Running a steel fabrication operation is no small task. You’re juggling tight deadlines, demanding tolerances, and the constant pressure to keep costs under control. The last thing you need is a cutting machine that slows you down. Premium plasma steel cutting machines reduce the risk of downtime while providing quality, laser-like cuts. Below, we’re highlighting what you should look for in your next machine.
What is Plasma Cutting?
Before we dive into the details about premium machines, let’s first examine how plasma cutting works. The process superheats a gas into plasma using an electrical arc. The arc forms between an electrode inside the torch and the metal workpiece, which ionizes the gas into a fourth state of matter. This creates an intensely focused, high-velocity stream of plasma that melts the metal at the point of contact.
This process works on mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and brass. It’s capable of handling anything from thin sheet metal to several inches of thick plate — depending on the machine’s power.
What to Look for When Choosing a Premium System
Cut Quality and Precision
A premium system should produce clean, smooth edges with minimal dross, warping, or heat-affected zones. They should also offer precise cuts, influenced by factors like motion system accuracy, torch height control, and software calibration. All AKS Cutting Systems machines are engineered with these demands in mind. They deliver the edge quality and dimensional accuracy your operation needs.
In fact, our plasma machines deliver laser-like quality cuts. Jorgensen Steel, one of our customers, actually replaced its laser cutting machines with multiple AKS plasma solutions. Learn more about this decision in our in-depth case study.
CNC Controller Capabilities
Thanks to CNC controller capabilities, businesses no longer have to rely on manual plasma cutting. At AKS Cutting Systems, all of our plasma steel cutting machines have CNC capabilities, making them more accurate and reliable than traditional methods.
Table Size and Construction
Even the slightest movement in a plasma table can have disastrous effects on your cut parts. That’s why you should look for a table with heavy-duty construction. At AKS Cutting Systems, our machines are created with built-to-last full steel plate construction. Many of our machines weigh over 2,000 pounds to eliminate small movements that could impact cut quality.
Table size also matters. If you’re cutting large plates, you’ll need a bigger table to accommodate that need. We offer a variety of machines in different sizes to allow you to get the best option for your organization. Our PLASMATIC Pro, for example, is great for smaller shops. This machine comes in 5’x10’ or 6’x12’ options. The dura-kut, on the other hand, can handle larger applications. Standard widths range from 8’ to 18’, but can go up to 30’. Length ranges in 10’ increments up to 200’. AKS can customize almost any table to meet your needs. Contact one of our sales associates for more information.
Torch and Consumable Quality
Torches and consumables directly impact a machine’s cut quality and longevity. Torches should be built with durable materials that can withstand extreme heat and electrical demands. Consumables should also be readily available and designed for long service life.
AKS Cutting Systems machines are compatible with industry-leading consumables from Hypertherm. We also offer a consumables loyalty program for all of our customers at no additional cost. You receive a discount on consumables, free torch bodies, a reduction on service rates, and more. Get the details here.
Quality Add-Ons
Some manufacturers will offer attachments that enhance the cutting process. At AKS Cutting Systems, our robo-kut and tube-kut attachments drastically improve turnaround times.
The robo-kut is an industry-leading five-axis bevel head. It’s capable of creating precise cut angles at up to +/-45 degrees for A, V, K, X, top and bottom Y-style bevel cuts. It’s also capable of achieving 0.5” diameter bolt-ready holes in 1” thick steel plates, thanks to its superior 0.5”:1” ratio for hole diameter to thickness. Competing equipment can only achieve 1”:1” ratios. Learn more about this equipment here.
The tube-kut is our integrated rotary axis mounted to the side of our plasma cutting machines. Using a CNC controller, it rotates and indexes the tube/pipe as the plasma torch cuts shapes and profiles into the tube wall. Learn more about this equipment here.
We also offer a self-cleaning system that reduces downtime for your operation. It runs while your plasma-cutting machine is in operation, moving all the debris into a refuse drawer located at the end of the equipment. This drawer only has to be dumped after 10-15 hours of cutting, and the process takes less than 10 minutes. Learn more about this equipment here.
Turn to AKS Cutting Systems for Quality Plasma Steel Cutting Machines
AKS Cutting Systems is a leader in waterjet and plasma cutting machinery. With over 100 years of experience, we’ve worked with businesses large and small to get the right system for their needs. Combining Hypertherm technology with our expertise, we’ve become a go-to partner for companies around the globe. If you’re looking for quality plasma steel cutting machines, reach out to us today.