WARDJet A-Series 2560 CNC Waterjet
Key Specifications
Accuracy
cutting area
pump pressure
pump power
max cutting thickness
cutting speed
Overview
The WARDJet A-Series 2560 is a mid-size abrasive and pure waterjet cutting system from WARDJet, an Ohio-based waterjet manufacturer known for building robust, competitively priced machines and allowing customers to select their preferred high-pressure pump brand. With a 25 x 60 inch (635 x 1,524 mm) cutting envelope, the A-Series 2560 is designed for shops that need a reliable production waterjet without the footprint or cost of larger industrial systems. WARDJet's open-architecture approach lets buyers pair the machine with KMT, Hypertherm, or other pump brands, giving shops flexibility to standardize on their preferred pump ecosystem.
The A-Series platform is built on heavy steel weldment construction with precision-ground linear rails and ball screws, providing the structural rigidity needed for consistent accuracy over long production runs. The machine uses a PC-based control system running WARDJet's own WARD CAM/Control software or is compatible with third-party CAM packages via standard post-processors. The A-Series 2560 supports both abrasive (garnet) and pure waterjet (no abrasive) cutting modes, making it versatile for shops that cut foam, rubber, textiles, and food products alongside metals and composites.
WARDJet's A-Series is distinguished by its modular design philosophy — the 2560 can be ordered with a wide range of factory options including dual cutting heads for simultaneous part production, pneumatic abrasive shutoff valves for reduced garnet waste, and WARDJet's Automatic Abrasive Shutoff (AAS) system that stops garnet flow during rapid traverses. Positioning accuracy of ±0.076 mm (±0.003 in) is consistent with industry-standard waterjet performance, and repeatability of ±0.025 mm (±0.001 in) supports consistent part quality across production runs.
The A-Series 2560 is frequently chosen by shops entering waterjet for the first time, as well as by established fabricators adding a second machine to expand capacity. WARDJet's US manufacturing, short lead times, and the flexibility to choose pump brand are meaningful differentiators in a market where OMAX and Flow dominate with proprietary pump ecosystems. New A-Series 2560 systems price from $80,000 to $160,000 depending on pump brand, horsepower, head configuration, and options.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Cutting Area | 635 x 1,524 mm (25 x 60 in) |
| Pump Pressure | Up to 60,000 psi (4,137 bar) — pump brand selectable (KMT, Hypertherm, others) |
| Pump Power | 30–60 hp (22–45 kW) |
| Max Cutting Thickness | Up to 152 mm (6 in) depending on material |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.076 mm (±0.003 in) |
| Cutting Speed | Up to 5,080 mm/min (200 in/min) on thin materials |
| Control System | PC-based WARD CAM/Control or third-party CAM via post-processor |
| Machine Weight | Approx. 2,300 kg (5,000 lb) with full tank and garnet |
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Open pump architecture allows buyers to select their preferred pump brand (KMT, Hypertherm), avoiding vendor lock-in and enabling standardization with existing pump inventory
- US-manufactured with domestic support, short lead times, and accessible parts supply — an advantage for shops needing rapid commissioning and responsive service
- Dual cutting head capability available, enabling simultaneous production of two identical parts and effectively doubling throughput without additional floor space
- Competitive pricing at $80K–$160K makes professional abrasive waterjet accessible for smaller shops and first-time waterjet buyers
Limitations
- 25x60 in cutting envelope is smaller than the OMAX 60120 or larger WARDJet models — shops regularly cutting large plates or panels will need a bigger machine
- WARDJet's brand recognition and installed base are smaller than OMAX or Flow, which may affect resale value and third-party service availability in some markets
- WARD CAM/Control software has fewer advanced features than OMAX Intelli-MAX for automatic parameter optimization, requiring more operator experience for best results
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
WARDJet builds the machine frame, motion system, and cutting head hardware, but deliberately does not manufacture its own pump — instead partnering with established pump manufacturers like KMT and Hypertherm. This gives buyers freedom to select the pump brand they prefer, standardize with pumps already in their facility, or choose based on local service support. It also means the machine frame cost is separated from pump cost, giving buyers more flexibility in budgeting.
02
Pure waterjet uses only high-pressure water (no abrasive) and is used for soft materials: foam, rubber, textiles, food products, thin plastics, and paper. Abrasive waterjet adds garnet particles to the water stream to cut hard materials: metals, stone, glass, ceramics, and composites. The A-Series 2560 supports both modes — the operator switches between pure and abrasive cutting by controlling the abrasive feed. Pure waterjet cuts much faster on soft materials and avoids abrasive contamination.
03
Yes. WARDJet machines support standard G-code output from most CAM packages via published post-processors. Popular CAM systems including Mastercam, BobCAD, and ProNest are commonly used with WARDJet machines. WARDJet also provides their own WARD CAM software. The open control architecture gives shops flexibility to use their preferred CAM environment without being locked into proprietary software.
04
AAS is WARDJet's system that automatically stops garnet flow during rapid traverses between cut features. Without AAS, garnet continues flowing briefly during non-cutting moves, wasting abrasive and potentially damaging the catcher tank and workpiece. AAS reduces garnet consumption by 10–25% on parts with multiple features and frequent traverses, directly reducing operating costs and improving catcher tank longevity.
05
Both are reputable choices. OMAX advantages include their Intelli-MAX software (widely considered easier to learn), larger installed base, and more developed dealer network. WARDJet advantages include open pump architecture, often lower entry pricing, US manufacturing, and typically shorter lead times. For a first-time buyer prioritizing software ease-of-use and dealer support, OMAX is often recommended. For a buyer who values pump flexibility, lower cost, or domestic manufacturing, WARDJet is a strong alternative.
