Peddinghaus AFSC-1100
Key Specifications
beam height max
beam length max
drill spindles
drill diameter
plasma cutting
oxy fuel
Overview
The Peddinghaus AFSC-1100 is a CNC beam drill line with integrated plasma and oxy-fuel cutting from Peddinghaus Corporation, headquartered in Bradley, Illinois. Peddinghaus is an American manufacturer of structural steel fabrication equipment, including beam drill lines, plasma cutting systems, and material handling equipment for the construction, bridge, and heavy fabrication industries.
The AFSC-1100 (Automated Fabrication System for Structural and Complex profiles) integrates multi-spindle drilling, plasma cutting, and oxy-fuel operations in a single CNC machine line for processing H-beams, I-beams, channels, angles, and structural tube. Rather than a flat-plate plasma table, the AFSC-1100 processes structural sections by drilling all bolt holes, making all plasma cuts (copes, angle cuts, slots), and applying part marks in a single automated pass through the machine.
The AFSC series uses Peddinghaus's SDS/2 or Tekla-compatible DSTV NC program import, enabling direct programming from structural steel detailing software without re-entering part data. The integrated approach eliminates manual material handling between drilling and plasma cutting operations, reducing labor and improving traceability.
The AFSC-1100 competes with the Ficep Gemini, the Voortman V630, and the Kaltenbach KDL 1100 in the automated beam processing line class. Peddinghaus differentiators are American manufacturing with domestic service network, DSTV integration from the most widely-used North American detailing software, and the established Peddinghaus presence in the US structural fabrication market. Pricing typically runs $800,000-$2,000,000.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Beam Height Max | 1,100 mm (43.3 in) H-section height |
| Beam Length Max | Up to 18,000 mm (60 ft) |
| Drill Spindles | 3-axis CNC multi-spindle drill (top, bottom, side) |
| Drill Diameter | Up to 38 mm (1.5 in) standard |
| Plasma Cutting | Integrated plasma for copes, angle cuts, slots |
| Oxy Fuel | Optional oxy-fuel for thicker sections |
| Nc Format | DSTV (Tekla, SDS/2, Advance Steel compatible) |
| Material Handling | Integrated infeed/outfeed conveyor system |
| CNC Control | Peddinghaus ProFab CNC with DSTV import |
| Throughput | Up to 6 m/min material advance for drilling |
| Machine Weight | 30,000-50,000 kg |
| Electrical | 460 VAC 3-phase 60 Hz |
Specifications sourced from peddinghaus.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Integrated drill + plasma in one machine eliminates manual material transfer between separate drilling and plasma cutting operations
- DSTV import from SDS/2, Tekla, and Advance Steel enables direct programming from structural detailing without re-keying part data
- Multi-spindle drilling with top, bottom, and side spindles processes all connection hole patterns in a single material pass
- American manufacturing with Peddinghaus domestic service network provides responsive support for US structural fabricators
- 1,100 mm beam capacity handles the largest structural sections used in commercial building and bridge construction
Limitations
- Capital cost at $800K-$2M requires very high structural beam processing volume to justify investment
- Integrated system complexity requires dedicated maintenance staff familiar with both CNC drilling and plasma cutting systems
- Single-machine dependence: if the AFSC-1100 goes down, all beam processing stops - shops need contingency plans for machine downtime
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
DSTV (Deutsches Stahlbau-Verband) is the European structural steel NC file format adopted internationally for data exchange between detailing software and CNC fabrication machines. SDS/2 (Design Data Inc.) is the most widely used structural steel detailing software in North America; Tekla Structures is the leading European/global BIM detailing tool. Both export DSTV files for each steel member containing: member dimensions (length, section), all drill holes (diameter, location, depth), all plasma/torch cuts (cope geometry, angle cuts, slots), and material identification. The Peddinghaus ProFab CNC imports these DSTV files and automatically generates the machine program without any re-programming. This means: detailers work in SDS/2 or Tekla as normal, fabrication manager exports the approved DSTV work order, and the AFSC-1100 reads and executes - no separate NC programming step required.
02
The AFSC-1100 three-axis drill system has spindle groups for top flange, bottom flange, and web/side drilling. As the beam advances through the machine: (1) Top drill spindles position to the next hole location and drill while the beam is stationary; (2) Side drill spindles process web holes simultaneously; (3) Bottom drill spindles process bottom flange holes; (4) Plasma cutting head makes any required cope cuts or angle cuts at the designated locations. Multiple operations occur simultaneously (top drilling + side drilling + bottom drilling in the same beam advance cycle), compressing the total cycle time versus sequential single-spindle operations. Typical throughput: 50-120 drilled connection holes per minute for standard M20-M24 bolts.
03
Plasma cope cut quality: cut edge has a heat-affected zone (HAZ) of 1-3 mm depth in the cope radius area; edge surface finish Ra 12-25 µm (rougher than saw or waterjet). For most structural steel connections, plasma-cut copes are fully acceptable to structural steel fabrication codes (AISC, EC3) without grinding. For high-fatigue or crack-sensitive connections (bridges, seismic-zone structures), plasma HAZ may require grinding or plasma-cut copes may be specified with additional edge preparation. Saw cut copes: smooth surface, no HAZ, higher accuracy but much slower for complex cope geometries. The AFSC-1100 plasma cope process is the industry standard for production commercial construction fabrication. For bridge and seismic connections, verify applicable code requirements for plasma edge treatment.
04
Peddinghaus AFSC-1100 vs Ficep Gemini: both are integrated CNC beam drill + plasma/cope lines with similar capabilities. Key differences: Peddinghaus AFSC-1100 is American-manufactured with strong domestic service and SDS/2 integration prominently featured (SDS/2 is the dominant North American structural software); Ficep Gemini is Italian-manufactured with DSTV integration and stronger European market presence. Ficep's servo drilling system has a slightly faster tool change; Peddinghaus's ProFab control is highly regarded in the US market. Both accept DSTV import. Machine geometry and beam capacity overlap significantly (both handle up to 1,100 mm beam height in standard configurations). The choice often comes down to the established service relationship and reference installation familiarity in the buyer's region.
05
AFSC-1100 maintenance schedule: (1) Daily - check plasma consumables (electrode, nozzle, shield): replace at 300-500 arc starts or visible wear; verify drill chuck condition and cutting fluid supply; check conveyor roller lubrication; (2) Weekly - calibrate torch height control; check rail alignment; clean debris from machine base; verify axis drive belt tension; (3) Monthly - precision alignment verification (laser or granite calibration bar); spindle runout check; plasma power supply internal inspection; all axis servo drive current inspection; (4) Annually - full geometric accuracy calibration per installation acceptance standard; bearing replacement in high-cycle spindle heads; hydraulic system service; control system backup. Dedicated maintenance staff with both CNC machining center and plasma system training is required for optimal AFSC-1100 uptime.