OMAX ProtoMax Abrasive Waterjet
Key Specifications
Repeatability
pump pressure
max cutting thickness
cutting area
max material thickness
linear positional accuracy
How much does the OMAX ProtoMax Abrasive Waterjet cost?
Estimated price range
Our best estimate for a cnc waterjet cutting in this class — not a quote from OMAX Corporation. Configuration moves it a long way.
Overview
The OMAX ProtoMax Abrasive Waterjet is a small machine with a 12" x 12" (304 mm x 304 mm) cutting area, a 5 HP (3.7 kW) direct-drive pump and a cutting pressure of 30,000 psi (2,068 bar). It runs from a 230-240 VAC, single phase, 30A, 50/60 Hz supply.
That electrical row is the one that sets it apart. The 2652, the smallest of its larger siblings, already has a 5′ 9″ x 2' 6″ (1.75 m x 0.76 m) table, far larger than the ProtoMax's whole cutting area. The ProtoMax asks only for a single-phase circuit, a water supply and a room kept within its environmental limits, which is why it suits prototype shops, labs and classrooms that could not house a machine of that size.
The site requirements are specific. Ambient temperature must be 50 to 90 °F (10-32 °C) with 95% or less humidity. Inlet water is listed at 45-85 PSI, a minimum flow rate of 0.75 GPM and a temperature of 45-80 °F. Abrasive is fed at 0.25 lbs. per minute from a hopper holding 14 lbs., and the recommended size is 80 mesh.
Motion figures are modest and should be read as such. Linear positional accuracy is ±0.005" (±0.127 mm), repeatability is ±0.003" (±0.076 mm) and traverse speed is 100 in/min (2,540 mm/min). The jet is formed by an orifice with a 0.008" internal diameter and a mixing tube 2.25" (57.15 mm) long with a 0.030" internal diameter, so allow for a cut width at least that of the mixing tube bore when designing small internal features.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Pump Pressure | Up to 30,000 psi |
| Max Cutting Thickness | Approx. 50 mm (material dependent) |
| Cutting Area | 12" x 12" (304 mm x 304 mm) |
| Max Material Thickness | 1.00" (25 mm) |
| Linear Positional Accuracy | ±0.005" (±0.127 mm) |
| Repeatability | ±0.003" (±0.076 mm) |
| Traverse Speed | 100 in/min (2,540 mm/min) |
| Pump Type | 5 HP (3.7 kW), Direct Drive |
| Cutting Pressure | 30,000 psi (2,068 bar) |
| High Pressure Water Flow Rate | 0.2 mm (0.95 lpm) |
| Orifice Internal Diameter | 0.008" (0.25 gpm) |
| Mixing Tube | 2.25" (57.15 mm) long; 0.030" (±0.076 mm) internal diameter |
| Electrical | 230-240 VAC, single phase, 30A, 50/60 Hz |
| Environment | 50 to 90 °F (10-32 °C) ambient temperature with 95% or less humidity |
| Minimum Input Water Pressure | 45-85 PSI |
| Minimum Flow Rate | 0.75 GPM |
| Temperature Required | 45-80 °F |
| Flow Rate | 0.25 lbs. per minute |
| Recommended Size | 80 mesh |
| Hopper Capacity | 14 lbs. |
| Stainless Steel 304 | .120" |
| Acrylic Clear | .120" |
| Carbon Fiber | .120" |
Specifications sourced from omax.com — verified 2026-10-03
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Runs on 230-240 VAC, single phase, 30A, 50/60 Hz, with no three-phase supply needed
- 5 HP (3.7 kW) direct-drive pump at a cutting pressure of 30,000 psi (2,068 bar)
- 12" x 12" (304 mm x 304 mm) cutting area for small parts and test pieces
- Abrasive hopper holds 14 lbs. at a feed of 0.25 lbs. per minute
- Inlet water need is low: a minimum flow rate of 0.75 GPM at 45-85 PSI
Limitations
- The cutting area is 12" x 12" (304 mm x 304 mm); anything larger has to be cut down or cut elsewhere
- Linear positional accuracy is ±0.005" (±0.127 mm) and repeatability ±0.003" (±0.076 mm)
- Cutting pressure is 30,000 psi (2,068 bar) from a 5 HP (3.7 kW) pump, so cutting is slower than on a larger pump
- Needs a room held at 50 to 90 °F (10-32 °C) and 95% or less humidity, and inlet water at 45-80 °F
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
230-240 VAC, single phase, 30A, 50/60 Hz. The pump is 5 HP (3.7 kW), direct drive. Three-phase power is not part of the requirement, which is the main practical difference from the larger OMAX machines.
02
The cutting area is 12" x 12" (304 mm x 304 mm). For comparison, the 2652 has a 5′ 9″ x 2' 6″ (1.75 m x 0.76 m) table, so the ProtoMax is for parts that fit on a single small plate.
03
The inlet water rows list a pressure of 45-85 PSI, a minimum flow rate of 0.75 GPM and a required temperature of 45-80 °F. Check the building supply against all three, because water outside the temperature range is as much a problem as low pressure.
04
The recommended abrasive size is 80 mesh. It is fed at 0.25 lbs. per minute, and the hopper capacity is 14 lbs., so long cuts need the hopper level watched and topped up.
05
Linear positional accuracy is ±0.005" (±0.127 mm) and repeatability is ±0.003" (±0.076 mm). Traverse speed is 100 in/min (2,540 mm/min). The nozzle uses a 0.008" orifice and a mixing tube with a 0.030" internal diameter, which sets a lower limit on the width of slots and the radius of inside corners.
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