What is the maximum cutting thickness?

The maximum cutting thickness of a CNC plasma cutting table depends on several factors, including the power of the plasma cutter, the quality of the equipment, and the type of plasma torch used. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements that influence cutting thickness: Plasma Cutter Power Plasma cutters are rated by their power, typically measured in amps (amperage). Higher amperage allows for cutting through thicker materials. Low-power plasma cutters (30-60 amps) can typically cut up to 1/2 inch (12 mm) thick materials. Medium-power plasma cutters (60-120 amps) can handle materials up to 1 inch (25 mm) thick. High-power plasma cutters (up to 400 amps or more) are capable of cutting 1 inch (25 mm) or more, with some industrial systems reaching 2 inches (50 mm) or even thicker. Plasma Torch & Consumables The type and quality of the plasma torch used in the system, as well as the consumables (nozzles, electrodes), also affect the maximum cutting thickness. Consumables must be properly maintained to ensure optimal performance. Material Type Mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum all have different cutting capabilities when using plasma. For example, cutting mild steel typically allows for thicker cuts than aluminum. High-definition plasma systems may offer better edge quality and can cut thicker materials with more precision, especially when cutting mild steel. Cut Quality While a machine may be rated to cut through a certain thickness of material, the quality of the cut will degrade as the material gets thicker. For thicker cuts, especially beyond 1 inch (25 mm), it’s common to experience rougher edges and more slag. Cutting Speed As the thickness of the material increases, cutting speed typically decreases. In order to achieve the best quality and cut through thicker materials, slower cutting speeds are often necessary. Typical Maximum Cutting Thicknesses: 1/4 inch (6 mm): Great for general cutting on lower-power plasma cutters. 1/2 inch (12 mm): Common for many CNC plasma cutters with mid-range power (50-80 amps). 1 inch (25 mm): Possible with higher-end plasma cutters (100+ amps). 1-1/2 inches (38 mm): Some high-powered systems can cut up to 1-1/2 inches. 2 inches (50 mm) or more: Specialized, industrial-level plasma cutters (often high-definition systems) can handle these thicknesses. Conclusion: The maximum cutting thickness of your CNC plasma cutting table will depend heavily on the plasma cutter you choose and the materials you work with. For general use, a cutting thickness of 1/2 inch (12 mm) is common, but with a higher-powered system, you can reach 1-2 inches (25-50 mm) or even thicker. If cutting very thick materials is a priority for your work, look for a high-definition plasma cutter that’s specifically designed to handle thicker cuts with precision.

What is the cutting speed on a CNC plasma cutting machine?

The cutting speed of a CNC plasma cutting table depends on several factors, including the material type, thickness, plasma power, and torch technology. Cutting speed is generally measured in inches per minute (IPM) or millimeters per minute (mm/min). Here’s a breakdown of factors that affect the cutting speed and typical values for various materials: Material Type Mild Steel: Generally the fastest cutting material because plasma cutting works efficiently on it. Stainless Steel: Cuts more slowly than mild steel due to its higher thermal conductivity. Aluminum: Tends to cut faster than stainless steel but slower than mild steel, as it can cause more material distortion. Other Metals: Non-ferrous metals like copper or brass may cut at different speeds due to material properties. Material Thickness As material thickness increases, cutting speed typically decreases. Thicker materials require slower cutting speeds to maintain precision and reduce issues like excessive slag. Thin Materials (1/8 inch or 3 mm): Faster cutting speeds are possible. Medium Thickness (1/4 inch to 1/2 inch or 6 mm to 12 mm): Cutting speeds are moderate. Thicker Materials (1 inch or 25 mm and above): Slower cutting speeds are required. Plasma Cutter Power (Amperage) Higher amperage plasma cutters allow for faster cutting speeds, especially on thicker materials. For example, a 40-60 amp plasma cutter might have a cutting speed of around 100-200 IPM on 1/4 inch (6 mm) mild steel, while a 100-200 amp plasma cutter can cut through 1-inch (25 mm) steel at a rate of about 30-60 IPM. Cutting Mode and Quality Standard Cutting: Typically faster but may have more slag or rough edges. High-Definition Cutting: Uses advanced systems and slower speeds but provides better quality cuts with minimal slag. Typical Cutting Speeds for Common Materials: Material Thickness Cutting Speed Range (IPM) Mild Steel 1/8 inch (3 mm) 200-400 IPM 1/4 inch (6 mm) 100-250 IPM 1/2 inch (12 mm) 60-150 IPM 1 inch (25 mm) 30-60 IPM Stainless Steel 1/8 inch (3 mm) 150-300 IPM 1/4 inch (6 mm) 80-180 IPM 1/2 inch (12 mm) 40-100 IPM Aluminum 1/8 inch (3 mm) 250-400 IPM 1/4 inch (6 mm) 150-250 IPM 1/2 inch (12 mm) 80-150 IPM Other Metals Varies Varies depending on material Key Considerations: Faster speeds are typically possible on thin materials, but the cut quality can be reduced if the speed is too high. For thicker materials, the cutter may need to move more slowly to maintain a clean cut, reduce the risk of slag, and ensure precision. Cut quality often influences the cutting speed. Faster speeds may work for rough cuts, but slower speeds will be necessary for high-precision work with minimal slag. High-definition plasma cutters (HD) cut slower than standard plasma systems but offer better quality with finer edges and less distortion. Conclusion: The cutting speed of a CNC plasma cutting table is variable and highly dependent on the specific parameters of the system and the material being cut. As a general guideline: 1/8 inch (3 mm) mild steel: 200-400 IPM 1/2 inch (12 mm) mild steel: 60-150 IPM 1 inch (25 mm) mild steel: 30-60 IPM Faster cutting speeds are possible on thinner materials, while thicker materials require slower speeds to ensure a clean and precise cut.

