ESAB Mech Plasma II

$80,000 - $250,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

Weight

Table weight varies by size; power supply approx. 280 lb (127 kg)

output current range

30–360 A (configuration dependent)

cutting capacity mild steel

Up to 2 in (50 mm) rated depending on amperage config

max pierce thickness

1-1/2 in (38 mm)

cut quality mild steel

Production quality; HD configuration approaches ISO 9013 Range 2

process

Mechanized Plasma (conventional and HD configurations)

Overview

The ESAB Mech Plasma II is a mechanized CNC plasma cutting system designed for industrial fabrication environments requiring reliable, high-throughput cutting of mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Building on ESAB's long history in plasma cutting technology — a lineage that includes the original development of plasma arc cutting — the Mech Plasma II integrates ESAB's plasma power source with a purpose-built CNC gantry table to deliver a cohesive production cutting system for plate shops, structural fabricators, and heavy equipment manufacturers.

The Mech Plasma II system is configured around ESAB's ESP plasma power source technology, which uses a precision arc starting and regulation circuit to deliver stable cutting arcs at amperages from 30 to 360 amps depending on configuration. The mechanized torch design — available in ESAB's PT-36 or compatible torch series — is engineered for extended production cycles with water-cooled construction that maintains consistent performance during high-duty-cycle operation. The torch mounting integrates directly with the gantry's torch height control system, allowing automatic arc voltage regulation throughout each cut.

A key strength of the Mech Plasma II is its compatibility with ESAB's Vision CNC control system or third-party controllers through standard interface outputs. The Vision controller provides an operator-friendly graphical interface for part program management, material databases, and cut parameter selection. ESAB's built-in cut charts cover a wide range of material types and thicknesses, enabling operators to select validated settings without manual process development. The system also supports ESAB's COLUMBUS nesting software for integrated CAM-to-CNC workflow management.

The gantry table configuration for the Mech Plasma II is available in multiple sizes, commonly from 5x10 ft up to 10x40 ft, with downdraft or water table fume extraction options. The drive system uses servo motors with rack-and-pinion or lead screw drive on the cross-axis depending on table size and precision requirements. Cutting accuracy is rated at ±0.010 inches on properly maintained equipment, adequate for structural fabrication tolerances. Optional bevel cutting head attachments are available for weld prep applications.

ESAB supports the Mech Plasma II through its global service network, with parts availability and factory-trained technicians in most major industrial markets. The system is positioned as a mid-to-upper tier production plasma cutting solution, competing with Hypertherm OEM table packages and Lincoln Electric's Torchmate heavy plate systems. For shops already standardized on ESAB welding equipment and consumables, the Mech Plasma II offers the practical advantage of single-vendor sourcing and a unified service relationship.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Output Current Range	30–360 A (configuration dependent)
Cutting Capacity Mild Steel	Up to 2 in (50 mm) rated depending on amperage config
Max Pierce Thickness	1-1/2 in (38 mm)
Cut Quality Mild Steel	Production quality; HD configuration approaches ISO 9013 Range 2
Process	Mechanized Plasma (conventional and HD configurations)
Plasma Gas	O2, N2, Air (configuration dependent)
Shield Gas	N2, Air, H2O (water injection option)
Power Factor	0.93–0.97
Input Voltage	380/400/480 V, 3-phase, 50/60 Hz
Machine Weight	Table weight varies by size; power supply approx. 280 lb (127 kg)
Manufacturer	Imet
Model	CLASS SI 350
Phase Type	Three-phase

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Complete turnkey system from single vendor with ESAB's global service and parts network
Compatible with ESAB Vision CNC for operator-friendly part programming and material databases
Scalable table sizes from 5x10 ft to 10x40 ft for different facility footprints
Water-cooled torch design supports high duty cycles in multi-shift production
ESAB COLUMBUS nesting software integration for full CAM-to-cut workflow

Limitations

Cut quality in base configurations trails Hypertherm X-Definition on demanding tolerances
Higher complexity system requires factory-trained service for major maintenance
ESAB-specific consumables and parts may have longer lead times than Hypertherm equivalents in some markets

Best For

Fabricators already standardized on ESAB welding equipment seeking single-vendor plasma integration Heavy structural plate shops requiring large table formats and high-amperage cutting Operations needing water injection shield gas for improved stainless steel cutting quality Shops requiring bevel cutting capability for automated weld prep on structural members

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What plasma torch does the Mech Plasma II use?

The Mech Plasma II is typically configured with the ESAB PT-36 mechanized plasma torch or equivalent ESAB precision plasma torch series, depending on the amperage configuration and application. The PT-36 is a water-cooled torch designed for extended production cycles and is compatible with ESAB's range of conventional and precision plasma consumables.

02 Can the Mech Plasma II use water injection for stainless cutting?

Yes. Select configurations of the Mech Plasma II support water injection shield gas, which significantly improves cut quality on stainless steel by reducing the heat affected zone and improving cut face smoothness compared to nitrogen-only shielding. Water injection requires an appropriate water supply and torch configuration and is specified at time of purchase.

03 How does the Mech Plasma II compare to Hypertherm's XPR-based systems?

The Mech Plasma II in standard configuration delivers production-quality cuts competitive with conventional HD plasma systems, but the XPR300-based systems with X-Definition technology hold an edge in ISO cut quality rating, consumable life, and automatic process optimization through SureCut. The Mech Plasma II's advantage is ESAB's single-vendor ecosystem for shops that also run ESAB welding equipment.

04 What nesting software works with the Mech Plasma II?

ESAB's COLUMBUS nesting software is the native CAM solution for the Mech Plasma II, providing tight integration with the Vision CNC controller for direct part program transfer. Third-party nesting software packages including Hypertherm ProNest, Metalix, and SigmaNEST are also compatible through standard NC output formats (ESSI, HPGL, or G-code depending on controller configuration).

05 What size tables are available for the Mech Plasma II?

The Mech Plasma II gantry table is available in sizes ranging from approximately 5x10 ft for smaller shops to 10x40 ft or larger for heavy plate operations. Standard sizes typically include 5x10, 6x12, 8x20, and 10x30 ft configurations with either downdraft or water table fume extraction. Custom table lengths are available on request for specific plate format requirements.