Flow · Waterjets
Flow waterjet systems are very strong retrofit candidates. The high-pressure pumps and cutting heads are built to last decades, while the control systems that drive them becomes obsolete much sooner. Most Flow waterjet retrofits complete in 3–5 business days with a 10–15 year operational life extension.
Typical Downtime
3–5 business days
Retrofit Eligible
Yes
What Gets Replaced
CNC control system, servo drives, motors, electrical enclosure or panel, and wiring as needed
What Stays
High-pressure pump, intensifier, cutting head, plumbing, and tank
Flow International builds their waterjet systems around high-pressure pumps and intensifiers designed for continuous industrial use. The mechanical heart of a Flow waterjet including the pump, the cutting head, and the plumbing is built to last many years with proper maintenance. The control system that drives it is not.
Flow’s original control platforms become increasingly difficult to support as parts obsolete and software updates stop. A machine that cuts accurately and reliably is idled because its control can’t be repaired or updated. The retrofit solution replaces the control while leaving the high-value mechanical components intact.
MachMotion installs a modern PC-based CNC control configured specifically for waterjet operation including waterjet-specific motion profiles (critical for maintaining cut quality through speed transitions), abrasive system integration, and nesting software compatibility.
What gets replaced: Control computer, servo drives, operator interface, and associated control wiring
What stays: High-pressure pump and intensifier, cutting head and nozzle assembly, tank and slat system, abrasive delivery system, all plumbing and hydraulics
The retrofit does not require removing or disturbing the pump, which means the highest-cost component of the waterjet is never at risk during the process.
Ready When You Are
Tell us what machines you're running and what's failing. We'll give you a straight answer: retrofit, repair, or replace the machine based on what actually makes sense for your shop.
