Messer Element 500
Image: us.messer-cutting.com, Messer Cutting Systems
Key Specifications
Tool Capacity
Accuracy
Repeatability
machine width
machine length
plasma cutting thickness
How much does the Messer Element 500 cost?
Price estimate
We do not have a price for the Messer Element 500 that we can stand behind, so we show no number. Configuration, options and installation move the final price a long way: a quote is the reliable figure.
Overview
The Messer Element 500 is the Element gantry with a machining spindle added: a plate processing machine that cuts by plasma and oxyfuel and also drills, taps, countersinks and counterbores. Its GD40 drilling center has a CAT 40 spindle and drills holes up to 1 9/16 in (39.7 mm) in diameter. Machine widths run from 6 ft to 16 ft (1.8 m to 4.9 m) and lengths up to 150 ft (45.7 m).
Messer aims it at structural steel shops, where connection plates need bolt holes that a plasma torch leaves with a heat-affected zone. Drilling them on the cutting table removes a second handling. To carry the drilling loads the maker reinforced the Element beam, and motion accuracy is still stated at +/- 0.010 in (0.25 mm), compensated over 72 in (1,829 mm) of travel, with +/- 0.010 in (0.25 mm) repeatability.
Tool changes can be automated with the optional stationary tool changer and storage unit, which holds 12 tools. That option decides whether a nest with several hole sizes can run with automatic tool changes.
On the thermal side, high-definition plasma cuts up to 2.5 in (64 mm) in mild steel, aluminum and stainless steel, a figure that requires argon-assist piercing. ALFA oxyfuel torches extend capacity to 8 in (203 mm) in mild steel. Positioning speed is up to 2,600 ipm (66.0 m/min). The control is the Global Connect, a 64-bit Windows 11 based CNC with an 18.5 in touchscreen, and the Bevel-S plasma rotator, pin-stamp and ink-jet markers and the self-cleaning Slagger table are listed features.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Machine Width | 6 ft to 16 ft (1.8 m to 4.9 m) |
| Machine Length | Up to 150 ft (45.7 m) |
| Plasma Cutting Thickness | Up to 2.5 in (64 mm) in mild steel, aluminum and stainless steel (requires argon-assist piercing) |
| Oxyfuel Cutting Thickness | Up to 8 in (203 mm) in mild steel (ALFA oxyfuel torches) |
| Drilling Capacity | Up to 1 9/16 in (39.7 mm) diameter (GD40 drill) |
| Drill Spindle Taper | CAT 40 |
| Tool Capacity | 12 (optional stationary tool changer/storage unit) |
| Drilling Operations | Drilling, tapping, countersinking and counterboring |
| Positioning Accuracy | +/- 0.010 in (0.25 mm) (compensated over 72 in (1,829 mm) travel) |
| Repeatability | +/- 0.010 in (0.25 mm) |
| Positioning Speed | Up to 2,600 ipm (66.0 m/min) |
| CNC Control | Global Connect, 64-bit, Windows 11 based CNC control with 18.5 in touchscreen |
| Certification | Designed and manufactured to UL/CUL |
Specifications sourced from us.messer-cutting.com — verified 2026-10-05
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Drills, taps, countersinks and counterbores on the cutting table, to 1 9/16 in (39.7 mm) diameter on a CAT 40 spindle
- Optional tool changer and storage unit with 12 tool capacity
- Positioning speed up to 2,600 ipm (66.0 m/min) with +/- 0.010 in (0.25 mm) accuracy over 72 in (1,829 mm) of travel
- Plasma to 2.5 in (64 mm) and oxyfuel to 8 in (203 mm) in mild steel on the same gantry
- Machine widths from 6 ft to 16 ft (1.8 m to 4.9 m) and lengths up to 150 ft (45.7 m)
Limitations
- Drill diameter is limited to 1 9/16 in (39.7 mm); the MPC2000 MC drills to 2.5 in (64 mm) on a CAT 50 spindle
- The 2.5 in (64 mm) plasma thickness requires argon-assist piercing
- The 12-tool changer is an option, not part of the base machine
- No contouring speed, acceleration or torch station count is published in the flyer
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Up to 1 9/16 in (39.7 mm) in diameter with the GD40 drilling center, which has a CAT 40 spindle. The machine also taps, countersinks and counterbores. An optional stationary tool changer and storage unit with a 12 tool capacity automates tool changes.
02
High-definition plasma cuts up to 2.5 in (64 mm) in mild steel, aluminum and stainless steel, and Messer notes that this requires argon-assist piercing. ALFA oxyfuel torches give additional capacity up to 8 in (203 mm) in mild steel.
03
The Element 500 adds the GD40 drilling center and a beam reinforced for drilling forces. The Element 400 is a cutting gantry without a spindle, listing up to six torch stations. Both cover cutting or machine widths of 6 ft to 16 ft and lengths up to 150 ft.
04
Machine motion is stated at +/- 0.010 in (0.25 mm) accuracy, compensated over 72 in (1,829 mm) of travel, with +/- 0.010 in (0.25 mm) repeatability. Positioning speeds reach 2,600 ipm (66.0 m/min). The drive is a helical rack and pinion system.
05
The Global Connect, a 64-bit Windows 11 based CNC control with an 18.5 in touchscreen. Messer's own software covers nesting, automated drilling and beveling, and remote troubleshooting and diagnostics are available through its Virtual Service.
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