Pros and Cons of CNC Plasma Cutter

For more than 50 years, plasma cutters have been the preferred method of cutting metal. Since the 1970s, they have gained wide acceptance in the industry because they offer several advantages over other cutting methods.

Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of CNC plasma cutting equipment.

Pros:

• Fast – no preheating required, so the torch can start cutting immediately. With speeds up to 500 IPM, it can compete with laser cutters based on part type.
• Versatile – capable of intricate drilling, cutting and beveling in a single operation. Plasma cutters can effectively cut any electrically conductive metal up to 6 “thick.
• Precise – together with state-of-the-art software and high-precision components, the need for costly secondary operations is eliminated. The torch head is computer controlled, creating clean, crisp cuts.
• High cutting quality – less slag and high quality edges. The tight integration between the cutting torch and the software results in high quality production.
• Easy to use – While a CNC machine may seem complicated, CNC (computer numerically controlled) software takes most of the guesswork out of cutting. With a state-of-the-art package, even a novice operator is capable of producing amazing results.
• Safe – Most quality systems offer an exhaust or downdraft system to keep smoke away from the operator.

Cons:

• Hardened edges – the plasma will produce a heat affected zone and will harden the edges of the material being cut.
• Human waste – Most plasma cut parts will have some slag that needs to be cleaned from the part, but this has been minimized with today’s high performance plasma cutting systems.
• cost – CNC plasma cutters may cost more, but faster cutting speed and high quality of cut allow for faster production with fewer secondary labor-intensive operations. Long-term efficiency and precision are items that figure into the total cost of a plasma cutter, not just the price.

Today, many low-priced to medium quality plasma cutters are available on the market. Poor design, poor workmanship, older technology, and inefficient components significantly shorten the life of an inexpensive plasma cutter and prevent companies from realizing the productivity gains and cost savings they expected. What seems like a great deal up front will end up costing you time and money down the road.

When comparing cutting methods or shopping for your next CNC machine, consider a plasma cutter. The long list of benefits, or advantages, makes it a formidable and profitable cutting machine. All machines also have their own list of disadvantages. Do your research thoroughly before you buy.