OMAX 55100

$80,000 - $150,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

Table Size

10'6" x 5'5"(3.20 m x 1.65 m)

Weight

7,960 lb(3,611 kg)

Accuracy

±0.076 mm (±0.003 in)

Repeatability

±0.001"(±0.025 mm)

cutting area

1,397 x 2,565 mm (4.6 x 8.4 ft)

z axis travel

8"(203 mm)

Overview

The OMAX 55100 is a compact abrasive waterjet cutting center with a roughly 5 x 10 ft (1,397 x 2,565 mm) cutting envelope, designed for shops that need solid waterjet capability without consuming excessive floor space. Despite its smaller footprint, the 55100 shares the same precision ball screw drives, linear bearings, and Intelli-MAX software as OMAX's larger machines, delivering the same accuracy and ease of use in a tighter package.

The 55100 runs on OMAX's EnduroMAX direct-drive pump at 60,000 PSI, available in 20 HP and 30 HP configurations. The 20 HP option is notable because it runs on single-phase power, making the 55100 one of the few industrial waterjet systems that can operate in facilities without three-phase electrical service. This opens waterjet cutting to small shops, garages, and buildings where running three-phase power would be prohibitively expensive.

Positioning accuracy is ±0.076 mm (±0.003 in) with repeatability of ±0.025 mm (±0.001 in). The 55100 supports the same cutting head options as the larger OMAX machines: standard abrasive head, Tilt-A-Jet for taper compensation, and A-Jet for full 5-axis cutting. Rapid traverse is 7,620 mm/min (300 ipm). The Intelli-MAX software suite handles programming with the same intuitive interface across the entire OMAX line.

New 55100 systems start around $80,000 for a basic 20 HP single-phase configuration and go up to $150,000+ with 30 HP pump and A-Jet head. Used units from 2014-2021 sell in the $35,000-$80,000 range. The 55100 competes directly with the OMAX ProtoMAX at the low end and with the 80X at the high end of its option range.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Cutting Area	1,397 x 2,565 mm (4.6 x 8.4 ft)
Z Axis Travel	8"(203 mm)
Positioning Accuracy	±0.076 mm (±0.003 in)
Repeatability	±0.001"(±0.025 mm)
Max Traverse Speed	7,620 mm/min (300 ipm)
Drive Type	Precision ball screw, linear bearings
Pump Type	EnduroMAX direct-drive
Max Pressure	60,000 PSI (4,137 bar)
Pump Horsepower	20 HP (single-phase) or 30 HP (three-phase)
Cutting Head Options	Standard / Tilt-A-Jet / A-Jet (5-axis)
Software	Intelli-MAX (Layout, Make, Intelli-VISOR)
Abrasive	Garnet (80 mesh standard)
Machine Weight	Approx. 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)
Floor Space Required	15' 1" x 8' 9"(4.60 m x 2.44 m)
Height	10'(3.05 m)
Operating Weight	21,147 lb(9,592 kg)
Machine Weight	7,960 lb(3,611 kg)
X Y Cutting Travel	8'4" x 4'7"(2.54 m x 1.39 m)
Table Size	10'6" x 5'5"(3.20 m x 1.65 m)
Material Supports Slats	4" x 1/8" Galvanized Steel
Maximum Supported Material Load	400 lbs/sq ft(1,950 kg/sq meter)
Electrical Requirements	3-Phase, 380-480 VAC ±10%, 50-60 Hz
Noise Level	Below 80 dBA at one meter for submerged cutting
Speed	180 in/min(4,572 mm/min)
Linear Positional Accuracy	±0.001"(±0.025 mm)
Ballbar Circularity	±0.0025"(±0.064 mm)
Motor Power	100 HP(75 kW)
Max Jet Power	85 HP(63 kW)
Output Pressure	60,000 psi
Orifice Flow Rate	0.022" / 2.25 gpm(0.56 mm / 8.52 lpm)
Footprint Lxwxh	44" x 62" x 44"(1,118 mm x 1,575 mm x 1,118 mm)
10 0 X 5 2	3.04 m x 1.57 m
13 4 X 6 8	4.06 m x 2.03 m
2 1 X 2 1	0.63 m x 0.63 m
2 2 X 2 2	0.66 m x 0.66 m
4 4 X 2 2	1.32 m x 0,66 m
4 7 X 4 7	1.39 m x 1.39 m
8 4 X 4 7	2.54 m x 1.39 m
20 0 X 10 0	6.09 m x 3.04 m
26 8 X 13 4	8.12 m x 4.06 m
5 2 X 5 2	1.57 m x 1.57 m
10 0 X 6 7	3.04 m x 2.00 m
13 10 X 6 7	4.21 m x 2.00 m
20 6 X 6 7	6.24 m x 2.00 m
27 2 X 6 7	8.28 m x 2.00 m
20 6 X 10 2	6.24 m x 3.09 m
2 7 X 5 0	.78 m x 1.52 m
10 0 X 5 0	3.04 m x 1.52 m
13 3 X 6 8	4.03 m x 2.03 m
72 F	(22° C)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

