Options In A Computer Controlled Plasma Cutter

by | Jan 11, 2017 | Machining Manufacturer

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In most shops today, CNC or computer numerical control equipment is not just a nice feature, it is required to complete cuts to tighter tolerances and the complex shapes required by OEMs, fabricators and other customers.

Getting the correct computer controlled plasma cutter to suit your needs and the projects your customers are requesting means considering your options. New technology and more efficient systems are constantly coming on the market with the leading names in CNC plasma cutting systems continuing to offer state-of-the-art systems.

Power and Cutting

Different types of machines will require different power levels. The range of power needs for a computer controlled plasma cutter can range from a low of 30A up to 800A or more, with the higher powered machines capable of a greater range and speed of cutting.

The very large industrial types of plasma cutting systems can handle aluminum, stainless steel or mild steels several inches in thickness while smaller systems may only be designed to handle metals up to one inch.

Production Requirements

A smaller fabrication or machining shop working 9 to 5 and having the occasional need for a computer controlled plasma cutter will want to consider a lower cost system than a metal supply company or large scale fabrication or OEM production facility that may be running the system 24/7 every day of the year.

These high production types of systems are bigger, bulkier and required more space, specialized exhaust and specific designs that are built for years of continual use without any downtime. Many of these systems are also designed for extremely low maintenance, but this is a feature now also found on the smaller units found in local machining and fabrication shops.

Price will always be a factor. The larger and more advanced the systems are, the more costly they will be. Making price comparisons and looking carefully at the production and use requirements of the system will be critical in making a selection.