OMAX MAXIEM 1530

$130,000-$220,000 (new with options); $80,000-$140,000 (used 2016-2020) Updated 2026-03-14

Key Specifications

cutting area

1,524 x 3,048 mm (60 x 120 in)

pump type

EnduroMAX direct-drive

pump power

30 HP standard (40/50 HP optional)

max pressure

60,000 PSI (4,137 bar)

cutting accuracy

±0.076 mm (±0.003 in)

linear positional accuracy

±0.076 mm/m

Overview

The OMAX MAXIEM 1530 is a mid-range abrasive waterjet cutting system from OMAX Corporation, designed as the value entry point into precision waterjet cutting. The 1530 designation indicates the table size: 1,524 x 3,048 mm (60 x 120 in), matching the standard 5x10-foot sheet format. OMAX is a pure-play waterjet manufacturer based in Kent, Washington, and the MAXIEM line brings their proven direct-drive pump technology and Intelli-MAX software to shops that need waterjet capability without the cost of a top-tier OMAX or ProtoMAX system.

The MAXIEM 1530 comes standard with a 30 HP EnduroMAX direct-drive pump operating at up to 60,000 PSI (4,137 bar). Upgradeable pump options include 40 HP and 50 HP configurations for faster cutting on thick materials. The direct-drive pump design eliminates the intensifier and hydraulic system used by competitors like Flow, resulting in fewer wear parts and lower maintenance costs. Cutting accuracy is ±0.076 mm (±0.003 in) on the standard configuration.

OMAX’s Intelli-MAX software suite handles everything from CAD import through nesting and toolpath generation. The software’s material database contains cutting models for hundreds of materials and automatically calculates optimal feed rates based on material type, thickness, and desired edge quality. Intelli-VISOR monitoring software tracks pump performance and maintenance intervals.

The machine cuts virtually any material: metals (steel, aluminum, titanium, copper, Inconel), stone, glass, ceramics, composites, rubber, and foam. Maximum cutting thickness depends on material but reaches 200+ mm (8+ in) in steel at reduced speeds. The cold-cutting process creates no heat-affected zone (HAZ), making it ideal for heat-sensitive materials and applications where metallurgical properties must be preserved.

New MAXIEM 1530 systems typically start around $130,000-$180,000 for the base machine with 30 HP pump. Adding a tilt-a-jet or A-jet 5-axis cutting head for taper compensation pushes the total to $160,000-$220,000. Used units from 2016-2020 trade for $80,000-$140,000. Key competitors include the Flow Mach 2, Jet Edge Mid Rail, and WARDJet Z-Series.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Cutting Area	1,524 x 3,048 mm (60 x 120 in)
Pump Type	EnduroMAX direct-drive
Pump Power	30 HP standard (40/50 HP optional)
Max Pressure	60,000 PSI (4,137 bar)
Cutting Accuracy	±0.076 mm (±0.003 in)
Linear Positional Accuracy	±0.076 mm/m
Max Traverse Speed	12,700 mm/min (500 in/min)
Materials	Metals, stone, glass, ceramics, composites, rubber, foam
Max Cutting Thickness	200+ mm (8+ in) in steel
Software	Intelli-MAX (CAD/CAM/nesting)
Z Axis Travel	152 mm (6 in)
Power Requirement	480V, 3-phase, 60A
Machine Weight	~4,082 kg (9,000 lb)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Direct-drive pump eliminates intensifier and hydraulic system — fewer wear parts and lower maintenance than competitor designs
Intelli-MAX software is intuitive with an extensive material database that auto-calculates optimal feed rates
Cuts virtually any material with no heat-affected zone — ideal for heat-sensitive applications
5x10-foot cutting area handles standard sheet sizes common in North American fabrication
OMAX is a pure-play waterjet company — their entire engineering focus is on waterjet technology
Lower entry cost than top-tier OMAX models while sharing the same software and pump technology

Limitations

30 HP standard pump limits cutting speed on thick materials — upgrading to 40-50 HP adds significant cost
Abrasive waterjet operating costs (garnet, nozzle wear, water treatment) run higher per hour than laser or plasma
Cutting speed on thin sheet metal is significantly slower than fiber laser alternatives
±0.076 mm accuracy is good for waterjet but less precise than wire EDM or laser on thin materials
Tank maintenance (sludge removal, water level management) adds ongoing labor that other cutting technologies avoid

Best For

Job shops needing a versatile cutting platform that handles any material without multiple machines Fabricators cutting heat-sensitive materials where zero HAZ is mandatory (titanium, hardened steel, composites) Shops adding waterjet as a complement to existing laser or plasma capacity for materials those technologies can’t handle Stone, glass, and ceramic fabricators needing precision cutting of brittle materials Prototype and short-run shops where the ability to cut any material without tooling changes is the primary value Operations where the lower capital cost of waterjet vs. laser makes sense for their volume and material mix

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does an OMAX MAXIEM 1530 cost?

Base machine with 30 HP pump starts at $130,000-$180,000. Adding 5-axis cutting head pushes to $160,000-$220,000. Used units from 2016-2020 trade for $80,000-$140,000.

02 What materials can the MAXIEM 1530 cut?

Virtually anything: steel, aluminum, titanium, copper, Inconel, stone, glass, ceramics, composites, rubber, foam. Max steel thickness is 200+ mm at reduced speeds.

03 How does the MAXIEM compare to the OMAX 5555?

The MAXIEM is the value line — same software and pump technology as higher-end OMAX models but with a simplified frame design at a lower price point. The OMAX 5555 offers higher precision and rigidity for more demanding applications.

04 What are the ongoing operating costs?

Major consumables are garnet abrasive ($0.20-0.40/lb), mixing tube nozzles ($150-300, last 40-120 hours), and orifices ($15-50, last 40-100 hours). Water treatment and disposal add additional costs.

05 Does the MAXIEM 1530 cut with abrasive or pure water?

Both. Abrasive waterjet (mixing garnet into the stream) handles metals, stone, and hard materials. Pure waterjet (no abrasive) cuts soft materials like foam, rubber, and gasket material.