The manufacturing industry changes fast. Tariffs fluctuate, materials get stuck in transit, and relying on outside suppliers can turn into a long waiting game. For many businesses, the biggest challenge isn’t the work itself. Rather, it’s the bottlenecks that come from depending on someone else’s schedule.
That’s why companies are bringing more of their fabrication processes in-house. For Xtractor, investing in a CNC plasma cutting machine from AKS allowed the company to take back control. Below, you’ll learn how Xtractor transformed its operation to gain more independence — and how you can do the same.
The Cost of Depending on Outsourced Parts
For years, Xtractor depended on a secondary supplier for their pre-cut steel parts. This model resulted in long lead times, limited flexibility, and high upfront costs. In some cases, the Xtractor team would have to commit to up to $25,000 worth of steel to make it economical. That kind of capital tie-up made it hard to stay nimble. If orders changed or lead times stretched, Xtractor had little time to adapt. Waiting weeks for parts simply wasn’t sustainable.
Taking Control Back: How the PLASMATIC™ Changes the Equation
Everything changed when Xtractor discovered the AKS PLASMATIC™. This streamlined CNC plasma cutting machine is built for shops that want pro-level performance without an oversized footprint. Now, Xtractor can buy sheets of metal, put them on the machine, and have everything cut within an hour.
Instead of stocking thousands of dollars’ worth of pre-cut parts, the team only buys what it needs. This allows for faster turnaround and smoother fabrication processes. With the PLASMATIC™, Xtractor was able to reduce lead times, lower capital investments, and even take on new types of work. Read the full case study here.
Why the PLASMATIC™ Delivers True Operational Flexibility
A lot of CNC plasma cutters claim to offer efficiency and precision. However, they don’t always deliver. Xtractor chose the PLASMATIC™ because of its stand-out abilities.
Rugged, Industrial-Grade Construction
The PLASMATIC™ is built to last. Other machines are built on lightweight frames, which can cause wiggling and loss of accuracy during the cutting process. The PLASMATIC™ is designed with a full, heavy-weight chassis for stability at high speeds. This allows AKS customers to get better accuracy on their components.
Power Compatibility for Diverse Shops
Xtractor operates in a rural area with only single-phase 220V power. Many competing machines require three-phase, 480V setups. This can effectively exclude smaller or remote shops. The PLASMATIC™ works within real-world power constraints while still delivering the cut quality Xtractor needs.
Cuts a Wide Range of Materials Reliably
The PLASMATIC is able to cut a variety of materials and a range of thicknesses. Reach out to our team for more information.
Contact AKS Cutting Systems to Learn What We Can Do for You
AKS Cutting Systems provides top-quality plasma and waterjet cutting machinery to help you get the most out of your operations. For over 100 years, AKS Cutting Systems and our parent company, Kiffer Industries, have been at the forefront of machine tool design and building from our headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. We are a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated company, providing Made-in-the-USA machines for a variety of industries. If you’re ready to learn more about what we can do for you, reach out to our team today.