Voortman Steel Machinery CNC Plasma Cutting

Voortman V320

$700,000 – $1,200,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

machine type

CNC Plasma Cutting and Drilling Combination

profile types

H-beam, I-beam, channel, angle, flat bar

max flange width

Up to 600 mm (23.6 in)

max web height

Up to 1,000 mm (39.4 in)

working length

12,000 – 18,000 mm (39 – 59 ft) configurable

plasma system

High-definition plasma with bevel cutting capability

Overview

The Voortman V320 is a CNC combination plasma cutting and drilling machine purpose-built for structural steel fabrication. It integrates a high-definition plasma cutting head with a multi-spindle drilling unit on a single gantry frame, allowing fabricators to drill bolt holes, cut copes, blocks, weld-prep bevels, and mark layout lines in a single automated pass. Designed to handle H-beams, I-beams, channels, angle iron, and flat bar, the V320 addresses the full range of structural profiles needed in bridge construction, industrial buildings, and heavy steel fabrication shops.

The machine uses a servo-driven gantry with linear guides and rack-and-pinion drives to deliver accurate, repeatable positioning across working lengths of 12–18 meters. The drilling unit typically features three or four independently controlled spindles with automatic tool changers and carbide tooling, handling diameters from 13 mm to 40 mm at feeds optimized for structural steel. The plasma cutting system is configured with a high-definition torch capable of bevel cutting for weld preparation, with automatic torch height control that maintains consistent standoff across warped or scaled plate surfaces.

Voortman's VACAM CNC control software is central to the V320's productivity. VACAM accepts DSTV (Data Standard Transfer Format) files directly from structural steel CAD/CAM packages such as Tekla, Advance Steel, and SDS/2. This eliminates manual programming — the fabricator imports the model, the software generates the drilling, cutting, and marking sequences, and the machine executes without operator intervention between parts. Automatic work scheduling, material nesting, and remnant tracking are built into the control, supporting the kind of lights-out operation that modern steel fabrication shops require.

Priced typically in the $700,000–$1,200,000 range depending on length and configuration, the V320 competes with similar combination machines from Peddinghaus, Ficep, and Kaltenbach. Its strongest appeal is in fabrication shops with 5,000–20,000 tons of structural steel per year where the combination approach eliminates a dedicated drill line and a separate plasma table, reducing both floor space and material handling between operations.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Machine Type	CNC Plasma Cutting and Drilling Combination
Profile Types	H-beam, I-beam, channel, angle, flat bar
Max Flange Width	Up to 600 mm (23.6 in)
Max Web Height	Up to 1,000 mm (39.4 in)
Working Length	12,000 – 18,000 mm (39 – 59 ft) configurable
Plasma System	High-definition plasma with bevel cutting capability
Plasma Cutting Capacity	Up to 50 mm (2 in) structural steel
Drilling Spindles	3 – 4 independent CNC spindles
Drill Diameter Range	13 – 40 mm (0.5 – 1.57 in)
Tool Changer	Automatic per spindle
Positioning System	Servo-driven rack-and-pinion, linear guides
Torch Height Control	Automatic (voltage-based)
CNC Control	Voortman VACAM CNC
Cad Cam Integration	DSTV (Tekla, Advance Steel, SDS/2)
Material Handling	Integrated infeed/outfeed roller conveyor

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Combines plasma cutting and drilling in one pass, eliminating the need for a separate drill line and plasma table and reducing material handling between operations
VACAM control accepts DSTV files directly from Tekla and Advance Steel, enabling near-zero programming time on structural steel projects
Bevel plasma cutting capability enables weld prep passes in the same operation as profiling, reducing secondary grinding and preparation labor
Multi-spindle drilling unit with automatic tool changers handles the full range of structural bolt hole patterns without manual tool changes

Limitations

Capital cost of $700K–$1.2M is only justified at fabrication volumes of 5,000+ tons/year — smaller shops cannot recover the investment
Combination machines involve more complex maintenance than dedicated equipment — plasma consumables, drilling tooling, and conveyor systems all require separate attention
Maximum 50 mm plasma cutting capacity may be insufficient for very heavy structural sections used in bridge and offshore applications

Best For

Structural steel fabricators processing H-beams and I-beams at 5,000–20,000 tons per year who need to consolidate drilling and plasma cutting into one operation Bridge and industrial building fabrication shops using Tekla or Advance Steel who want direct DSTV file import with no manual programming Fabrication shops looking to replace aging separate drill lines and plasma tables with a single automated combination machine to reduce floor space and labor

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Voortman V320 cost?

New V320 machines typically price between $700,000 and $1,200,000 depending on working length, number of drilling spindles, and automation options such as infeed/outfeed conveyors. Used machines in good condition sell in the $300,000–$600,000 range.

02 What file formats does the V320 accept?

The VACAM control accepts DSTV files directly from structural steel CAD/CAM packages including Tekla Structures, Advance Steel, and SDS/2. This allows direct import from BIM models without manual NC programming for standard structural steel work.

03 How does the V320 compare to the Peddinghaus PBD-110/4?

Both are combination drilling and plasma machines for structural steel. The Voortman V320 is known for its VACAM software integration and DSTV workflow. The Peddinghaus PBD series is similarly capable and well-regarded for its mechanical rigidity. Machine selection often comes down to dealer support, tooling preferences, and software integration.