In the realm of industrial machining, the OMAX 55100 stands out as a significant player, especially for shops looking for a machine that combines a compact footprint with the capability to handle medium-sized stock. This review dives into the multifaceted features of the OMAX 55100, assessing its specifications, performance, software integration, and overall utility in a busy workshop setting.
OMAX 55100 Abrasive Water Jet Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Footprint (with pump) | 15′ 1″ x 8′ 9″ (4.60 m x 2.67 m) |
| Height (with scissor plumbing) | 10′ (3.05 m) |
| Operating Weight | 21,147 lb (9,592 kg) |
| Weight (Tank Empty) | 7,960 lb (3,611 kg) |
| X-Y Cutting Travel | 8′ 4″ x 4′ 7″ (2.54 m x 1.39 m) |
| Z-Axis Travel (Motorized Z Axis) | 8″ (203 mm) |
| Table Size | 10′ 6″ x 5′ 5″ (3.20 m x 1.65 m) |
| Material Supports Slats | 4″ x 1/8″ Galvanized Steel |
| Maximum Supported Material Load | 400 lbs/sq ft (1,950 kg/sq meter) |
| Electrical Requirements | 3-Phase, 380-480 VAC ±10%, 50-60 Hz |
| Noise Level | Below 80 dBA at one meter for submerged cutting |
| Speed | 180 in/min (4,572 mm/min) |
| Linear Positional Accuracy | ±0.001″ (±0.025 mm) |
| Repeatability | ±0.001″ (±0.025 mm) |
| Ballbar Circularity | ±0.0025″ (±0.064 mm) |
Quick Features Look
Standard Features
- IntelliMAX Premium Software: Backed by our exclusive software, enhancing operational efficiency and ease of use.
- IntelliTRAX System: Features an exclusive abrasive jet linear drive system that delivers speeds up to 350 in/min (8.9 m/min) with real-time closed-loop positioning feedback for precision.
- Programmable Z-Axis: Offers a 12-inch (305 mm) programmable Z axis, boasting the lowest ceiling height requirement in the industry.
- Rapid Water Level Control: Standard feature that ensures cleaner, safer, and quieter submerged cutting, typically maintaining noise levels below 80 dBA.
OMAX Benefits
- Local Manufacturing: Designed and manufactured at the OMAX factory in Kent, Washington, USA, ensuring high quality and reliability.
- No Heat-Affected Zones: The cutting process does not create heat-affected zones or mechanical stresses, preserving the integrity of the materials.
- Versatile Material Handling: Capable of machining a wide range of materials and thicknesses, including metals, composites, glass, and plastics.
- Efficient Setup: Requires no tool changes and minimal fixturing, which significantly reduces setup time.
Service & Training
- Lifetime Training: Unlimited free training for the life of your machine, ensuring your team is always up to speed with the latest operational techniques.
- Software Upgrades: Unlimited software upgrades are provided for the life of the machine, keeping it current with the latest improvements.
- Warranty: Comes with a 2-year / 4000-hour limited warranty, offering peace of mind and protection for your investment.
- Onsite Training: Includes 3 days of onsite training upon installation to ensure your team is fully equipped to use the machine effectively from day one.
Compact Design Meets High Efficiency
The OMAX 55100 boasts a cutting envelope of 8′ 4″ x 4′ 7″ (2.54 m x 1.39 m), making it an ideal choice for operations with limited space but significant cutting needs. The machine’s overall footprint, including the pump, measures 15′ 1″ x 8′ 9″ (4.60 m x 2.44 m), with a manageable height of 10 feet when equipped with scissor plumbing. Despite its compact size, the OMAX 55100 does not compromise on power or capability, offering an impressive operating weight of 21,147 lbs and a material handling capacity of 400 lbs per square foot.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Precision
Precision is paramount in machining, and the OMAX 55100 excels with a linear position accuracy of ±0.001″ (±0.025 mm) and a repeatability of the same measure. The machine is equipped with pre-loaded linear bearings and precision ball screws that enhance movement accuracy. The Programmable Motorized Z-Axis with the precision OMAX MAXJET 5i Nozzle is a standout feature, facilitating precise cuts and boosting productivity through enhanced process efficiency.
The integration of the IntelliMAX Premium Software is a critical component of the 55100’s operation. This software supports the fastest cutting speeds and optimizes performance by utilizing real-world cutting data, ensuring that each job is executed with maximum precision and efficiency.
User-Friendly Operations
OMAX has designed the 55100 with the operator in mind. Easy access to the work area simplifies the setup and operational processes, reducing downtime and enhancing safety. The Standard Rapid Water Level Control feature ensures cleaner, quieter, and safer submerged cutting, maintaining noise levels below 80 dBA, which is crucial for maintaining a comfortable working environment.
Versatility in Materials
One of the most significant advantages of the OMAX 55100 is its ability to machine a wide range of materials and thicknesses, from metals and composites to glass and plastics. The abrasive water jet technology ensures that there are no heat-affected zones or mechanical stresses, preserving the integrity of the materials being cut.
