OMAX Corporation located in Kent, WA, introduces the latest technology in its
line of JetMachining Centers, the 2626|xp. The 2626|xp is unparalleled in precision
cutting and has been developed for the Tool & Die and Medical Device markets.
OMAX manufactures abrasive waterjet machining systems that can cut shapes in
a wide variety of materials, including metals, ceramics, and composites.

The 2626|xp is expressly designed for maximum precision. Every aspect of the
2626|xp is optimized to provide the highest accuracy in waterjet machining,
achieving an impressive positioning accuracy of 0.001" over the entire 26" of travel.

“We added a chiller to control thermal expansion of both the material and the
machine,” said Dr. John Olsen, OMAX’s VP of Technology. The 2626|xp comes
standard with the OMAX software with Intelli-MAXTM cutting enhancements; the
Tilt-A-JetTM Cutting Head; Stainless Steel Tank and Slats; the Precision Optical
Locator for picking up secondary locations; industrial water resistant keyboard
and mouse, Solids Removal System, 600 lb. Abrasive Delivery System; 60K BTU
Chiller and mounting points for EDM-style tooling.

This level of accuracy is required by industries that produce medical devices,
which makes precision medical instruments. The 2626|xp provides unprecedented
accuracy in an abrasive waterjet machine, along with the ability to quickly
machine stainless steel.

Another recent OMAX innovation, the Tilt-A-Jet, which incorporates OMAX
software, tilts the waterjet nozzle so that the stream contacts the material at
a variety of angles. This smooth and continuous tilt eliminates taper in the
finished part. “We utilize a complex, accurate mathematical model of what the
high-pressure abrasive waterjet stream will do when it contacts a particular
material,” explained Dr. Olsen. “From that model, we can predict how much
taper will occur at each point. By tilting the nozzle, we move the taper into
the scrap, with the result that the finished part shows almost no taper.”

“One of the interesting things about bringing technology into the machine shop
is that software becomes an important part of the machine,” said Dr. Olsen.
“It’s even possible to get more performance from a machine by improving only
the software.”

OMAX recently produced a number of software-related enhancements that are
collectively known as OMAX software with Intelli-MAXTM cutting enhancements.
Intelli-MAXTM helps customers achieve as much as a 50% increase in average
cutting speed.

“By refining the model of waterjet behavior, and by adopting some innovative
approaches, we were able to speed up production of high quality parts,”
said Dr. Olsen.

Although OMAX estimates the value of the software improvements at over $5,000,
the updated software is provided to all existing customers at no charge. Asked
about this unusual arrangement, Dr. Cheung, CEO of OMAX, said, “We are
committed to protecting OMAX customers from planned obsolescence as
technology improves. Our customers should always be producing the best parts
possible and one way that we can help them do this is by making sure their
OMAX JetMachining Center is always running the best software.”

Located in Kent, WA, OMAX was formed in 1993 to develop and commercialize
new technologies that make high-pressure waterjet machining practical and
affordable for general machining. OMAX offers a complete line of abrasive
waterjets, from the smallfootprint Model 2626 and 2626|xp to the Model 80160,
which enables you to machine large parts or multiple parts. For more information
on OMAX and its products visit our web site at www.omax.com or call
Sandra McLain at (800) 838-0343.