20 HP single-phase power option allows installation in facilities without three-phase electrical, opening waterjet to small shops and garages
Same Intelli-MAX software and precision components as larger OMAX machines, so operators can transfer skills across the lineup
Compact footprint fits in shops where a full 5x10 or larger waterjet table won't physically fit
Direct-drive EnduroMAX pump delivers consistent pressure without hydraulic oil system maintenance
Supports Tilt-A-Jet and A-Jet cutting heads for taper compensation and 5-axis cutting despite smaller size
Lower entry price than the 80X makes waterjet cutting accessible to smaller businesses and start-up job shops

Limitations

20 HP pump cuts significantly slower than 30 or 50 HP options, especially on materials over 0.5 in thick
Cutting area is slightly smaller than a full 5x10 ft sheet, so some standard sheet sizes may need trimming or repositioning
Rapid traverse at 300 ipm is noticeably slower than larger OMAX machines, increasing cycle time on jobs with many short cuts
Not suitable for high-volume production work where cutting speed and throughput are critical
Open-top catch tank still requires the same garnet sludge maintenance as larger machines

Best For

Small job shops and start-ups adding waterjet capability where floor space and electrical infrastructure are limited Prototype shops that need to cut diverse materials (metals, composites, plastics, stone) in moderate quantities Facilities without three-phase power that need industrial waterjet capability on single-phase 20 HP Shops upgrading from the OMAX ProtoMAX that need a bigger cutting area and more pump power Educational programs and makerspaces that want real industrial waterjet performance in a manageable package

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Can the OMAX 55100 really run on single-phase power?

Yes. The 20 HP EnduroMAX pump option operates on single-phase 230V power, which is available in most commercial and residential buildings. This is a significant advantage for shops in older buildings or leased spaces where adding three-phase power could cost $5,000-$20,000. The 30 HP option requires three-phase power.

02 How does the 55100 compare to the OMAX 80X?

The 55100 has a slightly smaller cutting area (4.6 x 8.4 ft vs. 5 x 10 ft on the 80X), slower rapid traverse (300 ipm vs. 500 ipm), and tops out at 30 HP vs. 50 HP on the 80X. Accuracy and repeatability specs are identical. The 55100 costs $30,000-$50,000 less than a comparably equipped 80X. If you're cutting standard 4x8 ft sheets, the 55100 handles them fine. If you regularly cut 5x10 ft or larger, go with the 80X.

03 What's the ongoing cost of running the 55100?

Budget roughly $8,000-$12,000 per year in consumables for moderate use: garnet abrasive ($0.25-$0.40/lb, using 0.5-1.5 lbs/min depending on cutting), mixing tubes ($150-$300 every 50-150 hours), orifices ($20-$50 every 40-100 hours), and pump seals ($500-$1,000 every 500-1,000 hours). Water costs are minimal but you need clean, softened water for pump longevity.

04 What materials and thicknesses can the 55100 handle?

The 55100 cuts any material a larger OMAX can: steel, aluminum, titanium, stainless, brass, copper, stone, glass, composites, rubber, foam, and plastics. Maximum practical cutting thickness depends on pump HP and patience. With 20 HP, cutting 2+ inch steel is slow but possible. With 30 HP, 3-4 inch steel is practical. The 12 in Z-travel accommodates thick stock and fixtures.