ESAB Columbus CNC Plasma Cutting System

$60,000 – $200,000 depending on width and plasma system Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

Cutting Width

1500 – 4000 mm standard

Cutting Length

Unlimited with table extensions

Maximum Plasma Thickness

50 mm (quality cut), 80 mm (sever)

Plasma System

ESAB m3 Plasma up to 400A

Drive System

Rack and pinion, AC servo

Rapid Traverse

18 m/min (709 in/min)

Overview

The ESAB Columbus is a mid-range CNC plasma cutting gantry system from ESAB, one of the world's largest welding and cutting equipment manufacturers. The Columbus is designed for production plasma cutting of mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum plate in fabrication shops, structural steel service centers, and custom metal manufacturing operations. Available in cutting widths from 1500 mm to 4000 mm with unlimited table lengths via the modular extension system, the Columbus accepts ESAB ATAS (Advanced Torch Arc Sensing) plasma systems up to 400A for production cutting with high-definition plasma quality on material up to 50mm. ESAB's Columbus CNC controller integrates directly with ESAB plasma power supplies for automatic parameter setting based on material type and thickness, eliminating manual parameter entry and reducing setup errors. The machine supports ESAB Automated Cutting Technologies (ACT) including oxy-fuel conversion kits for thick plate applications beyond plasma range. A bevel cutting head option enables weld joint preparation in a single pass, reducing post-cut grinding time.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Cutting Width	1500 – 4000 mm standard
Cutting Length	Unlimited with table extensions
Maximum Plasma Thickness	50 mm (quality cut), 80 mm (sever)
Plasma System	ESAB m3 Plasma up to 400A
Drive System	Rack and pinion, AC servo
Rapid Traverse	18 m/min (709 in/min)
Torch Height Control	ESAB ArcGlide THC
Bevel Option	±50° for weld joint preparation
Control	ESAB CNC Vision 51
Nesting Software	ESAB COLUMBUS CAM
Posts	1.8M
Members	86K
Since	2003
Manufacturer	Imet
Model	CLASS SI 350
Phase Type	Three-phase

Specifications sourced from machinio.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

ESAB global brand recognition and extensive service network in 100+ countries
Automatic parameter setting from ESAB CNC to plasma unit eliminates manual input
Integrated ESAB ACT oxy-fuel conversion for thick plate beyond plasma range
ArcGlide THC is a top-rated torch height control for cut quality consistency
Columbus CAM nesting software included for on-machine programming

Limitations

m3 Plasma system (400A max) less capable than Hypertherm HPRXD 800A for thick plate
Columbus controller less flexible for multi-process configurations than Koike or Messer
Bevel head option adds significant cost vs basic square-cut configuration
Table build quality competitive but not premium vs specialty plasma table manufacturers

Best For

Fabrication shops already using ESAB welding equipment seeking matching plasma cutter Structural steel and plate fabricators cutting flanges, gussets, and base plates Metal service centers adding CNC plasma capability to a service center Shops needing a complete ESAB ecosystem: plasma, welding, and cutting

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Does the ESAB Columbus integrate with non-ESAB plasma systems?

The Columbus table is designed for ESAB m3 Plasma systems. Third-party plasma integration is possible but requires manual parameter management without the automatic ESAB CNC-to-plasma communication feature.

02 What is ArcGlide THC and why does it matter?

ArcGlide (Torch Height Control) monitors arc voltage and adjusts the torch height in real time to maintain the optimal standoff distance from the material surface. This compensates for plate warpage and ensures consistent cut quality across the full sheet without operator adjustment.

03 Can the Columbus cut stainless steel and aluminum?

Yes. The ESAB m3 Plasma uses different gas mixtures for stainless steel (H35 or nitrogen/hydrogen) and aluminum (nitrogen/hydrogen or F5). Appropriate consumables must be installed for each material type.