Machitech Beamcut BC25

For shops whose heaviest section is a mid-size beam, the Machitech Beamcut BC25 is the smaller robotic plasma cell. It handles beams from Min 4 x 4 in (102 x 102 mm); max 30 x 12 in (762 x 305 mm) and cuts them with a Hypertherm XPR170, XPR300 or XPR460 torch on a FANUC 6-axis robotic arm.

The other profile limits scale with it. HSS and angle run to 12 x 12 in (305 x 305 mm), T beam to 29 x 12 in (737 x 305 mm), and channel to the same size as beam. Optional pipe cutting covers 2 in (51 mm) to 12 in (305 mm). What does not shrink is the process capability: thickness is still up to 3 in (76 mm), the weld prep bevel is still 52°, and etching and marking are included, as on the larger BC50.

One line in the table needs attention before ordering. Drilling and machining is not available on the BC25. Every hole is a plasma hole. Machitech states that Beamcut meets AISC and CISC requirements for thermally cut holes in structural bolted connections, and the software flags holes that fall outside what plasma can cut and converts them to layout marks for drilling by hand. A fabricator whose contracts demand drilled holes throughout needs the BC50 with its spindle unit.

The cell is otherwise the same system: photo-laser measuring of each piece, a mobile measuring unit on the infeed, a safety-latched enclosure and a touchscreen console with camera monitoring. Minimum material length is 48 in (1,219 mm), and maximum length depends on the conveyors ordered. Cross transfers are optional and customizable.