Flow International
Flow International, founded 1974 in Kent, Washington, is the inventor and global manufacturer of ultrahigh-pressure waterjet cutting systems, selling capital equipment, OEM parts, software, and service to machine shops, fabricators, aerospace, and stone fabricators in 100 countries; in 2025 it expanded into fiber laser and press brake solutions.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1974
- HeadquartersKent, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Flow International does
Flow International Corporation, founded in 1974 and headquartered in Kent, Washington, is the inventor and global manufacturer of ultrahigh-pressure waterjet cutting technology, operating as a subsidiary of Shape Technologies Group. The company designs and builds the full waterjet system in-house, including pumps (HyPlex Prime, MotoJet, MotoJet X, HyperJet rated at 94,000 psi), cutting heads (Standard, Pivot+, Dynamic Waterjet, Dynamic Waterjet XD), XY tables, and proprietary CAD/CAM software (FlowMaster and FlowXpert Infinity). Its technology traces to Dr. Mohamed Hashish's 1979 invention of the abrasive waterjet, and the company holds multiple patents including Dynamic Waterjet taper compensation and the patent-pending Compass contour-following system.
Flow generates revenue through a hybrid capital-equipment + aftermarket model. Primary revenue comes from machine sales (Mach 150 through Mach 700, EchoJet, and the 2025 NX Pro) priced between $60,000 and $300,000+, sold through direct enterprise field sales in the US and a network of in-country distributors across 12+ countries. Recurring and aftermarket revenue is generated through OEM parts via FlowParts.com, multi-tier FlowCare service contracts (Silver/Gold/Platinum) with intensifier exchange programs, software licenses and training, and Online Software Training ($800) and CTC Intensive Training ($2,241.95) courses delivered at the 14,000 sq ft Customer Technology Center. In 2025 the company extended beyond waterjet into fiber laser (LZR) and press brake (HyperBend) systems.
Customers span machine shops, metal service centers, fabrication shops, job shops, architecture and stone fabricators, and aerospace/defense industrial buyers (named customers include Lynn Welding, ICS, and Atlanta Natural Stone). The company sells globally, with the parent Shape Technologies Group serving customers in 100 countries, and operates manufacturing in Kent, WA and Baxter Springs, KS.
Flow International firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Flow International
- Legal name
- Flow International Corporation
- Website
- https://flowwaterjet.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1974
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- Flow International, founded 1974 in Kent, Washington, is the inventor and global manufacturer of ultrahigh-pressure waterjet cutting systems, selling capital equipment, OEM parts, software, and service to machine shops, fabricators, aerospace, and stone fabricators in 100 countries; in 2025 it expanded into fiber laser and press brake solutions.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Flow International industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Waterjet Cutting Systems
- NAICS
- Fluid Power Pump and Motor Manufacturing (333996)
- SIC
- Pumps & Pumping Equipment (3561)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Sheet Metal Machinery (Laser/Plasma/Waterjet Cutting, Punching) (IMAHADAD)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Pump & Compressor Packages (Skids, Booster Sets) (IMAHANAG)
Keywords
Where Flow International is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Kent
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Flow International business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Waterjet Cutting Systems: Complete waterjet cutting systems including machines (NX Pro, Mach 150, Mach 200c, Mach 200s, Mach 300, Mach 500, Mach 700, EchoJet), pumps (HyPlex Prime, MotoJet, MotoJet X, HyperJet), cutting heads (Standard Waterjet, Pivot+, Dynamic Waterjet, Dynamic Waterjet XD), and accessories. The company manufactures the entire waterjet system including pump, cutting head, XY table, and software.
- Software Licenses and Subscriptions: FlowXpert software suite including FlowCUT, FlowPATH, FlowNEST, and FlowMaster. Software is sold as part of system packages or separately for existing customers.
- Genuine Flow Parts: OEM replacement parts including orifices, mixing tubes, seals, filters, and other components. Parts are available through FlowParts.com and come with one-year warranty on non-consumable spare parts.
- FlowCare Service Programs: Service programs with three levels (Silver, Gold, Platinum) that include extended warranty, onsite preventative maintenance, personalized parts packages, factory-certified rebuilds, and intensifier exchange programs. Designed to maximize uptime and safeguard investments.
- Training Services: Waterjet training offered at the Customer Technology Center in Kent, WA (14,000 sq ft facility) and online. Training covers operation, programming, and maintenance. Pricing: $800 for online software training, $2,241.95 for CTC intensive courses.
- Laser and Press Brake Systems: Since 2025, Flow has expanded into fiber laser (LZR) and press brake (HyperBend) solutions, representing new product lines for advanced cutting and forming.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Waterjet cutting machines: $60k–$300k+ |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Online Software Training: $800 |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | CTC Intensive Training: $2,241.95 |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
Flow International product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Flow International manufactures ultrahigh-pressure waterjet cutting technology for industrial applications. The company's product portfolio includes complete waterjet cutting systems, high-pressure pumps, cutting heads, and supporting software used by manufacturers and fabrication shops to cut metals, stone, composites, glass, and other materials without heat-affected zones. Aftermarket parts and tiered service programs support the global installed base.
