Finally! A Plasma Cutting/Drilling/Tapping Machine that you can Afford
The XD Plasma Machine with optional Drill/Tap head is the ideal choice for light to medium plate and sheet processing where precision drilled holes or tapped threads are required. Performing all operations in one setup eliminates much of the double handling, error and rework that can happen when multiple processes need to be done to a component.
Cutting capacity is dependant on the plasma system selected. Extra definition XPR170 or XPR300 plasma systems from Hypertherm can be selected. Up to 50mm piercing and 80mm edge start cutting processes are available with the Hypertherm XPR300 plasma option. A bonus with a drilling machine is the ability to pre-pierce heavy material with a drill, then edge start on the edge of the drill hole with the plasma torch. This adds greatly to the capacity of the plasma capability and also dramatically extends consumable life as the amount of dross blow-back into the torch is extremely reduced using this method.
Why not plasma cut all the holes?
Plasma cut holes can be great for clearance holes, however, due to the slightly hardened cut surface, sometimes drilled holes are preferred when thread tapping is required. Another reason that drilling may be required is that the precision True Hole plasma cutting process usually starts at a diameter of 1 x the thickness of the material, and stops at a diameter of 2 x the material thickness. So if you need precision 6mm holes in 10mm plate for example, the ideal method is to drill.
The XD engineering machine provides a medium duty servo driven auto tool change drilling/tapping spindle that is capable of drilling up to 16mm diameter holes in mild steel. Other options may be available if you require something larger (Please talk to our sales team about this).
Each axis is driven with the latest absolute position Japanese servomotors that do not require auto-homing and never lose position. The motion control system uses Ethercat realtime communication to talk to all drives and accessories. ART ProfileShop is the advanced controller system that runs on the large friendly touchscreen. This enables job selection, previewing and editing, real-time visual feedback, setting origins, diagnostics and much more. It is easy to learn and no prior knowledge of cnc machines is required to use.
The XD Plasma/Drill/Tapping machine is configured to your specifications and to suit your material dimensions, however there are common dimensions listed below.
ART exclusively recommend Camfil Farr fume extraction systems. These UK based self cleaning filtration systems are a must for environmental and workplace safety. No contaminated water or sludge to dispose of. All fines are concentrated into a drum for easy disposal.
Air Booster & Regulator
Low or variable air pressure affects cut quality and shortens consumable life. ART's Booster & Regulator System provides consistent air pressure over and above the shop air supply.
Read moreAlignment Laser pointer
The precise laser dot makes setting up the job simple. It allows the operator to set the origin of the job and align to rotated material.
Read moreBuilt-in WiFi networking
The controller easily connects into your existing WiFi network for downloading job files. Also supports remote access and diagnostics for the ART service team.
Read moreCamfil Fume Extraction & Filtration Unit
Fume Extraction is essential for workplace health and safety, as well as the comfort of staff. The reverse pulse cleaning system ensures maximum performance.
Read moreClamping Foot
Pressure foot holds material firmly during drilling and tapping to eliminate shift or vibration.
Read moreDigitising
Use the laser pointer to plot lines and arcs precisely from templates with easy-to-use drawing tools.
Read moreDross conveyors
Conveyors remove fallen parts and dross from under the cutting area. Eliminates clean-out.
Read moreEnclosed safety screens
Protects operator from safety-critical areas of the machine. Provides for a safe working environment.
Read moreHeavy duty fabrication
Fully welded steel chassis construction using 250mm deep PFC & UB profiles. Close cross beam spacing gives unparalleled stability. Steel is machined for precision linear components.
Read moreGantry Mounted Auto Tool Changer
Gantry mounted rack changer allows faster and continuous processing without the need for manual interaction during tool changing.
Read moreHeight Sensing Probe
Initial Height Sensing (IHS) is critical for any production-quality plasma system.
Read moreHeavy duty AC servo drives
Coupled with precision planetary gearboxes provide fast positioning. Hardened and ground helical rack and pinion provides smooth motion with excellent edge finish on machining.
Read moreIntegrated Safety Circuit
Category 4 safety controller interfaces with all safety sensors and switches. Monitors all devices and cuts power to drives and spindle through monitored safety contactors.
Read moreProfileShop V4 Controller
ProfileShop 4 is a full 3D capable controller interface that provides a real-time display and simulation of all machining processes. All jobs are managed by on-screen controls for setting origins, changing tools, starting, stopping and recovering jobs.
Read moreRefrigerated Air Dryer
Any moisture in the air supply will erode the plasma consumables very quickly. It is a requirement of the plasma system manufacturers to supply clean dry air.
Read moreTelescopic Z axis
The spindle can retract high above the deck while maintaining extreme rigidity over the full travel. Allows for extra deep cutting due to the ability to lift a long tool above a thick substrate.
Read moreUnder-deck extraction ducting
Controller automatically moves extraction point to follow cutting torch. Improves extraction performance dramatically.
Read moreUnist Misting Lubricator
Dual and quad lubrication jets extend tool life dramatically and improve the cut quality in materials such as aluminium and steel. Computer controlled. Pulsing piston pump provides accurate dosing for optimal cutting.
Read moreWireless pendant controller
Allows the operator to get close to the action for optimal view during manual operations, or even stop the machine remotely from anywhere in the factory. Works in conjunction with touchscreen.
Read more
Why our customers love us.
“We wanted greater control over our lead times for our clients to gain and retain their confidence in local manufacturing. Having an Australian manufactured and designed machine with access to the experienced design & support teams to give feedback and get help and advice that is second to none; it’s hard to put a price on how much time that can save. We have greater confidence in our delivery dates than we’ve ever had due to the reduced downstream work and the fact we no longer rely on upstream suppliers to perform processing works where we had no control over scheduling.”
“Everyone was already impressed with the machine itself, but when we started using it, we were really amazed with the ease of use. It took a few days to train an operator and within three weeks operators are up to full speed running the machine and the software, and there are more productivity gains. The new machine is cutting at four times the speed as the old one (another brand), that’s why we are thinking about getting another one.”