features a stainless steel catcher tank with ball-screw abrasive removal and programmable water level control. New systems price $200,000-$400,000. Competes with OMAX 80X/GlobalMAX, Techni Waterjet Intec-G2, and WardJet Z-2000.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Cutting Method	Abrasive waterjet
Max Pressure	60,000 PSI (4,137 bar)
Pump Type	Flow HyPlex Prime direct-drive
Pump Efficiency	~85% electrical efficiency
Table Sizes	1,500 x 1,500 mm to 4,000 x 2,000 mm
Positioning Accuracy	+/- 0.038 mm (0.0015 in)
Repeatability	± 0.001 in
Max Cutting Thickness	150 mm (6 in)
Cutting Head Options	Standard, Dynamic Waterjet, Dynamic Waterjet XD (5-axis to 60 deg)
Multi Head	Dual-head available
Control Software	FlowXpert CAD/CAM with SmartStream
Drive System	AC servo motors, ball screws, precision linear guides
Rapid Traverse Rate	15,240 mm/min (600 ipm)
Tank Type	Stainless steel with ball-screw abrasive removal
Power Requirements	480V / 60Hz, 3-phase
Rapid Traverse Maximum	472 in/min
Linear Positional Accuracy	± 0.001 in
Z Axis Travel	12 in
Work Envelope	Mach 300 2015: 6'-6" x 5'Mach 300 3015: 10' x 5'
Acceleration	0.075 g
Ballbar Circularity	± 0.003 in

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

HyPlex Prime direct-drive pump ~85% efficient vs 65% for intensifiers
Tighter positioning (+/- 0.038 mm) than Mach 200 series
Dynamic Waterjet XD enables 5-axis bevel cutting to 60 degrees
Dual-head configuration doubles throughput on identical parts
Direct-drive pump has fewer wear components for lower maintenance
Q1-Q5 quality settings easily balance finish vs cutting speed

Limitations

Still 60,000 PSI -- thick plate shops should consider Mach 500 at 87,000 PSI
Dynamic Waterjet XD adds $40,000-$60,000 to base price
Direct-drive pumps can be more expensive for major rebuilds
Garnet consumption $15-$30/hour remains the largest ongoing cost
Fundamentally slower than laser or plasma on sheet metal

Best For

Production shops needing tighter tolerances than entry-level waterjets Fabricators valuing direct-drive pump energy savings Shops needing 5-axis bevel capability for weld prep Contract manufacturers using dual-head for repeat order throughput Aerospace shops cutting titanium and composites without HAZ Shops upgrading from entry-level waterjets