Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) cutting machines fulfill a critical role for metal fabricators, from the home hobbyist to the world’s largest manufacturers building state-of-the-art ships and heavy equipment.

CNC cutting machines give users the versatility to create custom-design artwork or handle high-production tasks such as replicating a single part 500 times daily for mass-produced machinery. Praxair has developed its series of ProStar CNC automated cutting machines to satisfy the growing demand for high-quality, technologically advanced equipment that can save users valuable labor time and increase productivity. “CNC automated cutting machines are one of the most versatile, productive pieces of equipment for a metfab facility,” said Craig Camp, Distribution Sales and Marketing Manager, Cut Automation for Praxair. “The ProStar series machines come equipped with a number of standard features that customers across many industries are requesting, yet we can also customize each machine to meet their job requirements and broaden their production capabilities.” The ProStar line spans the range from the PRS 50 plate cutting machine designed for industrial training, job sites and small met-fab operations to the PRS 1000 robotic plasma cutting system, the most advanced structural steel fabricating machine on the market. It can perform the tasks of seven separate machines and cut any 2-D or 3-D structural profile up to 65 feet long powered by its advanced Human Machine Interface control station.

Small Packages, Huge Productivity

Besides the performance of the ProStar PRS MS 12, Gayda pointed to the customer service that he received during the buying, installation and training cycles as a factor in his satisfaction. “Praxair’s service has been fantastic,” he said. “They set up the table for us and then stayed to walk us through training for a day or two to make sure we got started right. If we ever have a question, they stay on the phone with you to solve the issue. They will walk you through the whole process while you’re on the machine to figure it out what needs to be done.” That attention to detail is critical to helping customers maximize use of their cutting machine and increase opportunities for business, according to Josh Walton, Sales Manager for Elko, Minn.-based Shop Sabre. “We pride ourselves on excellent after service and helping customers get the most of their machines,” he said. “With the standardized software package, we have the ability to log into a customer’s machine in the field and help them set the parameters to operate it properly,” said Walton. “If they have an issue, we can get on the phone and solve the issue in 30 minutes as opposed to a couple weeks if you have to wait for someone to physically check out the machine. “It actually cuts down on technical service visits and gets the customer up and running more quickly. In one instance, a customer thought he was having issues with his consumables. We were able to check the machine remotely, and we determined that the consumables were good but figured out that the plasma unit was not functioning properly. We were able to swap it out a day later to meet the customer’s need and keep the shop running.”

Heavy-Duty Performance