OMAX 80160
Key Specifications
Accuracy
Repeatability
cutting area
z axis travel
max traverse speed
gantry type
Overview
The OMAX 80160 is OMAX Corporation's largest standard production waterjet cutting system, with a cutting envelope of approximately 80 x 160 inches (2,032 x 4,064 mm) — roughly 6.7 x 13.3 ft. At this scale, the 80160 handles sheet formats well beyond standard 4x8 or 5x10 ft stock, making it the waterjet of choice for large-format fabrication: architectural metalwork, large machine frames, industrial gasket blanking, structural steel profiles, and large aerospace subassemblies. The machine uses a full bridge gantry supported on both sides of the deep-well catcher tank, which is engineered to absorb the kinetic energy of the waterjet stream at this cutting scale.
The 80160 supports up to four simultaneous cutting heads, making it one of the most throughput-capable waterjet systems in OMAX's lineup. In a dual-head configuration with 50 HP pumps, two A-Jet 5-axis heads can cut identical nested parts simultaneously, effectively doubling output. In four-head configurations, certain production applications can achieve throughput that would otherwise require multiple smaller waterjet machines. The 80160's tank is designed to handle the additional water volume and garnet slurry generated by multi-head operation.
The same EnduroMAX direct-drive pump technology used across the OMAX lineup powers the 80160, available in 30 HP, 40 HP, and 50 HP ratings. Multiple pump units can be daisy-chained to supply multiple cutting heads. Positioning accuracy is maintained at ±0.076 mm (±0.003 in) across the full 160-inch travel through the rigidity of the bridge structure and precision ball screw drives. Intelli-MAX software provides the same intuitive programming environment as smaller OMAX machines, with additional nesting and multi-head control capabilities.
New OMAX 80160 systems are large capital investments, typically ranging from $300,000 for a single-head basic configuration to $600,000 or more for multi-head setups with A-Jet heads and high-HP pumps. The 80160 occupies the premium end of OMAX's catalog, competing with Flow's Mach 500 3060 and Mach 700 large-format configurations.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Cutting Area | Approx. 2,032 x 4,064 mm (80 x 160 in) |
| Z Axis Travel | 305 mm (12 in) |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.076 mm (±0.003 in) |
| Repeatability | ±0.025 mm (±0.001 in) |
| Max Traverse Speed | 12,700 mm/min (500 ipm) |
| Gantry Type | Full bridge (dual-side support) |
| Drive Type | Precision ball screw with servo motors |
| Pump Type | EnduroMAX direct-drive (multiple units for multi-head) |
| Max Pressure | 60,000 PSI (4,137 bar) |
| Pump Horsepower | 30 HP / 40 HP / 50 HP per pump unit |
| Max Cutting Heads | Up to 4 simultaneous |
| Cutting Head Options | Standard abrasive / Tilt-A-Jet / A-Jet (5-axis to 60 deg) |
| Software | Intelli-MAX (Layout, Make, Intelli-VISOR) |
| Abrasive | Garnet 80 mesh standard |
| Machine Weight | Approx. 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) |
Specifications sourced from omax.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Largest standard cutting envelope in OMAX's lineup at 80 x 160 in, handling oversized panels and long structural profiles in a single setup
- Up to four simultaneous cutting heads multiply production throughput for high-volume flat cutting operations
- Full bridge gantry maintains ±0.076 mm accuracy across the full 160-inch travel that cantilever designs cannot achieve at this scale
- Multi-pump configuration allows independent pump maintenance without full machine downtime — take one pump offline for service while others continue cutting
Limitations
- Large capital cost ($300K-$600K+) and substantial floor space requirement (approximately 8 x 18 m including clearances) limit this to dedicated waterjet production facilities
- Maximum 60,000 PSI pressure — no ultra-high pressure option within the OMAX lineup for shops requiring the highest possible cutting speed on thick hard materials
- Multi-head garnet consumption and water volume are substantial; abrasive handling and sludge removal systems must be sized accordingly
- At this scale, transport and installation require specialized rigging — multi-section tank assembly and pump connections add to commissioning time and cost
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The 80160's cutting envelope is approximately 80 x 160 inches (6.7 x 13.3 ft). Finished part size is slightly smaller due to lead-in and lead-out distances at the cutting envelope edges. For most practical parts, you can cut up to approximately 78 x 158 inches. The 160-inch X-travel allows full-length processing of standard 12-foot structural profiles with room to spare.
02
The 80160 can be configured with two or four cutting heads mounted on the bridge gantry. All heads run the same program, offset by the inter-head spacing, cutting identical parts simultaneously. Head spacing is configured at installation and is adjustable within a range. Four-head cutting quadruples throughput on parts that fit the head spacing, though it requires proportionally more pump capacity and garnet supply.
03
The 80160 requires a reinforced concrete floor capable of supporting approximately 20,000 lbs of machine weight plus water, garnet, and workpiece loads. The tank requires a floor penetration for drain piping and access to a garnet removal system. The machine also requires three-phase 480V electrical at 100+ amps depending on pump configuration, a soft water supply, and compressed air. Site preparation is typically $20,000-$50,000 for a new installation.
04
Both occupy the large-format industrial waterjet segment. The Flow Mach 700 with HyperJet pump offers 94,000 PSI cutting pressure — significantly higher than the OMAX 80160's 60,000 PSI maximum — providing faster cutting on thick hard materials. The OMAX 80160 offers Intelli-MAX software, which many operators find more intuitive than FlowMaster. For pure cutting speed on thick plate, Flow Mach 700 has the advantage. For ease of programming and operator training, OMAX has the edge.
05
Yes. OMAX offers integration support for automated material handling systems, including rail-mounted sheet loaders and robotic unloading on the 80160. Third-party automation integrators have built material handling cells around OMAX's large-format machines for high-volume production environments. Automated systems are custom-quoted based on material type, part size, and throughput requirements.
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