Product overview
Flow International Corporation is a global leader in advanced cutting and forming solutions, offering ultrahigh-pressure waterjet, fiber laser, and press brake technologies. The product portfolio centers on waterjet cutting systems spanning from entry-level (Mach 150) to large format production (Mach 700), complemented by a full range of proprietary components including intensifier and direct drive pumps (HyPlex Prime, MotoJet, MotoJet X, HyperJet), cutting heads (Standard, Pivot+, Dynamic Waterjet, Dynamic Waterjet XD), and accessories (UltraPierce, Compass, Abrasive Delivery, Rotary Indexer). The company's software ecosystem includes FlowMaster Software Suite (comprising FlowCut controller, FlowPath CAD/CAM, and FlowNest nesting modules) and FlowXpert Infinity for 2D/3D programming. FlowCare provides service and maintenance programs, while Waterjet Connect iQ offers IoT capabilities. In 2025, Flow expanded into adjacent technologies with LZR fiber lasers and HyperBend press brakes, positioning itself as a comprehensive manufacturing solutions provider.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Ultrahigh-pressure waterjet cutting systems
Quantifiable outcome
- Cutting speeds increase 30-50% with HyperPressure technology (75,000+ psi) compared to standard 55,000-60,000 psi systems
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Flow International
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Flow International technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature12 records
Flow International partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Shape Technologies GroupcoreShape Technologies Group is the parent company of Flow International. SHAPE is the world's leading provider and inventor of waterjet technology, delivering innovative manufacturing process solutions to customers spanning 100 countries. The company has become a strategic ecosystem providing material processing, surface preparation, automated assembly, robotic motion systems, material handling, software, process control, aftermarket parts, and comprehensive support. Flow operates as a member of this group, leveraging shared resources and expertise.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Flow International competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- OMAX Corporation: OMAX is the closest direct competitor to Flow in abrasive waterjet cutting machines, offering a similar product line of waterjet systems, pumps, and software. Both are now part of Shape Technologies Group, making them the most direct functional peer for benchmarking market share, pricing, and product roadmap.
- KMT Waterjet: KMT Waterjet manufactures ultrahigh-pressure waterjet cutting pumps and systems, directly competing with Flow's HyPlex Prime, MotoJet, and HyperJet product lines. Also a Shape Technologies subsidiary, it is the closest comparable for pump technology and global pump-only sales channels.
- Wasserstrom (Resato): Resato is a specialist manufacturer of ultrahigh-pressure waterjet cutting systems and intensifier pumps, serving aerospace, automotive, and industrial customers in Europe. Directly comparable to Flow's intensifier pump product line and ultrahigh-pressure waterjet systems.
- WARDJet: WARDJet manufactures large-format waterjet cutting systems for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications, directly comparable to Flow's Mach 700 and Advanced Solutions product lines focused on large-format and 3D waterjet cutting.
Broad incumbents
- Bystronic Laser: Bystronic is a global incumbent in sheet metal cutting and bending — now directly overlapping Flow's 2025 LZR fiber laser and HyperBend press brake product expansions. Comparable business model (capital equipment, service, software) and customer base (job shops and fabrication) makes it the most relevant broad incumbent peer.
- Trumpf: Trumpf is a leading global manufacturer of industrial lasers and machine tools, directly competitive in the fiber laser cutting space that Flow entered in 2025. Comparable in scale, vertical integration, service/aftermarket model, and enterprise customer base.
- Hypertherm: Hypertherm designs and manufactures industrial cutting systems including plasma, waterjet, and laser — overlapping Flow's waterjet/laser portfolio. Comparable as a multi-modal cutting technology manufacturer serving fabrication, shipbuilding, and automotive customers.
- Amada Machine Tools: Amada is a major Japanese sheet metal machinery manufacturer producing laser cutters, press brakes, and shears — overlapping Flow's waterjet, laser (LZR), and press brake (HyperBend) product lines. Comparable enterprise sales model and fabricator customer base.
- Mazak Corporation: Mazak is a major multi-axis machine tool manufacturer with cutting, turning, and laser solutions — overlapping Flow's customer base of job shops and fabricators. Comparable as a broad incumbent serving similar industrial customers with adjacent cutting technologies.
Emerging players
- STM Waterjet (STM Micro / STM Cuts): STM is an emerging pure-waterjet cutting specialist with strong 5-axis and 3D cutting focus; competes with Flow's Dynamic Waterjet XD and Pivot+ systems in the high-precision niche. Comparable for product positioning but smaller scale and more limited geographic reach.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Flow International social profiles
Digital presenceFlow International financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Flow International leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Flow International funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Flow International M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Flow International
What does Flow International do?
Flow International manufactures ultrahigh-pressure waterjet cutting technology for industrial applications. The company's product portfolio includes complete waterjet cutting systems, high-pressure pumps, cutting heads, and supporting software used by manufacturers and fabrication shops to cut metals, stone, composites, glass, and other materials without heat-affected zones. Aftermarket parts and tiered service programs support the global installed base.
Is Flow International a public or private company?
Flow International is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Flow International founded?
Flow International was founded in 1974. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Flow International based?
Flow International is headquartered in Kent, United States, in the North America region.
How does Flow International make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Waterjet Cutting Systems are the primary driver. The others are software Licenses and Subscriptions, genuine Flow Parts, flowCare Service Programs, training Services and laser and Press Brake Systems.
Who are Flow International's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are OMAX Corporation, KMT Waterjet, Wasserstrom (Resato) and WARDJet. Broad incumbents are Bystronic Laser, Trumpf, Hypertherm, Amada Machine Tools and Mazak Corporation. STM Waterjet (STM Micro / STM Cuts) is listed as an emerging player.
Does Flow International have an API?
No public API is recorded for Flow International.
What industry is Flow International in?
Flow International's product category is Industrial Waterjet Cutting Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAHADAD, Sheet Metal Machinery (Laser/Plasma/Waterjet Cutting, Punching), with a secondary code of IMAHANAG, Pump & Compressor Packages (Skids, Booster Sets). Its NAICS code is 333996 and its SIC code is 3561.