CNC Plasma Tables | Hornet - Best Cutting Machines

Hornet Cutting Systems builds industrial CNC plasma cutting tables for fabrication, structural steel, manufacturing, service centers, shipyards, and other demanding production environments.

Our plasma cutting systems are built in the USA with heavy-duty machine construction and industrial motion components. Configurations are available for flat plate, pipe and tube, plasma cutting, and oxy-fuel cutting. Our plasma machines are powered by Hypertherm.

Whether you need a compact production machine or a large-format cutting system, Hornet offers CNC cutting equipment designed around your material, plate size, production volume, and cut-quality requirements.

Find the Right CNC Plasma Table for Your Operation

Not every fabrication shop needs the same machine.

Hornet offers several CNC plasma table platforms for different production requirements.

High Production

HORNET HD

The Hornet HD CNC plasma cutter is the most cost-effective plasma table. 6X12 foot CNC plasma cutter is our best-selling cutting machine.

HORNET HD COMBO

The Hornet HD Combo allows you to cut plate, pipe, and tube with only one machine and one power unit saving time and money.

HORNET XD

The Hornet XD CNC plasma cutter combines strength and superior motion control to create a high performance plasma and/or oxy-fuel table.

Heavy Industrial

MEGA HORNET 1000 CNC Plasma Table

The Mega Hornet 1000 CNC plasma cutting machine has an enormous frame and massive servo drives to deliver decades of reliable service to shipyards, service centers and manufacturers.

MEGA HORNET 2000 CNC Plasma Table

One of our largest and most capable CNC plasma cutter systems, the Mega Hornet 2000 can tackle nearly any job.

Value Series

HORNET LTX

The all-new Hornet LTX brings unmatched performance, heavy-duty steel construction and an economical footprint to fabricators across all industries.

MINI HORNET

The Mini Hornet CNC plasma cutter comes in 4’x4′ or 4’x8′ table options and is ideal for service support shops, maintenance, schools, and low volume production.

Options

HydroClean CNC cutting water table

AeroClean CNC downdraft cutting table

Compare Hornet CNC Plasma Cutter Machines

Machine size should match your material and production requirements.

Use the comparison below to evaluate Hornet plasma cutting systems by cutting area, cutting heads, plasma capability, and oxy-fuel capacity.

For help choosing a configuration, talk with Hornet about your plate dimensions, material thickness, production volume, and required cutting processes.

