OMAX 55100 Jet Machining Center

$120,000 – $200,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

Cutting Area

1,397 × 2,540 mm (55 × 100 in)

Pump Pressure

55,000 PSI (3,793 bar) — OMAX direct-drive pump

Pump Power

40 HP (30 kW) or 50 HP (37 kW) optional

Max Cutting Thickness

200 mm (8 in) on steel; varies by material

Positioning Accuracy

±0.076 mm (±0.003 in)

Cutting Speed

Up to 1,500 mm/min (soft materials); 150–400 mm/min on 12 mm steel

Overview

The OMAX 55100 Jet Machining Center is one of OMAX's large-format production waterjet systems, delivering a 55×100 inch (approximately 1,400×2,540 mm) cutting envelope for manufacturers, metal service centers, and job shops requiring high throughput on full-size sheet stock. The 55100 is built around OMAX's proprietary direct-drive pump technology, which the company developed as a more reliable and energy-efficient alternative to traditional intensifier-based UHP pumps. OMAX direct-drive pumps use servo-controlled crankshaft mechanisms to generate cutting pressure, resulting in lower vibration, longer seal life, and simpler maintenance compared to intensifier designs.

The OMAX 55100 uses the Intelli-MAX software suite, which is widely regarded as one of the most capable and user-friendly CAM and control platforms in the waterjet industry. Intelli-MAX includes OMAX's proprietary path optimizer, which calculates optimal cutting speeds for every segment of the tool path based on material type, thickness, and desired edge quality. The software's material library covers hundreds of materials and automatically sets pump pressure and abrasive flow rate for each job. A conversational programming interface allows operators to import DXF and DWG files, edit geometry, and generate G-code without CAM expertise.

The 55100 supports OMAX's Tilt-A-Jet cutting head as an optional upgrade, which compensates for kerf taper by tilting the jet to produce truly square cut edges on thick materials. The machine also accepts OMAX's MAXJET 5i nozzle, which uses an improved mixing tube geometry to boost abrasive acceleration and cut speed without increasing pump pressure. The robust welded steel frame, precision linear bearing axes, and ballscrew drives deliver ±0.076 mm positioning accuracy across the full table.

The OMAX 55100 is a widely deployed production machine in aerospace subcontracting, architectural metalwork, defense fabrication, and contract cutting services. OMAX, now part of Hypertherm, maintains a strong North American support infrastructure with factory-trained service technicians and readily available consumables.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Cutting Area	1,397 × 2,540 mm (55 × 100 in)
Pump Pressure	55,000 PSI (3,793 bar) — OMAX direct-drive pump
Pump Power	40 HP (30 kW) or 50 HP (37 kW) optional
Max Cutting Thickness	200 mm (8 in) on steel; varies by material
Positioning Accuracy	±0.076 mm (±0.003 in)
Cutting Speed	Up to 1,500 mm/min (soft materials); 150–400 mm/min on 12 mm steel
Control System	Intelli-MAX Software Suite (OMAX proprietary)
Machine Weight	Approx. 4,500 kg (9,900 lbs)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Intelli-MAX software is widely regarded as the most user-friendly waterjet CAM platform in the industry
Direct-drive pump has fewer wear components than intensifier pumps — lower maintenance cost
Tilt-A-Jet optional head eliminates kerf taper for precision parts without post-processing
Strong parts availability and service support through Hypertherm/OMAX network

Limitations

OMAX direct-drive pump tops out at 55,000 PSI — lower than 60,000–90,000 PSI intensifier alternatives
Large table footprint requires significant floor space and utility hookups
Software licensing and Intelli-MAX ecosystem create some vendor lock-in

Best For

Metal service centers and job shops requiring high-volume cutting on full 4×8 ft sheets Aerospace subcontractors cutting titanium, Inconel, and aluminum plate without HAZ Architectural metalwork fabricators producing decorative panels, signage, and structural components

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How does OMAX's direct-drive pump differ from an intensifier pump?

Intensifier pumps use hydraulic cylinders to multiply low-pressure fluid to UHP levels, which creates pulsing pressure and requires frequent seal replacement. OMAX's direct-drive pump uses a servo-motor-driven crankshaft, producing smoother, more consistent pressure with fewer high-wear seals. The result is lower maintenance frequency and more consistent cut quality.

02 Can the OMAX 55100 cut carbon fiber composites?

Yes. Waterjet is one of the preferred methods for cutting carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) because it produces no heat-affected zone, no delamination from heat, and no airborne carbon fiber dust (the abrasive slurry contains the fiber particles). The OMAX 55100 with Intelli-MAX's composite material settings is used in aerospace and motorsport for CFRP structural panels.

03 What consumables does the OMAX 55100 require?

Primary consumables are garnet abrasive (typically 80 mesh), focusing tubes (MAXJET 5i nozzle), and orifice jewels. The direct-drive pump requires periodic crankshaft seal and check valve replacement, but at longer intervals than intensifier pumps. OMAX publishes a preventive maintenance schedule with estimated costs per operating hour.