I work at a small fab shop, we currently operate a Finn Power hydraulic turret punch, a Finn Power 110 Ton electric press brake, and a 6x12 techni water jet with a 66K psi esp.
We are looking to expand our capabilities (our profitable capabilities anyway) the water jet is capable of cutting just about anything but tempered glass but at a very high cost. last time i checked cutting cost on opening my bag of doritoes was about a $1.50
Anyways, we have been thinking 4K watt laser for a long time (our main job market would be 3/16 - 1/2 mild steel possibly up to 1") but have started to look at Hi Def plasma because of the huge difference in intial cost, But i am a complete novice when it comes to any machine outside of our own. what is the difference in consumables and consumable cost, what maintenace is involed (It can't possibly be worse than that damn water jet either way i pray) what is the cutting cost comparison when cutting 3/16 - 1/2" mild.
I know the edge quality and precision will be lesser on the plasma but for 90% of our work i think it would work just fine and the things we do need a pretty edge with precision I can throw it on the waterjet.
any comments, suggestion, or anything educational at all is greatly appreciated. THANKS! :)
We are looking to expand our capabilities (our profitable capabilities anyway) the water jet is capable of cutting just about anything but tempered glass but at a very high cost. last time i checked cutting cost on opening my bag of doritoes was about a $1.50
Anyways, we have been thinking 4K watt laser for a long time (our main job market would be 3/16 - 1/2 mild steel possibly up to 1") but have started to look at Hi Def plasma because of the huge difference in intial cost, But i am a complete novice when it comes to any machine outside of our own. what is the difference in consumables and consumable cost, what maintenace is involed (It can't possibly be worse than that damn water jet either way i pray) what is the cutting cost comparison when cutting 3/16 - 1/2" mild.
I know the edge quality and precision will be lesser on the plasma but for 90% of our work i think it would work just fine and the things we do need a pretty edge with precision I can throw it on the waterjet.
any comments, suggestion, or anything educational at all is greatly appreciated. THANKS! :)