Hi all,

I'm currently working on a proposal to replace my company's waterjet with an HD CNC plasma. We are Dubai based and develop automotive products, mostly cutting 2-3mm MS for our usual bracketry and up to 20mm for recovery tabs.

Our need is for prototyping and low volume production. Waterjet is good for prototyping, but when it comes to any sort of production we outsource for laser cutting. Getting an HD plasma and a CNC press brake should yield an ROI of 4-5 years.

I'm looking for a compact system mainly from Durma, Soitaab, and ESAB. Durma PL-C is most probable for compactness, available options, and quality.

Features and questions currently on my mind:
  1. We always use interlocking tabs for brackets. Are the cutouts for the tabs on 2 and 3mm parts possible with plasma?
  2. 130XD power source is most suitable for our needs. Max dross free thickness is listed at 16mm, can we get away cutting 20mm or need to go for 260XD?
  3. Drill head to drill holes less than 1:1 ratio.
  4. Will filtration system take care of fumes or still need additional provision like a suction chimney. It's very important to reduce the amount of fumes and metal dust as much as possible.
  5. Are there any limitations to the different types of controllers? Durma PL-C is using Siemens 840.
  6. What gases do I need? Main materials are mild steel and aluminum, occasionally 1-3mm stainless steel.
  7. Can filtration system and gas cylinders be placed outside knowing summer temperatures here are 40-50C?


Thanks