Flow has released its Mach 500, an entirely new waterjet system marking the arrival of a new industry standard, the company says. The Mach 500 combines the latest in machine architecture and waterjet cutting technology with comprehensive service and support programmes. The main fields of use are machining metals such as aluminium, stainless steel, copper and brass, synthetic and natural stone and composite materials as well as cutting glass and plastics.

Together, the latest generation of FlowXpert® 3-D solid modelling CAD/CAM software and the Compass 5-axis contour following and collision sensing solution enable the Mach 500 to make a quantum leap in terms of speed, precision and reliability, significantly boosting productivity.

With the Mach 500, Flow has successfully doubled acceleration versus previous models. This means a 15 to 30 per cent reduction in cycle time relative to the Mach 3b, the company’s best-selling waterjet cutting system worldwide. The Mach 500’s Z travel height is 50 per cent larger (305mm) and repeatability (0.03mm) has been doubled. The modern electrical system improves reliability of the overall system and reduces complexity. The latest generation of FlowXpert® CAD/CAM software is capable not only of designing complete 3-D models and assemblies but also of simultaneously calculating optimum cutting paths.

Thanks to the modular architecture and numerous configuration options, the Mach 500 can be individually tailored to customer requirements. For example, a range of pump technologies and cutting heads are available. Compass, the optional, patented multi-axial contour following system, has an integral collision sensor and enables precision cutting even on uneven surfaces.

For further details contact WD Hearn Machine Tools on TEL: 021 534 5351 or visit www.wdhearn.co.za