WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PLASMA CUTTING SYSTEMS?

November 5th, 2025

In the modern fabrication landscape, selecting a CNC plasma machine is a strategic decision based on power source, machine geometry, and specific production goals.

Understanding Plasma Power Sources

The core of any system is the plasma source, which dictates the edge quality and speed of the cut.

• Air Plasma: These systems utilize compressed air and are the standard for low volume manufacturing or entry level fabrication shops. See Powermax plasma from Hypertherm.
• Oxygen Plasma: Offering a significant upgrade in edge finish, oxygen plasma is the preferred choice for mid range fabrication facilities seeking higher quality and throughput. See MAXPRO plasma from Hypertherm.
• High Definition Plasma: Engineered for steel service centers and high volume production, this technology provides precision and the best possible plasma edge quality for industrial fabrications. See XPR plasma from Hypertherm.

Structural Machine Designs

The frame of the machine determines how it integrates into your shop floor and how it handles different material sizes.

• Unitized Systems: These machines feature a single, integrated frame where the table and rails are one unit. They are known for high accuracy and a compact footprint. See Maverick, Silver Cut and Diamond Cut machines from Machitech.
• Bridge and Rail Systems: Designed for large scale operations, the rails are mounted independently from the table. This allows for modular expansion and processing oversized materials. See Gold Cut, Platinum Cut and Titanium Cut machines from Machitech.