How Thick Can an OMAX Waterjet Cut?
One of the most common questions in the waterjet industry is surprisingly simple: How thick can a waterjet cut?
People often assume there is a narrow operating range where a waterjet performs best. In reality, one of the biggest advantages of OMAX waterjet technology is its ability to process an incredibly wide range of material thicknesses. From ultra-thin shim stock to extremely thick plate material, OMAX waterjets give manufacturers the flexibility to tackle jobs that would often require multiple cutting technologies.
This versatility is one of the reasons waterjets are used across industries ranging from aerospace and manufacturing to stone fabrication, job shops, education, and research environments.
Cutting Extremely Thick Materials
Many people are surprised by just how thick an OMAX waterjet can cut.
For example, OMAX waterjets can cut material that is 11 inches thick and even thicker depending on the application. This capability opens the door to projects involving heavy steel plate, large metal components, stone, composites, and other challenging materials.
Unlike some cutting technologies that become limited as thickness increases, abrasive waterjet cutting maintains the flexibility to process a wide range of part geometries across substantial material thicknesses.
This allows manufacturers to take on jobs that might otherwise require additional equipment or alternative cutting methods.
Precision on Thin Materials
While thick material capability attracts attention, the opposite end of the spectrum is equally impressive.
OMAX waterjets are also capable of cutting extremely thin materials, including delicate shim stock. Thin materials often present their own challenges because they can move, deform, or become difficult to handle during production.
Waterjet technology gives manufacturers a way to process these materials while maintaining precision and flexibility. This makes OMAX waterjets valuable for shops that routinely work across a broad range of material types and thicknesses.
Rather than purchasing separate equipment for thick and thin applications, manufacturers can often accomplish both using a single waterjet system.
Increase Productivity with Material Stacking
One way manufacturers improve efficiency when cutting thin materials is through stacking.
Instead of processing individual sheets one at a time, multiple pieces of material can be stacked together and cut simultaneously. This allows operators to produce more parts in a single cutting cycle while improving productivity and machine utilization.
Stack cutting can be particularly valuable when working with thin metals, shim stock, and other materials where production efficiency is a primary concern.
By cutting multiple layers in a single operation, manufacturers can reduce processing time and improve overall throughput.
Optimize Results with the IntelliMAX Stack Height Calculator
Successfully cutting stacked material requires the right setup, which is where IntelliMAX software helps simplify the process.
The IntelliMAX stack height calculator helps operators determine the optimal stack height for a particular application. Rather than relying on guesswork, users can use the software to help maximize productivity while maintaining cutting performance.
This built-in capability makes it easier to take advantage of stack cutting opportunities and helps operators get the most from their waterjet system.
For manufacturers focused on efficiency, software tools that simplify setup can help deliver significant productivity improvements.
One Machine, Exceptional Versatility
The real answer to "How thick can an OMAX waterjet cut?" is not simply a number.
The larger story is versatility.
An OMAX waterjet can cut materials measuring more than 11 inches thick while also handling delicate shim stock and stacked thin materials. Combined with software features like the IntelliMAX stack height calculator, operators can optimize production across an enormous range of applications.
Whether cutting thick plate, thin sheet, or multiple layers of stacked material, OMAX waterjets provide the flexibility manufacturers need to take on diverse projects with confidence.
That versatility helps reduce equipment requirements, improve productivity, and create more opportunities for shops looking to expand their capabilities.