CNC Plasma Cutter	Mini Hornet	Hornet LTX	Hornet HD	Hornet XD	Mega Hornet 1000	Mega Hornet 2000
Max. Cutting Width	4 ft	5 ft	10 ft	10 ft	14 ft	20 ft
Max. Cutting Length	8 ft	10 ft	24 ft	>100 ft	>100 ft	>150 ft
Max. # Cutting Heads	1	1	2	6	6	12
Max. Oxy-fuel	1	N/A	1	6	6	12
Max. Plasma	1	1	1	2	2	4
	Mini Hornet	Hornet LTX	Hornet HD	Hornet XD	Mega Hornet 1000	Mega Hornet 2000

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Hypertherm Software

ProNest 2025
ProNest^® CAD/CAM part nesting software for mechanized cutting designed to supercharge your cutting operation, helping you achieve greater automation, efficiency, & profitability.

ProNest 2205 LT
ProNest^® LT is a material nesting software designed for light industrial, mechanized plasma, waterjet, and oxyfuel cutting in production environments.

CNC Plasma Cutting Table FAQ’s

When purchasing a CNC plasma cutting table, people often have several key questions to ensure they choose the right model for their needs. Here are some of the most common questions:

What is a CNC plasma cutting table?

A CNC plasma cutting table is a computer-controlled machine that uses a plasma arc to cut electrically conductive metal.

The CNC controls the movement of the plasma torch across the material. This allows the machine to produce programmed shapes, holes, contours, and production parts.

Industrial plasma systems are commonly used for mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.

What are the benefits of using a CNC plasma table?

A CNC plasma table can provide:

Fast metal cutting
Repeatable part production
Automated torch movement
Efficient material nesting
Flexible plate processing
Reduced manual layout
High production capacity

The exact performance depends on the machine, plasma system, material, thickness, software, and process settings.

How do I choose the right CNC plasma cutting table for my needs?

Start with the parts your shop needs to produce.

Consider:

Material type
Material thickness
Plate dimensions
Production volume
Required cut quality
Cutting area
Plasma power
Motion system
Fume control
Software
Service and parts support

Also consider future production requirements. A system that supports additional processes may provide more flexibility as your operation grows.

What size of plasma cutting table do I need?

Choose the cutting area based on the plate sizes your shop processes regularly.

Common sizes include:
- 4 x 8 ft (1.2 x 2.4 m) for standard sheet processing
- 5 x 10 ft (1.5 x 3.0 m) for larger sheet and plate
- 6 x 12 ft (1.8 x 3.7 m) for industrial production
- Larger custom formats for heavy fabrication and high-volume plate processing
Remember that cutting area and overall machine dimensions are different.

Your facility also needs enough space for material loading, unloading, operator access, and maintenance.

How thick can a Hornet CNC plasma cutter cut?

Cutting capacity depends primarily on the plasma power supply, material, and desired cut quality.

There is also an important difference between:

Recommended production cutting
Production piercing
Maximum cutting
Severance cutting

Do not select an industrial plasma system based only on its maximum severance rating.

If your shop regularly processes thick plate, choose the plasma system around the thickness you need to pierce and cut in daily production.

What affects plasma cutting speed?

Cutting speed depends on:

Material type
Material thickness
Plasma amperage
Torch technology
Consumables
Cut-quality requirements
Process settings

Thin material can generally be processed faster than thick plate.

For accurate production estimates, use the cut charts supplied for the specific plasma power source rather than generic cutting-speed ranges.

Industrial CNC Plasma Machine

Our customers put their Hornet Cutting Systems CNC plasma cutters to the test each and every day. We serve clients from a variety of industries including:

Manufacturing
Trucking, automotive and transportation
Structural steel
Steel processing
Fabrication
Shipyards
And more

Durable CNC Plasma Cutters

At Hornet Cutting Systems, we understand your jobs demand high-performance cutting with minimal downtime. Our rugged CNC plasma tables are built for reliability and strength, handling the toughest of jobs. Whether you need a machine to run 8 hours a day or 24/7, we have a plasma cutting system to fit your high demands.

Boost Your Bottom Line

Did you know your old CNC plasma machine may be costing you more than you think? Our high speed plasma tables will improve efficiency and streamline your process, getting your jobs done quicker with improved cut quality.

Maintenance

Preventive maintenance is essential in optimizing the output of your cutting system and minimizing operating costs. Make sure your CNC plasma cutter is as effective as possible by performing regular preventive maintenance.

