Plasma Build SE Texas
 

A friend asked me how much building a plasma table might cost. He asked his company (He is a welder/Fitter) about building one, and getting a budget from them. I know the electronics, and he can handle the metalworking.

So my question is,

What size motors would be sufficient for a plasma only MM?

Do people typically build a different size table for plasma (Maybe metal comes in different standard sizes)

My task is to figure out how much budget we need to ask for from the company. Metal is "Free", because the company will likely see it as a minor cost (Since they go thru it all day long anyhow)

Software, Electroncs, and the various precision mechanic components are what i need to determine the cost over.

The lase cut part kit is $500 or so, if i remember?

My CNC machine uses Gecko drives, but i as thinking about using a G540 and 4-~400 oz motors (there is a nice kit from kelinginc.com, whom i have purchased from in the past)

Anyone mind tossing in here what we are gonna need by way of bearings, and rack/pinions, etc costs. I know its going to be rough, but it my impression we can make one if metal isnt included, for $2000 budget.

Laser cut parts $500
G540 4 Axis kit ~$450
Bearings, Rack $500
Software ???

I use vcarve, but thats not needed. cut2d maybe, but i read people here using candcnc, whats the best fit for plasma?

Thanks for the help.

$450 seems too low on the kit - are you sure those were NEMA34 sized motors and not NEMA23s? I'd expect something in the range of $300 on the G540, and $80 per motor.

$2,000 seems a little low as well, but not excessively so. Not more that $3,000 for sure.

Other items: pinion gears, a computer that will survive in the shop.

I assume you aren't including the torch height control and the plasma cutter itself in this budget.

Hi,
400 oz direct drive motors won't be strong enough for the accelerations required to be able to produce clean corner cuts. 640oz motors with 25 tooth pinions 'just' do the job with a 2100mm (7ft) gantry.
My recomendation is bigger motors or a reduction drive or both.

Anthony

Sorry. Your right on the kit.

It looks like $300 for G540
~$100 per motor X 4 =
$100 for P/S

$800 for electronics?

Where can i read/get info concerning a THC?