In 2006, ESAB introduced the new m3 Plasma System. This unique system takes plasma productivity to new heights by combining multiple plasma cutting and
marking features in a single easy-touse system. Now, for the first time, you can perform high speed, low cost standard plasma cutting; high quality precision cutting and marking; and high current, thick-plate cutting with a single plasma torch.
As a result, m3 Plasma gives you superior cutting functionality and productivity over a wide range of materials and thicknesses, with minimal set-up time, downtime and consumable cost. The m3 Plasma System produces a consistently superior cut face and low dross requiring little secondary clean up. When configured for 600 amp operation, this remarkable system can quickly and accurately cut and mark material from 20 ga. to 6.25 inches (1mm to 160mm), without sacrificing cut quality – a capacity beyond the reach of any high-definition plasma system.
No other system offers the reliability, economy and productivity of the m3 Plasma System.
Breakthrough Torch Design
The key to this new functionality is the new PT-36 torch, which replaces up to three single-purpose torches (heavy plate cutting, precision cutting and marking) while using the fewest consumable parts in the industry. This mechanized cutting torch uses advanced “dry cutting” technology and precision machined components to provide precision cut quality, long consumable life and fast cutting speeds.
The PT-36 torch uses only one electrode in the 50-450 amp oxygen plasma cutting range. ESAB’s special SpeedLoader fixture allows pre-assembly of the nozzle, nozzle retainer, diffuser, shield and shield retainer, so pre-assembled consumable sets can be changed quickly and easily, minimizing downtime for consumable replacement or changeover. The SpeedLoader does not break any of the fluid connections when swapping parts, eliminating the risk of o-ring damage or leaks.
A patented Posi-Thread design simplifies consumable installation and eliminates the worry of damaged threads on the electrode, electrode holder and torch body. The torch does not require an expensive water chiller for cooling water. This reduces power and maintenance costs.
This combination of accurate straight or bevel cutting, longer consumable life, better cut quality and high cutting speeds produces higher
throughput and lower overall costs than any competitive system.
Modular System Grows With Your Needs More Precision With m3 Plasma, ESAB defines a new standard for specifying cut quality. You can specify Precision, Production or Sever quality modes and use more than one mode in the same part program. Because the PT-36 torch uses the same electrode over the entire range of oxygen plasma from 50 to 450 amps, and nozzles can be used at multiple amperage settings, you can quickly switch quality modes without changing consumables. This allows you to maximize cut quality on interior holes and cut-outs while maximizing speed on exterior cuts.
More Versatility
The m3 Plasma System is the most versatile system on the market, offering all these capabilities in a single system:
- Precision Plasma
- Low Cost Standard Cutting
- High Speed Plasma
- High Current/Thick Plate Cutting
- Plasma Marking
- Straight or Bevel Cutting
More Value The m3 Plasma System not only offers you more, it does it all for less, with one of the lowest operating costs in the industry. Many factors contribute to the operating cost of a plasma system. The m3 system design lowers costs from all angles:
- m3 Plasma maximizes consumable life by delivering the most accurately controlled and consistent flow of gases through the torch.
- The new PT-36 torch uses a smaller, less expensive electrode than other plasma systems, with lower consumable costs and fewer parts to purchase and stock.
- ESAB’s EPP power supplies rank among the most efficient power sources available, with power factors in the range of 91-95%.