Many manufacturing industries use cutting machines daily to cut out shapes out of raw materials for sale or installation. You may work in a studio that produces signs, or work all the way in aviation or aerospace.
The one thing you should never do is buy the first cutting machine you come across. Not only are there multiple types to suit your production type, but some machines are also simply better suited to certain materials than others.
This guide will outline everything you need to know about cutting machines, including your options and choosing the best one for your business.
Types of Cutting Machines
Cutting machines can range from round blade cutters all the way to plasma cutters. They are used in many industries, from manufacturing to the fashion industry. Knowing what you need is how you will determine the best cutting machine type that suits your business.
Assisted Cutting Machines
Assisted or guided cutting machines make it easy to cut out your material manually. Low-end versions require you to hold the cutter and make the cuts yourself, while high-end options use a counter-weight system that takes the weight out of the equation so that you can make your precise cuts more efficiently.
Automated Cutting Machines
These machines will cut out your projects based on the specifications you input into the system. Rather than manually holding or even guiding the cutter to create the cuts in question, you create the mockup digitally. This type of cutter is ideal in manufacturing and industrial settings, particularly when you’re looking to cut heavy-duty materials like metal.
How to Choose The Right Cutting Machine
With many types and models out there, selecting the right cutting machine for your needs can feel daunting. By using these considerations, you will be able to source the best machine for your needs.
The Materials You Work With
The first step is to identify the materials you work with and the precision you need to cut said material. If you need to cut through heavy-duty materials, for example, but the cuts are fairly simple, then plasma cutting machines are a good go-to. If, on the other hand, you are working with thinner materials, but you need extreme precision, then a waterjet cutter or other solution would be a better fit.
The Machine Manufacturer
Just as with any product, there will be trustworthy, reputable suppliers that offer ongoing services and support on top of a quality guarantee and those that don’t. Consider the lifelong value of purchasing a cutting machine from the supplier in question before committing (especially to the lowest priced option).
Machine Operating Costs
Cost per use is another important metric when deciding which type and, more importantly, which model of cutting machine you need. Most equipment comes with a datasheet that outlines everything from power use to lifespan, so you can compare and even calculate your CPU to find the most efficient option for your business.
