Choosing A CNC Plasma Cutter Table

How To Choose A CNC Plasma Cutter Table

Deciding on a cutter table is a complicated business as there are a few important factors to consider. Maximum plate size, the layout of the working area, type of cutting tool, software and extra options all have to be determined at the outset.

Once these are decided, you are equipped to make the right choice of CNC plasma cutter table for your factory space.

Plate Size

Each table is designed to cover various cutting area dimensions, but beyond a certain size, you will have to opt for a bigger machine. Plate thickness will affect your choice too, as some models are restricted in the size of plasma they can take or the greatest thickness they can clear. The number of sheets to be covered is also important. Most machines are built to cover a single sheet, but if you are running a high-production factory you will need a cutter table with a gantry big enough for two sheets side by side. Many models have rails long enough for several sheets but it is the machine’s width that matters.

Working Area

A low-production facility can use a simple machine with a cutting table big enough for one plate at a time, and there is no problem with it standing idle while the plate is unloaded and replaced. But a high-production facility needs a machine that can be reloaded while cutting, meaning choosing between a big table or two separate ones. So more floor space and extra rails may be required, boosting production costs.

Tools

The more tools and extra options you need the bigger the machine you will want. How many plasma stations, oxy-fuel torches or marker tools are needed? How about a bevelling station? Such additions will necessitate a larger gantry.

Software

CNC requires coding. Even a low-production business, which does not need nesting facilities, has to programme its machine. Applications such as manual program editors and shape libraries are built into newer CNC equipment, and many can take in DXF or DWG files to run the CNC. But you will still have to program these CAD files for them to be operational.

In conclusion, it is vital to educate yourself about the options out there. You can then decide if you want to go with a basic set-up, for maximum cost-effectiveness, or if you need something with more flexibility and useful extras.