CNC Plasma Cutting vs. Laser Cutting

Plasma and laser cutting serve different production requirements.

CNC plasma cutting is widely used for industrial plate fabrication, especially when processing thicker electrically conductive metals. Fiber laser cutting is often selected for high-speed sheet processing, fine features, and applications requiring narrow kerfs.

The right process depends on:

Material
Thickness
Part geometry
Edge-quality requirements
Production volume
Operating costs
Secondary processing

Fabricators that process a wide range of materials and thicknesses may use both technologies.

Learn more in our Plasma Cutting vs. Laser Cutting comparison.

Contact Us & Start Improving Production

Our professional and courteous sales team is here and ready to assist you with questions about our CNC plasma cutting machines. Contact us today at 1-844-209-5552 or request a quote online.

We work to understand our customers and provide them with the most efficient plasma cutting system possible. Whether you’re building ships or processing steel, our CNC plasma cutters will live up to your high demands.

Need a CNC plasma cutter that cuts greater than 20′? Contact us today for custom quote.

Pearson Livestock Equipment Hornet LTX Plasma Plate Cutting

Pearson Livestock Equipment Hornet LTX Plasma Cutting Table

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HEAR FROM A FEW OF OUR CUSTOMERS

We saw immediate benefits from the investment, with cut speed improvements of 2 to 3 times over the lasers, and 3 to 4 times that of the old cnc plasma machine.

Isaac Marceau, VP of Operations

Hutchinson Manufacturing

Industry-Leading CNC Cutting Machines

Over a decade ago, we started out as a retro-fitting operation for CNC cutting machines but quickly grew to become an industry-leading original equipment manufacturer. Since then, our high-quality OEM Hornet Cutting Machines have helped hundreds of customers increase their profitability and boost their bottom line.

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Hornet Cutting Systems Outdoor Team Photo

ISO 9001:AS9100D Certified

Hornet Cutting Systems announces another milestone in the history of the company with the achievement of ISO 9001:AS9100D certification. Since 2004, Hornet Cutting Systems has designed and manufactured its OEM line of Hornet cutting machines and is proud to announce this latest accomplishment.

The ISO 9000 family of standards represents an international consensus on good quality management practices. ISO 9001 is used in over 175 countries by businesses and organizations large and small, by manufacturers and service providers in both public and private sectors.

“Quality is a core value of Hornet Cutting Systems. This certification is a great validation of the high standards we build and design to every day. We are proud of our dedicated people and high-level processes that make this possible.” says Hornet Cutting Systems President, Brice Turner.

AS9100 Supplier Flowdown Requirements

Copies of Hornet Cutting Systems’ AS9100D certificate and Quality System Manual are available upon request.

Contact Us & Start Improving Production

Our professional and courteous sales team is here and ready to assist you with questions about our CNC plasma cutting machines. Contact us today at 1-844-209-5552 or request a quote online.

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Get a Quote

Talk to Sales

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YEARS IN BUSINESS

PROUDLY 100% AMERICAN-OWNED AND AMERICAN-MADE

Our line of industry-leading CNC cutting machines are manufactured in Valley Center, Kansas and distributed all across the world.

Not sure which CNC plasma cutting table is right for you, the industries section will help you find the best plasma cutting machine to meet your needs.

CNC Plasma Cutting Tables

Find the Right CNC Plasma Table for Your Operation

Compare Hornet CNC Plasma Cutter Machines

CNC Plasma Cutting Table FAQ’s

What is a CNC plasma cutting table?

What are the benefits of using a CNC plasma table?

How do I choose the right CNC plasma cutting table for my needs?

What size of plasma cutting table do I need?

How thick can a Hornet CNC plasma cutter cut?

What affects plasma cutting speed?

Industrial CNC Plasma Machine

Durable CNC Plasma Cutters

Boost Your Bottom Line

Maintenance

CNC Plasma Cutting vs. Laser Cutting

Contact Us & Start Improving Production

HEAR FROM A FEW OF OUR CUSTOMERS

Industry-Leading CNC Cutting Machines

ISO 9001:AS9100D Certified

Contact Us & Start Improving Production

PROUDLY 100% AMERICAN-OWNED AND AMERICAN-MADE