Enhanced versatility from prototyping to ultra-precision
Hypertherm Associates’ OMAX, a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of abrasive waterjet systems, will put decades of advanced waterjet engineering expertise on display with multiple machine technologies at IMTS 2026 in Chicago from Sept. 14-19 at McCormick Place, booth #135020 in the East Building. Attendees can view live machine demonstrations for every machine and technology displayed in the booth to showcase how OMAX waterjets enhance cutting accuracy, efficiency, and flexibility compared to traditional cutting methods.
Making its IMTS debut, visitors to OMAX’s booth will see the company’s new versatile OMAX MAXIEM 1530X JetMachining Center equipped with a software-controlled OMAX VersaJET 5-axis cutting head that provides a cutting range from 0 to 60 degrees for the production of beveled edges, angled sides, and complex 3D geometries while minimizing secondary finishing. With a cutting envelope of 10’ x 5’ 2" (3.045 m x 1.57 m), the system delivers ±0.003" linear positional accuracy and ±0.001" repeatability for precision cutting across a wide range of materials, including metal, composites, glass and stone. Additionally, the system is configured with a variable frequency drive for high-performance motor control that reduces energy consumption and maintenance. For improved visibility on the cutting table, under-bridge lighting is an optional available feature.
Further, the MAXIEM 1530X includes a hopper engineered to contain abrasive material to prevent external spillage. The new hopper design provides advanced incoming abrasive filtering and is compatible with an optional abrasive clog detection system that automatically pauses the machine when a clog is detected. With the clog detection system, operators can immediately restore flow and keep the machine running.
The OMAX OptiMAX 60X JetMachining Center will also be showcased through continuous cutting demonstrations at the show. With a cutting envelope of 10’ x 5’ 2" (3.04 m x 1.57 m), the OptiMAX 60X comes standard with the exclusive IntelliTRAX linear drive system that provides 350 in/min (8.9 m/min) traverse with real-time, closed-loop positioning feedback at the one micron level and is backed by the industry-leading IntelliMAX premium software suite. IntelliMAX is a highly advanced, yet intuitive CAD/CAM system that quickly converts designs into machined parts. The machine will also feature a TiltaJET taper-eliminating abrasive jet cutting head that dynamically tilts the nozzle during cutting to minimize taper and jet stream lag. This enables tighter tolerances without taper, improved edge quality, and more accurate finished parts directly off the table.
Attendees will also see the OMAX MicroMAX Precision JetMachining Center that provides ultra-precision abrasive waterjet machining with ±0.0001" (±2.5 micron) linear position accuracy, making it well-suited for electronics and Wire EDM processes. A TiltaJET taper-eliminating abrasive jet cutting head and OMAX 7/15 Mini MAXJET 5 Nozzle acquires finer precision cutting capability with a 0.007" orifice and a 0.015" mixing tube combination. Accuracy is further enhanced by the machine’s stiff construction and vibration isolation of the cutting table and gantries.
For prototyping and low-volume production, OMAX will feature its compact, economical ProtoMAX portable cutting system. With all the versatility benefits of larger abrasive waterjets, the ProtoMAX provides a sleek 12" x 12" (304 mm x 304 mm) cutting envelope for materials up to 1" (25 mm) thick. The 5 hp (3.7 kW) direct drive pump delivers a cutting pressure of 30,000 psi (2,068 bar). ProtoMAX is mobile, small enough to fit through a standard doorway and comes with everything necessary to start cutting after fast, easy installation.
Most OMAX abrasive waterjet cutting systems boast the latest version of IntelliMAX, which includes the IntelliVISOR Mobile app. IntelliVISOR Mobile enables remote live cut monitoring, system status and problem alerts, remote pause, and instant notifications from anywhere, and is available for iOS and Android operating systems.
In addition to seeing the latest OMAX abrasive waterjet technology, the booth will showcase the ProNest CAD/CAM nesting software. It is designed for advanced mechanized cutting applications, including plasma, laser, waterjet and oxyfuel. ProNest optimizes material utilization and offers standard features that include part design, CAD import, manual nesting, reporting, costing and quoting, and its fully automated interface reduces programming time from hours to minutes.
For more information or to attend IMTS 2026, visit the event website.
