A plasma cutter is a big investment for most metal fabrication shops and metalworking facilities. Finding the best automated plasma cutter for your needs and within your budget is going to be an important task.
Knowing what you need in a CNC plasma cutter is perhaps the first step. If you currently have a plasma cutter in the shop talk to those operators using the equipment and find out what features are useful, practical and essential for them to get the job done.
Make a list of these “must have” features. This will be the primary list you will work off of when comparing different new models and options in automated plasma cutter systems.
Next, make a list of the features or options in a system that would help them to take on new work or make their current cutting tasks easier. There are several different options to consider in these time and energy saving features that can be included on different models of plasma cutter from different companies.
Process Tools that Save Time
One of the biggest features with any automated plasma cutter is the ability to use a wide variety of process cutting tools. This is a factor both in the size of the equipment as well as the machine configuration.
With more tool options there is the ability to complete even complicated cutting tasks quicker and easier with less waste. Less waste and less time per job results in higher productivity and a better return on your investment.
Software
In addition to the tools and the actual design and size of the CNC plasma cutting machine, it will also be critical to take a close look at the software. You will want to choose a system that automates the processing of designs into code quickly, effectively and easily, freeing up your technicians to work on new projects and limiting the risk of any type of human error.
Test Drive the Equipment
One solution to the problem of trying to find the right CNC plasma cutter is to lease or rent the equipment and try it out. This gives you the chance to work with the specific model and try out the features and functions in an application that is specifically tailored to the type of work you do.
This will add slightly to the budget, but remember you will be working on actual projects for your customers, so the lease can literally pay for itself. This is also a perfect way to get feedback from the machine operators to ensure you have all the bases covered.