Maintenance and Efficiency
Equipped with the high-efficiency Generation 4 EnduroMAX pump, available in 30, 40, or 50 hp options, the 55100 is designed for low maintenance and high performance. The maintenance cycles for the pump occur every 1,000 hours, allowing for extended operation periods before servicing is required.
Enhanced Productivity and Process Efficiency
One of the core strengths of the OMAX 55100 is its focus on maximizing productivity without sacrificing quality. The Programmable Motorized Z-Axis equipped with the OMAX MAXJET 5i Nozzle ensures that each cut is sharp and precise, irrespective of the material being handled. This feature is pivotal in boosting cutting productivity and efficiency, allowing operators to execute complex cuts with minimal setup time.
Intuitive and Advanced Software Integration
At the heart of the OMAX 55100’s operational efficiency is the IntelliMAX Premium Software. This proprietary software not only provides the fastest cutting speeds but also ensures optimal cutting precision by incorporating real-world cutting data into its algorithms. This adaptability makes the IntelliMAX software an invaluable tool for operators, as it continuously adjusts parameters to achieve the best results. The software’s user-friendly interface simplifies complex cutting operations, making it accessible to operators with varying levels of expertise.
Quiet Operation and Environmental Considerations
The OMAX 55100 is designed with workplace environment in mind. The Standard Rapid Water Level Control allows for submerged cutting, which is not only safer but also significantly quieter. Operating below 80 dBA, the 55100 ensures that noise pollution is kept to a minimum, making it suitable for workshops located in noise-sensitive areas or within multi-use facilities.
Bulk Abrasive Delivery System
The 600 lb Bulk Abrasive Delivery System is another standout feature that enhances the OMAX 55100’s operational efficiency. This system efficiently transports garnet from a large hopper directly to the Zero Downtime Hopper located on the Z-Axis, ensuring that the machine can continue operating without interruption. This seamless supply of abrasive materials is critical for long, uninterrupted runs, thereby reducing downtime and increasing throughput.
Operational Specifications and Material Handling
The OMAX 55100’s specifications are designed to cater to a wide range of industrial applications. With X-Y cutting travel of 8’4″ x 4’7″ and a Z-Axis travel of 8 inches, it offers considerable versatility in cutting different sizes and types of materials. The table size of 10’6″ x 5’5″ and material supports made from 4″ x 1/8″ Galvanized Steel are indicative of the robust build and design of the machine. Additionally, the machine’s ability to support a maximum material load of 1,950 kg/sq meter highlights its capacity to handle substantial workpieces.
OMAX 55100 Abrasive Water Jet Pros and Cons
Pros
- Compact Design: Ideal for shops with limited space, the OMAX 55100 offers significant cutting capabilities within a smaller footprint.
- High Precision and Accuracy: Features linear position accuracy of ±0.001″ (±0.025 mm) and repeatability, ensuring precise cuts every time.
- Advanced Software Integration: Equipped with IntelliMAX Premium Software, which optimizes cutting speeds and precision using real-world cutting data.
- Enhanced Productivity: The programmable Motorized Z-Axis and the OMAX MAXJET 5i Nozzle assembly boost productivity and process efficiency.
- Quiet Operation: Standard Rapid Water Level Control allows for quieter, submerged cutting, maintaining noise levels below 80 dBA.
- Robust Abrasive Delivery System: Includes a 600 lb Bulk Abrasive Delivery System that ensures continuous operation and minimizes downtime.
- Extensive Material Versatility: Capable of cutting a wide range of materials from metals to plastics without creating heat-affected zones or mechanical stresses.
- Comprehensive Customer Support: Unlimited free training, software upgrades for the life of the machine, and a 2-year/4000-hour warranty.
- Easy Operator Access: Designed for convenient access to the work area, simplifying the operational process.
Cons
- Initial Investment Cost: The upfront cost might be higher compared to other cutting systems, reflecting its advanced technology and capabilities.
- Space Requirements: Despite its compact size relative to its capabilities, the machine still requires a significant amount of space, including clearance for safe operation.
Comprehensive Training and Unmatched Warranty
OMAX’s commitment to customer satisfaction extends beyond the sale of the 55100. The machine comes with unlimited access to training for the life of the machine, ensuring that operators are always up-to-date with the latest techniques and software updates. The comprehensive three-day onsite training upon installation is particularly beneficial for new users, as it helps them get acquainted with the machine’s features and capabilities. Furthermore, the 2-year / 4000-hour limited warranty provides additional peace of mind, reinforcing OMAX’s confidence in their product’s reliability and durability.
Conclusion
The OMAX 55100 Abrasive Water Jet Machining Center is more than just a piece of machinery; it is a comprehensive solution for shops needing precision cutting capabilities without the expansive footprint of larger machines. With its advanced software, precise cutting technology, and robust support system, the OMAX 55100 is an invaluable asset for any workshop aiming to enhance its machining operations.
Its ability to handle diverse materials with unparalleled accuracy makes it a versatile and essential tool in the modern manufacturing landscape. Whether for intricate detailed work or handling robust materials, the OMAX 55100 is engineered to meet a broad spectrum of machining needs with ease and efficiency.