A Comprehensive Guide to CNC Plasma Cutters in Australia

An Introduction to CNC Plasma Cutters

CNC plasma cutters are chiefly used within the field of metal fabrication, where versatility is of the utmost importance. Typically used in manufacturing, fabrication shops, automotive repair and restoration garages, a CNC plasma cutter uses accelerated jets of hot plasma to cut electrically conductive materials, while CNC (Computer Numerical Control) technology automates the cutting process, thereby ensuring consistent precision and consistency.

What is a CNC Table?

CNC plasma cutters can come in various forms, such as plasma tables, which are specialised CNC machines that specifically incorporate plasma cutting technology. They provide the capability to accurately cut metal components from flat sheets or plates, offering versatility and efficiency in metal fabrication processes. In essence, these tables are designed to do a lot of cutting for you; they come with essential components such as an X-axis and a Y-axis, onto which you can mount the plasma torch (which is commonly known as the router), which is then capable of moving along the Y-axis and X-axis across the table. A dedicated CNC plasma torch is affixed to this arm, executing the programmed cuts with precision. To operate these tables, it’s essential to have a CNC computer that is programmed with specific software that can interpret M-codes and G-codes.

How Does CNC Plasma Cutting Work?

CNC plasma cutting machines are computer-controlled systems that are capable of manoeuvring a high-definition plasma torch according to programmed numerical codes. The high-definition plasma cutter operates by directing a gas or compressed air through a nozzle at high velocities. An electric arc is then applied to the gas, generating plasma that effortlessly cuts through metal.

CNC plasma cutters can come in various sizes, forms, and price points, with speeds ranging from 50 to 8,000 millilitres per minute. It’s worth noting that high-definition plasma cutters require both a plasma gas and an assist gas to operate, with the specific gases chosen based on the material being cut.

The Benefits of CNC Plasma Cutters

There are many advantages that a CNC plasma cutter can bring to your fabrications, including:

Precision: CNC plasma cutters can come in various sizes, forms, and price points, with speeds ranging from 50 to 8,000 millilitres per minute. It’s worth noting that high-definition plasma cutters require both a plasma gas and an assist gas to operate, with the specific gases chosen based on the material being cut.

Efficiency: CNC plasma cutters streamline production processes, making them more efficient compared to traditional manual cutting methods.

Versatility: CNC plasma machines are highly versatile, capable of cutting through various materials and thicknesses. This adaptability makes them suitable for a wide range of applications.

Cutting Strength: One of the primary reasons plasma cutters have become so popular is because of their powerful cutting capability. They can cut through all electrically conductive metals, including very thick sheet metal. This prowess is particularly important in industries like automotive and aerospace, which often deal with large, thick metal pieces.

Cutting Speed: Plasma cutters are much faster than oxy-fuel torch cutting, sometimes up to ten times quicker. This makes plasma cutting an excellent choice for rapidly cutting down large metal structures, a method commonly used by wreckers and scrappers to process substantial amounts of material efficiently.

Choosing the Right CNC Plasma Cutter

Investing in a CNC plasma cutting system can greatly enhance your company’s productivity and efficiency, but it’s important that you select the one that best suits your needs. Whether you operate a small fabrication shop or a large-scale manufacturing facility, we recommend that you always factor in the following considerations when selecting your CNC plasma cutting system:

Specific Cutting Requirements: Assess the types of materials and thicknesses you need to cut to ensure the system meets your specific needs.
Cutting Area and Table Size: Ensure the table size and cutting area accommodate the dimensions of the materials you plan to work with.
Software and Control System: Look for intuitive, reliable software that supports your design needs and integrates well with your existing systems.
Expected Lifespan and Maintenance Requirements: Consider the durability of the system and the ease and cost of maintenance over its lifespan.
Speed and Accuracy: Assess the cutting speed and precision to ensure it aligns with your production goals and quality standards.
Work Table & Sheet Capacity: Different models usually offer varying sheet capacities and work table features. Choose the model that best fits your specific requirements.
Cutting Head: The cutting head is vital for precision as well as the overall quality of the cut quality. It’s advised that you look for plasma cutters that include features such as a 45-degree tilt to the right and left that allows for the cutting head to tilt in either direction, enabling bevel cuts and angled edges, or THC (Torch Height Control, a system that automatically adjusts the torch's height relative to the metal surface during cutting). You should also consider advancements such as the Hypertherm cutting torch, which has been designed to direct the plasma arc precisely onto the metal surface for efficient and accurate cutting.
Plasma Source & Cutting Capacity: Always choose a plasma source with the appropriate air or nitrogen assist gas to meet your project's piercing and cutting needs. You may wish to consider something like the Hypertherm Powermax.
CNC Software: Consider software features such as compatibility with DXF and DWG files, Fastcam Professional (Auto-Nesting), USB support that allows you save your work, and Fontgen modules which offer simple alphanumeric programming.
CNC Control: Opt for a control system that includes a template library for quick cutting of standard shapes and angles, as well as a real-time cutting path.

You can browse our wide range of plasma cutters here.

The Best CNC Plasma Cutting Systems in Australia

At Applied Machinery, we strive to be the best supplier of the best brands in the country. With a network of both local and international dealers, we remain one of Australia’s biggest and most respected dealers of both new and used machinery for engineering and the plastics and sheet metal industries, and our customer service is second to none.

We currently stock a range of high quality Pro-Plas Hypertherm plasma cutters, including the Pro-Plas 1530 (105 Hypertherm), the Pro-Plas 2040 (125 Hypertherm), the Pro-Plas 2560 (125 Hypertherm), the Pro-Plas 3060 (125 Hypertherm), and many more, with different sheet capacity options compatible with various CNC controllers. You can browse all of our plasma cutters here, or check out our full range of machinery here. Got an inquiry? You can get in touch with us directly here.