In the realm of industrial cutting technologies, the demand for machines that can handle diverse materials with precision and efficiency is paramount. The MAXIEM 2080 Abrasive Water Jet, engineered and manufactured by OMAX, is a standout in this field, offering an impressive array of features designed to meet the needs of both prototyping and production.
This review delves into the capabilities and advantages of the MAXIEM 2080, showcasing why it is a leading choice in the abrasive water jet cutting market.
Maxiem 2080 Abrasive Water Jet Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Footprint (With Pump & Controller) | 35′ 1″ x 12′ 11″ (10.69 m x 3.94 m) |
| Height (With Scissor Plumbing) | 10′ 4″ (3.15 m) |
| Operating Weight | 50,123 lb (22,735 kg) |
| Weight (Tank Empty) | 12,800 lb (5,806 kg) |
| X-Y Cutting Travel | 27′ 2″ x 6′ 7″ (8.28 m x 2.00 m) |
| Z-Axis Travel (With Motorized Z Axis) | 12″ (304 mm) |
| Table Size | 27′ 10″ x 7′ (8.48 m x 2.13 m) |
| Material Supports Slats | 4″ x 14Ga Galvanized Steel (102 mm x 2 mm) |
| Maximum Supported Material Load | 300 lbs/sq ft (1,465 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 | 500 in/min (12.70 m/min) |
| Linear Positional Accuracy | ±0.003″ (±0.076 mm) |
| Repeatability | ±0.001″ (±0.025 mm) |
Quick Features Look
Standard Features
- IntelliMAX Premium Software: Backed by our exclusive software, enhancing operational efficiency and ease of use.
- All-in-One Controller Computer: Features a powerful controller computer equipped with a large 23″ screen for simplified operation and monitoring.
- IntelliTRAX Traction Drive: Incorporates a standard traction drive within the X-Y Axis beams, which are fully enclosed inside coated steel covers for added durability and reliability.
- Programmable Motorized Z-Axis: Includes a standard motorized Z-Axis with the precision OMAX MAXJET 5i Nozzle, enhancing both productivity and process efficiency.
- Scissor-Style Hard Plumbing: Equipped with standard hard plumbing in a scissor-style design to ensure robust performance and easier maintenance.
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.
Performance Overview
The MAXIEM 2080 JETMACHINING CENTER is not just a machine; it is a robust system that promises and delivers high precision and speed. Its large-format cutting envelope of 27′ 2” x 6′ 7” (8.28 m x 2.00 m) allows for the processing of substantial materials, making it ideal for industries requiring large-scale outputs. The system’s speed of 500 inches per minute (12.70 m/min) and its precision—with a linear positional accuracy of ±0.003″ (±0.076 mm)—ensure that it performs both quickly and accurately, critical factors for maintaining productivity and reducing waste in industrial settings.
Key Features
IntelliMAX Software Integration
One of the standout features of the MAXIEM 2080 is the IntelliMAX Standard Software. This proprietary software enhances the user experience with an intuitive interface and powerful controls, accessible via a large 23″ screen integrated into the all-in-one controller computer. This setup not only simplifies the operation but also enhances the machine’s overall functionality and flexibility.
Advanced Cutting Capabilities
The MAXIEM 2080 is equipped with a standard programmable Motorized Z-Axis featuring the precision OMAX MAXJET 5i Nozzle, which boosts productivity by facilitating rapid and precise cuts across multiple axes. The 3-axis and 5-axis configurations provide flexibility, allowing operators to execute complex cuts and intricate designs on a variety of materials, from metals and composites to glass and plastics.
Design and Durability
Designed and manufactured in Kent, Washington, USA, the MAXIEM 2080 reflects a commitment to quality and durability. The machine includes a standard IntelliTRAX traction drive, which is encased within coated steel covers, ensuring long-term reliability and protection against environmental factors in tough industrial environments. The scissor-style hard plumbing adds to the robust design, geared towards minimizing maintenance and maximizing operational uptime.
Specifications and Operating Conditions
With an operating weight of 50,123 lb (22,735 kg) and dimensions that accommodate a substantial cutting area, the MAXIEM 2080 is undeniably a heavy-duty machine. It requires a 3-Phase, 380-480 VAC power supply and operates below 80 dBA at one meter for submerged cutting, making it relatively quiet compared to other industrial machinery. Its ability to support a maximum material load of 300 lbs/sq ft (1,465 kg/sq meter) underscores its capability to handle hefty materials efficiently.
Service and Training
OMAX does not just sell a machine; they provide a comprehensive service and training package to ensure customers maximize the utility of their investment. This includes one year of free training, software upgrades, and a 1-year / 2000-hour limited warranty. Additionally, the offer of one day of onsite training upon installation is a testament to their commitment to customer satisfaction and ensures that operators are proficient in using the machine from day one.
