Kjellberg SmartFocus 100
Key Specifications
cutting current
cutting thickness mild steel
cutting thickness stainless
cutting thickness aluminum
plasma gas
shield gas
Overview
The Kjellberg SmartFocus 100 is a precision plasma cutting system engineered for high-definition cutting at the 100-ampere class. Developed by Kjellberg Finsterwalde — the originator of plasma cutting technology — the SmartFocus 100 represents Kjellberg's answer to the demand for laser-like plasma cutting quality on thin to medium plate without laser capital investment. The system is aimed at job shops, precision parts fabricators, and HVAC/ductwork manufacturers who need tight dimensional tolerances and clean dross-free edges on carbon steel, stainless, and aluminum up to roughly 25 mm.
The SmartFocus name reflects the machine's core differentiator: a plasma torch design that uses optimized gas dynamics and precision-bored nozzle geometry to produce an exceptionally focused plasma arc column. This narrow, stable arc minimizes kerf width and heat-affected zone compared to conventional plasma at the same current level. On 6 mm mild steel, the SmartFocus 100 is capable of cut quality approaching laser in terms of edge angularity (ISO 9013 range 3 or better) and surface roughness, making it practical for parts that would otherwise require laser or waterjet. At lower thicknesses (3–8 mm), the system produces near-bevel-free cuts that require no post-processing for weld prep.
Kjellberg has engineered the SmartFocus 100 with operator simplicity in mind. The system features a guided setup interface that presents pre-programmed cut charts organized by material type and thickness, eliminating the need for operators to manually calculate gas pressures, flow rates, or arc voltages. This job-shop-friendly approach reduces consumable waste and setup time significantly, especially when production involves frequent material changes. The SmartFocus integrates with standard CNC table THC systems via analog and digital I/O and is compatible with most major table manufacturers.
Consumable life in the SmartFocus 100 reflects Kjellberg's German manufacturing precision. Electrodes and nozzles are built to tight tolerances that minimize run-out and erosion variability, resulting in consistent cut quality from the first arc start to the last on a given consumable set. The torch design also incorporates anti-splash features that protect nozzle orifice geometry during piercing, which is a common source of premature consumable wear in production environments involving frequent pierce cycles.
The SmartFocus 100 is competitively positioned against ESAB and Hypertherm precision plasma systems in the 80–100 A class. Its German engineering lineage, combined with Kjellberg's deep process knowledge accumulated over decades of plasma development, gives it credibility in European and export markets where quality certification and provenance matter. For fabricators who run stainless steel or aluminum alongside mild steel and need a single plasma system that handles all three with high quality, the SmartFocus 100 is a strong candidate in this power class.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Cutting Current | 100 A |
| Cutting Thickness Mild Steel | Up to 25 mm (production); up to 35 mm (severance) |
| Cutting Thickness Stainless | Up to 20 mm |
| Cutting Thickness Aluminum | Up to 20 mm |
| Plasma Gas | Oxygen (O2), Nitrogen (N2), Air |
| Shield Gas | Air, N2, O2, H2O (water injection) |
| Power Supply Voltage | 3-phase, 400 V / 480 V (50/60 Hz) |
| Power Supply Power | ~22 kVA |
| Cutting Speed | Up to 8,000 mm/min on thin material |
| Kerf Width | 1.0–2.0 mm (material and thickness dependent) |
| CNC Control | Kjellberg SmartFocus controller with guided setup, THC compatible |
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- High-definition plasma arc quality approaching laser on thin-to-medium plate
- Guided cut-chart interface reduces setup time and operator error
- Broad material compatibility: mild steel, stainless, and aluminum with single system
- German-manufactured consumables with consistent dimensional tolerances
- Anti-splash torch features protect nozzle geometry during high-cycle production
Limitations
- 100 A limits productive capacity on plate thicker than 25 mm
- Premium pricing versus entry-level Asian fine-plasma competitors
- Service and parts support can be slower outside Kjellberg's core European markets
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
SmartFocus refers to Kjellberg's optimized torch and gas-dynamic design that produces a tightly focused plasma arc column. This results in a narrower kerf, lower heat-affected zone, and improved cut angularity compared to conventional plasma at equivalent current, approaching high-definition plasma performance.
02
For mild steel in the 3–15 mm range, the SmartFocus 100 can produce cut quality close enough to laser to eliminate or reduce secondary operations in many applications. However, laser remains superior for very fine features, very thin sheet (under 2 mm), and cut-to-cut repeatability on hardened materials. Plasma has a significant capital cost advantage.
03
Yes. Like other Kjellberg mechanized plasma systems, the SmartFocus 100 supports water injection as a shield medium, which improves cut quality on stainless steel by further cooling and constricting the plasma column.
04
The SmartFocus 100 uses standard THC (torch height control) interfaces and analog/digital I/O, making it compatible with most major CNC cutting table platforms from manufacturers such as Messer, Esprit Automation, Koike, and others.
05
The SmartFocus 100 operates at 100 A and is optimized for precision cutting on thin to medium plate (up to ~25 mm production). The HiFocus 160neo runs at 160 A with Kjellberg's highest-resolution fine-plasma technology and handles thicker material while maintaining exceptional cut quality. The HiFocus 160neo is the higher-performance and higher-cost option.
Videos
Kjellberg Finsterwalde
Kjellberg Finsterwalde
Kjellberg Finsterwalde
Kjellberg Finsterwalde
Community Discussions
Owner experience and review — practicalmachinist.com/forum/threads/3-phase-100-amps-per-phase...
Community discussion — 304L stainless speeds and feeds advice please | Forum
Community discussion — 10EE Serial Numbers
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Troubleshooting and problem-solving for this machine model.
Community discussion — CNCzone Classifieds
Community discussion — List of macro variables.xls | Forum
Community discussion — Macro Programming Reference Guide | Forum
Maintenance and service — Water jet recommendations? : r/Machinists - Reddit
Community discussion — You guys use portable CMM's? : r/Machinists - Reddit
Comparison and buying advice — Kennametal question : r/Machinists - Reddit
Community discussion — Can you guys recommend me a good borescope? :
Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.



