STM MasterCut

Q: How much does the STM MasterCut cost?

The price estimate for the STM MasterCut is uncertain: we have no price for it that we can cite and no estimate we can stand behind, so we give no figure. Configuration, tooling, automation and installation move the final price substantially. A specific price can be requested at https://machinetoolindex.com/machines/stm-waterjet-mastercut#price; the request is passed to STM Waterjet or an authorised dealer.

Specs verified 2026-10-05 · stm-waterjet.com Updated 2026-10-05

Image: stm-waterjet.com, STM Waterjet

Key Specifications

Accuracy

XY: ± 0.05 mm (± 0.002 in) per meter at 20 °C in the 2024 data sheet; the product page prints ± 0.10 mm (± 0.004 in)

Repeatability

XY: ± 0.03 mm (± 0.0012 in) per meter at 20 °C in the 2024 data sheet; the product page prints ± 0.08 mm (± 0.003 in)

traversing speed

15 m/min (49.2 ft/min)

z axis clearance

200 mm (7.9 in)

workpiece support load

Up to 1,000 kg/m² (205 lb/ft²)

overall height

Less than 2.1 m (6.9 ft), incl. HD piping and signal light

How much does the STM MasterCut cost?

Price estimate

Uncertain

We do not have a price for the STM MasterCut that we can stand behind, so we show no number. Configuration, options and installation move the final price a long way: a quote is the reliable figure.

Overview

The STM MasterCut is STM's mid-range 2D waterjet, a rack and pinion machine with a traversing speed of 15 m/min, a Z-axis clearance of 200 mm and supports rated for workpieces up to 1,000 kg/m². STM calls it the all-rounder of the range. It is aimed at shops that cut flat parts all day and want taper compensation as an option, not a 5-axis head.

Which accuracy applies depends on which STM document you read. The 2024 data sheet gives XY positioning accuracy of ± 0.05 mm and repeatability of ± 0.03 mm per meter at 20 °C. The product page prints ± 0.10 mm and ± 0.08 mm. Have STM state the figure in the offer.

The head choice is narrower than on the PremiumCut. A 2D head is the base, and the STM TAC 12° head for bevel cut compensation is an option. There is no 3D head on this model's list. For simple chamfers a manual rotary holder for the cutting valve allows bevel cuts up to 48°, set by hand.

How the machine is built explains where it fits. The frame is welded stainless steel and aluminum, the X and Y axes run on recirculating ball bearing guides, and the linear guides are concealed without bellows. Overall height stays under 2.1 m including high-pressure piping and signal light, and the working area is accessible from 3 sides. Cutting above and below water is possible. Brushless servo motors and a NUM CNC control move the axes, with STM SmartCut as the programming software.

STM's size graphic shows six work surfaces, coded 1020, 1530, 2030, 3015, 3020 and 4020. Options on the data sheet include an abrasive storage tank for 450 kg or 1,650 kg, automatic water level control, the STM lance flushing system, a collecting grid for small parts and a pneumatic drilling spindle.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Traversing Speed	15 m/min (49.2 ft/min)
Z Axis Clearance	200 mm (7.9 in)
Positioning Accuracy	XY: ± 0.05 mm (± 0.002 in) per meter at 20 °C in the 2024 data sheet; the product page prints ± 0.10 mm (± 0.004 in)
Repeatability	XY: ± 0.03 mm (± 0.0012 in) per meter at 20 °C in the 2024 data sheet; the product page prints ± 0.08 mm (± 0.003 in)
Workpiece Support Load	Up to 1,000 kg/m² (205 lb/ft²)
Overall Height	Less than 2.1 m (6.9 ft), incl. HD piping and signal light
Standard Work Surfaces	1020, 1530, 2030, 3015, 3020 and 4020 (size codes in the maker's work-surface graphic); other sizes on request
Drive	Robust rack and pinion drive; brushless servo motors
Guideways	Recirculating ball bearing guide X and Y axes
Z Axis	CNC Z axis
CNC Control	CNC control NUM
Software	STM SmartCut waterjet cutting software
Machine Frame	Welded stainless steel and aluminum machine frame
Cutting Heads	2D; STM TAC 12° bevel cut compensation cutting head (option)
Tac Head Working Range	A-axis +/- 12 degrees; B-axis +/- 12 degrees
Manual Bevel Holder	Manual cutting valve rotary holder for bevel cuts up to 48° (option)
Abrasive Storage	Abrasive storage tank for 450 kg (992 lb) or 1,650 kg (3,638 lb) (option)
Water Level Control	Automatic water level control (option)
Flushing	STM lance flushing system (option)
Drilling Spindle	Pneumatic (option)
High Pressure Pump	Up to 6000 bar (87,023 psi) with a connected load of 11-75 kW and 1 – 10 litres per minute, depending on the requirements (STM's statement for its systems)