Environmental and Safety Features
The MAXIEM 2080 is designed with environmental and operator safety in mind. Unlike traditional cutting methods, the abrasive water jet technology used by the MAXIEM 2080 does not create heat-affected zones or mechanical stresses. This not only preserves the integrity of the materials being cut but also eliminates the risk of warping or thermal distortion, which are common issues in processes like laser or plasma cutting. Additionally, the machine operates with minimal noise pollution, maintaining noise levels below 80 dBA during submerged cutting, which is significantly lower than many mechanical cutting devices, enhancing the work environment for operators.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The MAXIEM 2080 prioritizes user-friendliness and ease of maintenance, which are crucial for ensuring long-term, trouble-free operation. The machine features a mobile control station that enhances the ease of operation. This station allows operators to maneuver around the machine effortlessly, providing optimal viewing angles and access to the cutting table during setup, inspection, and maintenance tasks. Moreover, the design of the MAXIEM 2080 incorporates standard scissor-style hard plumbing, which not only reduces the potential for leaks and clogs but also simplifies the cleaning and maintenance process. These features collectively reduce downtime and ensure that the machine operates at peak efficiency.
Versatility in Material Handling
One of the remarkable capabilities of the MAXIEM 2080 is its versatility in handling a wide range of materials. Whether it’s metals, composites, glass, or plastics, the machine can cut through varying thicknesses without the need for tool changes. This capability is facilitated by the advanced OMAX MAXJET 5i Nozzle and the programmable Z-Axis, which adjust to accommodate different material types and thicknesses seamlessly. The absence of tool changes and minimal fixturing requirements dramatically reduce setup times and allow for quicker transitions between different jobs, boosting overall productivity.
Precision and Repeatability
The precision of the MAXIEM 2080 is not just about its impressive linear positional accuracy; it also offers exceptional repeatability of ±0.001″ (±0.025 mm). This level of precision and repeatability is essential for industries where consistency and quality are paramount, such as aerospace, automotive, and fine arts. It ensures that each part or component cut with the machine meets stringent quality standards and fits perfectly within specified tolerances, reducing material waste and rework.
Maxiem 2080 Abrasive Water Jet Pros and Cons
Pros
- High Precision and Speed: Capable of cutting with a linear positional accuracy of ±0.003″ and a speed of 500 in/min, suitable for high productivity demands.
- Versatile Material Handling: Cuts a wide range of materials and thicknesses without the need for tool changes, which includes metals, composites, glass, and plastics.
- Advanced Software Integration: Features the IntelliMAX Standard Software, which enhances operational efficiency with an easy-to-use interface on a 23″ screen.
- Environmental and Safety Benefits: Does not create heat-affected zones or mechanical stresses, offering safer and more sustainable operation.
- Quiet Operation: Operates below 80 dBA at one meter for submerged cutting, significantly reducing noise pollution.
- Ease of Use and Maintenance: Equipped with a mobile control station and scissor-style hard plumbing for simplified operation and maintenance.
- Comprehensive Training and Support: Includes one year of free training, software upgrades, and onsite training upon installation, ensuring proficiency from the start.
Cons
- Large Footprint: Requires a substantial space allocation with dimensions of 35′ 1″ x 12′ 11″, which might not be feasible for smaller facilities.
- High Initial Investment: The upfront cost of purchasing and installing an industrial-grade machine like the MAXIEM 2080 can be significant, which might be a barrier for smaller operations.
- Heavy Operating Weight: With an operating weight of over 50,000 lbs, the machine demands robust floor specifications and careful installation planning.
Economic and Operational Advantages
Investing in the MAXIEM 2080 offers significant economic advantages. The efficiency and speed of the machine reduce per-piece costs, while the broad material capabilities minimize the need for multiple machines or cutting technologies.
The durability and low maintenance requirements of the MAXIEM 2080 ensure that operational costs are kept to a minimum over the lifespan of the machine. These factors make the MAXIEM 2080 not only a technologically advanced piece of equipment but also a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to optimize their cutting operations.
Conclusion
The MAXIEM 2080 Abrasive Water Jet from OMAX is a cutting-edge solution for modern manufacturing needs. It combines state-of-the-art technology, unparalleled precision, and thoughtful engineering to provide a versatile, efficient, and reliable machine.
With its comprehensive service and training offerings, along with robust support for a wide range of materials, the MAXIEM 2080 is ideally suited to tackle the challenges of today’s dynamic and demanding industrial environments. Whether scaling production, improving precision, or expanding material capabilities, the MAXIEM 2080 is engineered to enhance productivity and drive innovation.