Bystronic ByJet Flex

$180,000 - $350,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

Accuracy

±0.05 mm (±0.002 in)

Repeatability

±0.03 mm (±0.0012 in)

table sizes

3015 / 3020 / 4020

cutting area 3020

3,000 x 2,000 mm (9.8 x 6.6 ft)

z axis travel

200 mm (7.9 in)

max traverse speed

20,000 mm/min (787 ipm)

Overview

The Bystronic ByJet Flex is a large-format abrasive waterjet cutting system from the Swiss manufacturer Bystronic, a company better known for their laser cutting systems and press brakes. The ByJet Flex is Bystronic's entry into the waterjet market and targets shops that already run Bystronic laser equipment and want to add waterjet capability using a familiar control platform and service network.

The ByJet Flex is available in table sizes from 3 x 1.5 m to 4 x 2 m (approximately 10 x 5 ft to 13 x 6.5 ft). It uses a KMT-sourced intensifier pump at 60,000 PSI (4,137 bar) with 37 kW or 55 kW motor options (approximately 50 HP or 75 HP). The machine can be configured with up to three cutting heads for multi-part simultaneous cutting. Positioning accuracy is ±0.05 mm (±0.002 in) with repeatability of ±0.03 mm (±0.0012 in). Maximum traverse speed is 20,000 mm/min (787 ipm).

Bystronic integrates the ByJet Flex with their BySoft 7 software platform, which is the same software used across their laser and press brake product lines. For shops running multiple Bystronic machines, this means one software ecosystem for programming, nesting, and production management across all their equipment. The ByJet Flex includes Bystronic's process monitoring with live pressure, abrasive flow, and water level sensing.

New ByJet Flex systems price in the $180,000-$350,000 range depending on table size, pump power, and number of cutting heads. Bystronic's service network in Europe is excellent; North American coverage is growing but thinner than Flow or OMAX. The ByJet Flex competes with the Flow Mach 300/500 and OMAX GlobalMax at the mid-to-upper end of the industrial waterjet market.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Table Sizes	3015 / 3020 / 4020
Cutting Area 3020	3,000 x 2,000 mm (9.8 x 6.6 ft)
Z Axis Travel	200 mm (7.9 in)
Positioning Accuracy	±0.05 mm (±0.002 in)
Repeatability	±0.03 mm (±0.0012 in)
Max Traverse Speed	20,000 mm/min (787 ipm)
Drive Type	Linear guides with ball screw drives
Pump Type	KMT intensifier
Max Pressure	60,000 PSI (4,137 bar)
Pump Power	37 kW / 55 kW (50 / 75 HP)
Max Cutting Heads	Up to 3 simultaneous
Software	BySoft 7
Abrasive	Garnet (80 mesh standard)
Machine Weight	Approx. 6,500 kg (14,330 lbs)

Specifications sourced from bystronic.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

BySoft 7 software integration allows single-platform programming across Bystronic laser, waterjet, and press brake equipment
Up to three simultaneous cutting heads dramatically increase throughput on jobs with multiple identical parts
Swiss engineering with high-quality linear guides, ball screws, and robust gantry construction for long-term accuracy
Bystronic's global service network provides parts and technical support in most major industrial markets
Process monitoring with live pressure, abrasive flow, and water level sensors catches problems before they damage parts
Large table size options up to 4 x 2 m handle oversized plate work and multi-sheet nesting

Limitations

North American service coverage is thinner than Flow or OMAX, which can mean longer response times for breakdown support
60,000 PSI maximum pressure limits cutting speed on thick materials compared to systems offering 90,000+ PSI
Premium pricing reflects Bystronic's brand position — comparable cutting capability is available at lower cost from other OEMs
BySoft 7 learning curve is steeper than OMAX Intelli-MAX for operators who aren't already in the Bystronic ecosystem
Z-axis travel of 200 mm (7.9 in) is shorter than competitors offering 300+ mm, limiting fixture height and thick stock capability

Best For

Shops already running Bystronic laser cutters or press brakes that want unified software and service across all equipment Production facilities needing multi-head waterjet cutting for high-volume part runs with identical geometries European manufacturers where Bystronic's service infrastructure is strongest and parts availability is immediate Metal fabrication shops complementing fiber laser cutting with waterjet for thick materials and heat-sensitive alloys Companies that value Swiss manufacturing quality and are willing to pay a premium for build quality and precision

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Bystronic ByJet Flex cost?

New ByJet Flex systems range from roughly $180,000 for a single-head 3015 table to $350,000+ for a triple-head 4020 configuration. Bystronic pricing tends to be higher than comparable Flow or OMAX systems, reflecting the Swiss brand premium and BySoft 7 software integration. Used ByJet Flex units are rare on the secondary market because the installed base is smaller.

02 How does the ByJet Flex compare to a Flow Mach 500?

The Mach 500 offers 94,000 PSI pump options and the Dynamic XD 5-axis head with taper compensation, neither of which the ByJet Flex matches. The ByJet Flex counters with multi-head capability (up to 3 heads) and BySoft 7 integration for multi-machine shops. If you need maximum cutting speed and 5-axis capability, the Mach 500 wins. If you need throughput via multi-head cutting and already run Bystronic equipment, the ByJet Flex has advantages.

03 Can the ByJet Flex cut the same materials as other waterjets?

Yes. Abrasive waterjet cutting is material-agnostic. The ByJet Flex cuts metals, stone, glass, composites, ceramics, rubber, and plastics. The 60,000 PSI pump handles any material up to roughly 6 in thick, with practical cutting speeds depending on material hardness and thickness. It uses the same garnet abrasive as all other abrasive waterjet systems.

04 Is Bystronic service available in North America?

Yes, Bystronic has a North American headquarters in Elgin, Illinois and regional service technicians across the US and Canada. However, their service network is built primarily around laser and press brake equipment, and waterjet-specific expertise is less widespread. For shops in major metro areas, service response is typically good. For rural locations, Flow and OMAX may provide faster on-site response.