OMAX ProtoMax Abrasive Waterjet

$20,000 – $30,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

Repeatability

±0.003" (±0.076 mm)

Cutting Area

305 x 305 mm (12 x 12 in)

Pump Pressure

Up to 30,000 psi

Pump Power

1.5 kW (single-phase 240V)

Max Cutting Thickness

Approx. 50 mm (material dependent)

Positioning Accuracy

±0.1 mm

Overview

The OMAX ProtoMax is a compact, self-contained abrasive waterjet cutting system designed to bring industrial-quality waterjet cutting to small shops, prototyping labs, educational institutions, and design studios. Operating from a standard 240V single-phase power outlet and requiring no external high-pressure plumbing infrastructure, the ProtoMax is OMAX's most accessible entry point into waterjet cutting — a genuine production-capable machine at a fraction of the cost and space requirement of industrial waterjet systems.

Despite its compact footprint, the ProtoMax generates up to 30,000 psi cutting pressure and uses the same abrasive waterjet cutting principle as OMAX's full-size production machines. The self-contained tank measures approximately 737 x 737 mm (29 x 29 in) with a cutting area of 305 x 305 mm (12 x 12 in), making it suitable for small parts, prototypes, samples, and educational demonstrations. All water is contained within the integrated catch tank, which drains and refills automatically during operation, eliminating the need for floor drains or large water infrastructure.

The ProtoMax uses OMAX's IntelliMAX Layout software for part programming, providing the same familiar design-to-cut workflow used on larger OMAX machines. This allows users to learn waterjet programming on the ProtoMax and transition directly to larger OMAX systems without relearning software. Parts are cut with the same edge quality characteristics as industrial waterjet — no heat-affected zone, no tool pressure on the workpiece, and the ability to cut virtually any material.

The ProtoMax is a particularly strong fit for engineering schools and universities, maker spaces, jewelry and art studios, and small businesses that need to cut custom parts in metal, stone, glass, or composites without the capital investment or operational infrastructure of a full-size waterjet system. OMAX markets the ProtoMax directly and through its dealer network globally.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Cutting Area	305 x 305 mm (12 x 12 in)
Pump Pressure	Up to 30,000 psi
Pump Power	1.5 kW (single-phase 240V)
Max Cutting Thickness	Approx. 50 mm (material dependent)
Positioning Accuracy	±0.1 mm
Cutting Speed	Up to 1,500 mm/min (material dependent)
Control System	IntelliMAX Layout software; integrated PC controller
Machine Weight	Approx. 180 kg
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
Location And Foundation	Intended for use indoors; must be placed on a hard, level, solid, non-porous, flame resistant surface. A concrete floor is recommended.
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.
Material	Thickness
Aluminum 6061	.500"
Stainless Steel 304	.120"
Mild Steel	.250"
Granite Absolute Black	.375"
Granite Snoqualmie	.375"
Marble White	.375"
Acrylic Clear	.120"
Glass Sheet	.250"
Carbon Fiber	.120"
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

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Runs on standard 240V single-phase power — no special electrical infrastructure required
Self-contained tank with no floor drain required simplifies installation in any workspace
Uses same IntelliMAX software as full-size OMAX machines for seamless skills transfer
Cuts virtually any material including metal, stone, glass, and composites with no heat-affected zone

Limitations

305 x 305 mm cutting area restricts to small parts only — not suitable for production sheet cutting
30,000 psi pressure is lower than industrial systems, limiting cutting speed on thick hard materials
Abrasive and water consumables still represent an ongoing operating cost relative to machine purchase price

Best For

Engineering schools and universities teaching waterjet cutting and prototyping Jewelry designers, artists, and makers cutting intricate metal, stone, and glass pieces Small shops needing occasional small-part waterjet capability without industrial infrastructure

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Does the ProtoMax require a special water supply or drain?

No. The ProtoMax is self-contained with an integrated water tank that holds approximately 300 liters. The tank is filled manually or via a standard garden hose connection before cutting, and water is recirculated during operation. No floor drain is required. Periodic tank drainage for cleaning is done via a manual drain valve.

02 What is the thickest material the ProtoMax can cut?

The ProtoMax can cut materials up to approximately 50 mm thick, depending on the material. Soft materials like foam, rubber, and plastics cut easily at full thickness. Hard materials like steel and stone are practical up to about 25–30 mm before cutting speed becomes very slow relative to the machine's 30,000 psi pressure limit. For thicker industrial materials, OMAX's Maxiem or JetMachining Center series is recommended.

03 Can parts cut on the ProtoMax be used in production or only for prototyping?

Parts cut on the ProtoMax are production-quality — the abrasive waterjet process produces the same cold-cut, heat-affected-zone-free edges as any larger waterjet. The limiting factor is the 305 x 305 mm cutting envelope, which restricts part size rather than part quality. Many users run the ProtoMax for small production quantities in addition to prototyping.