cnc plasma cutter

Choosing the right CNC plasma cutter for the job

cnc plasma cutter

The forward progress of technological breakthroughs is constantly pushing the industrial sector and its innovators to reach for new heights.

This is no different in the world of metal fabrication.

CNC plasma cutter manufacturers have to be on their toes to stand out above an ever-growing competitive market.

This is a good thing for the consumer but it also carries a disadvantage. With so many options out there, how do you decide which machine is the right fit for your specific needs?

Let’s take a look at four things to take into consideration when purchasing a CNC plasma cutter.

Cut Capacity and Quality

cnc plasma cutter

The first thing you need to know is what jobs you will be using your machine to do. More specifically, you need to know the size of the material you will be cutting, the type of material, the thickness of the material, and the quality of the cut that you need.

This will determine the size of the table, how powerful of a machine you need, and how precise of a cutter you need to invest in.

Machine Reliability

You don’t want to end up purchasing the cheapest machine and then have to spend a ton load on maintenance and repairs. You need to take into consideration the reliability of the CNC plasma cutter. Depending on your work environment and the workload, you must select a machine that can stand up to your specific demands. You will, therefore, need to take duty cycle into consideration, cooling, cleaning, and maintenance requirements.

User Friendliness

cnc plasma cutter

It’s one thing to have an advanced CNC Plasma cutter with all the latest features but it is another thing to be able to make use of all these capabilities. Do some research about the software of the product before you purchase it. Make sure it is user friendly and doesn’t need a rocket scientist to figure it out.

You may also choose to purchase additional features for your machine such as a water pool bed or extraction systems. These also improve the operator’s comfort and reduces the contamination of your workpiece and workspace.

Operational Cost

cnc plasma cutter

This is where most persons make a huge blunder when budgeting for new equipment. The purchasing cost of the machine is a one time cost but it is actually the least important cost. The one to watch is the operational cost of the equipment. You will have to pay each time you use the machine and I am not only referring to your operator’s salary.

There will be electricity usage to power the cutter, motors,  computers, and other additions such as extraction fans.

Ensure that you properly determine everything that you want your new CNC plasma cutter to do for you as well as your operating budget. Then, do your research and talk to your supplier to find the best equipment that will match all your requirements. This ensures that purchasing the machine results in a benefit to your operations.

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