Specifications sourced from stm-waterjet.com — verified 2026-10-05

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Rack and pinion drive with a traversing speed of 15 m/min on recirculating ball bearing guides
Overall height of less than 2.1 m including HD piping and signal light, with the working area accessible from 3 sides
Heavy-duty supports for workpieces up to 1,000 kg/m²
STM TAC 12° head available for automatic bevel cut compensation on 2D parts
Six work surfaces from 1020 to 4020 in STM's size graphic, including the 3015 and 2030 formats
Cutting above and below water is possible

Limitations

No 3D head is listed; angled cuts rely on the TAC 12° option or a manual rotary holder limited to 48°
Z-axis clearance is 200 mm, against 300/600/900 mm on the STM PremiumCut
Traversing speed of 15 m/min is well below the PremiumCut's 40 m/min
STM's data sheet and product page give different accuracy figures: ± 0.05 mm against ± 0.10 mm for positioning

Best For

Everyday 2D cutting of sheet and plate up to 1,000 kg/m² Shops that want taper compensation with the TAC 12° head but no 5-axis work Buildings with limited headroom, at less than 2.1 m overall height Standard sheet formats such as 3015 and 4020

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How does the STM MasterCut differ from the STM PremiumCut?

The MasterCut is the 2D machine. It traverses at 15 m/min with a Z-axis clearance of 200 mm and takes a 2D head or the TAC 12° head. The STM PremiumCut reaches up to 40 m/min, offers Z-axis clearances of 300/600/900 mm and accepts every STM head including the 3D head. Both are rated by the product pages for workpieces up to 1,000 kg/m² and both run a NUM CNC control.

02 What accuracy does STM state for the MasterCut?

Two sets of figures are in circulation. The 2024 data sheet lists XY positioning accuracy of ± 0.05 mm and repeatability of ± 0.03 mm, per meter at 20 °C. The product page lists positioning accuracy of ± 0.10 mm and repeatability of ± 0.08 mm on the same basis. Ask STM which applies to the machine being quoted.

03 Can the MasterCut cut bevels?

Within limits. The optional STM TAC 12° head swivels +/- 12 degrees on its A and B axes; its job is to compensate the angular error of the jet so that edges come out square. A manual rotary holder for the cutting valve is also offered for bevel cuts up to 48°, but it is set by hand. A CNC 3D head is not on this model's list.

04 What sizes does the MasterCut come in?

STM's work-surface graphic shows six sizes with the codes 1020, 1530, 2030, 3015, 3020 and 4020. Only the codes are printed, not the cutting range in millimetres. STM adds that other sizes are possible on request. Whatever the table size, the overall height is given as less than 2.1 m including HD piping and signal light.

05 How is abrasive cleared from the MasterCut tank?

Several routes are listed, all as options on the data sheet: the STM lance flushing system, which flushes abrasive sand out of the cutting pan, a sedimentation tank with pressure bag filter for the overflow, and the STM BasicClean or OneClean flushing systems. Abrasive supply comes from a storage tank for 450 kg or 1,650 kg.