Competitor Analysis of Plasma Cutting Machine Market

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Global Plasma Cutting Machine Market Overview

Product Overview and Scope of Global Plasma Cutting Machine Market

Plasma cutting is a process in which a jet of ionized gas with temperatures exceeding 20,000°C is utilized to melt and remove material from the cut. An electric arc is created between an electrode (cathode) and the workpiece (anode) during the process. The electrode is situated within a water- or air-cooled gas nozzle that narrows the arc, resulting in the formation of a narrow, high-temperature, high-velocity plasma jet. Upon contact with the workpiece, the plasma jet undergoes recombination, causing the gas to return to its normal state while emitting intense heat. This heat melts the metal, and the gas flow ejects it from the cut. Plasma gases typically consist of argon, argon/hydrogen, or nitrogen. These inert gases can be substituted with air, but this necessitates a special electrode made of hafnium or zirconium. The use of compressed air makes this variation of the plasma process highly competitive with the oxy-fuel process for cutting carbon-manganese and stainless steels up to 20mm thick. Inert gases are preferred for high-quality cuts in reactive alloys. Plasma arc cutting can be applied to a wide range of electrically conductive alloys, including plain carbon and stainless steels, aluminum and its alloys, nickel alloys, and titanium. The method was initially developed for cutting materials that could not be effectively cut using the oxy-fuel process. Typically, the component or sheet to be cut remains stationary while the plasma torch is moved. Additionally, due to the low cost of the plasma torch in comparison to the price of the manipulation equipment, it is common to install several torches on a cutting table.

The plasma cutting machines are available in two forms such as single flow and dual flow plasma cutting machines. single flow type includes conventional single flow plasma, this process uses a single gas such as air or nitrogen that produces and cools the plasma. Whereas, the dual flow plasma process utilizes two gases such as one for plasma, and one as a shield gas, in smaller systems, compressed air is often used as both the plasma and shield gases. Dual gas unshielded systems have an exposed nozzle and should not be used for drag cutting. The dual flow process utilizes advanced shield technology that improves the cutting performance of plasma cutting machine. The plasma cutting machines used for several end-use industries such as manufacturing sector, automotive, industrial construction, electric equipment, and aerospace and defense
There are three types of plasma cutting process such as:
•   High frequency
•   Pilot arch
•   Spring-loaded plasma torch head

The rising usage of plasma-cutting machines for high-quality equipment across several sectors or industries drives the growth of plasma-cutting machines. For instance, Hypertherm, Inc. utilizes Hypertherm true hole technology, as it optimizes the cutting process and saves both time and money. These technological advancements by the manufacturer boost the growth of plasma-cutting machines. So overall, rising demand for technologically advanced equipment across the fabrication industry, and increasing industrial construction activities, boosts the growth of plasma cutting machines.

MicroStep, spol. s r.o. Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area, and Competitors

Sr. No.	Item	Description
1	Company Name	MicroStep, spol. s r.o.
2	Website	www.microstep.eu
3	Established Date	1991
4	Headquartered	Slovakia
5	Market Position/ History	MicroStep, spol. s r.o. is involved in manufacturing of CNC machines equipped with plasma, fiber laser, oxyfuel, waterjet and routing technologies. It was founded in 1991, and is headquartered in ...In between 1993-1997, the company entered in the NC cutting machine business in a minor part of company focus. In 2014, established a Strategic Alliance with the Finnish supplier of welding automation for shipyards Pemamek, on the basis of which MicroStep is the exclusive worldwide supplier of cutting gantries for PEMA panel lines in shipyards.
6	Sales Area	Worldwide
7	Manufacturing Location	Partizánske, Hrinová (Slovakia)
8	Competitors	Enovis The ESAB Group Nortek Air Solutions and Stream-Flo Industries Hypertherm, Inc Messer Cutting Systems GmbH NISSAN TANAKA CORPORATION ERMAKSAN Esprit Automation HACO NV Voortman Steel Machinery KNUTH Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH Others
9	President	Igor Mikulina
10	Ownership Type	Private
11	Contact Information	Vajnorská 158, 831 04 Bratislava, Slovenská republika Tel: +421 2 3227 7200 Fax: +421 2 3227 7001

Business Segment/ Overview:

MicroStep, spol. s r.o. is one of the leading producers of plasma cutting machines. It manufactures and supplies CNC machines equipped with plasma, fiber laser, oxyfuel, waterjet and routing technologies. Besides machine mechanics the company also develop and supply advanced control systems for machine tools and CAM software with custom modules for various applications. The company has presence in 58 countries across the globe, and 95% of the production is destined to export. Some of the countries in which company exported their products includes,USA, Canada, China, South Africa, the Middle East, India, Vietnam, South Korea, and other.

Microstep is a global manufacturer and supplier of CNC cutting machines, which includes

•   Plasma and Oxyfuel cutting machines
•   Laser cutting machines
•   Pipe & profile cutting machines
•   Waterjet cutting machines
•   Routing machines
•   Specialty machines

Plasma Cutting Machine Product Types Specification

Product	Description
CombiCut	This machine allows cutting of steel up to 300 mm, bevel cutting with a pair of rotary oxyfuel triple torches or plasma rotators, simultaneous cutting with more than 10 torches, drilling up to Ø 40 mm, inkjet or micropercussion marking, pipe and dome processing. Technical parameters Working length: 1500 – 50000 mm Working width: 1500 – 8000 mm Max. number of tool stations: 6 (8 oxyfuel) Max. thickness of material cut by plasma: according to a plasma source Max. thickness of material cut by oxyfuel: 300 mm Bevel cutting: yes (see accessories) Pipe cutting: Ø 30 - 1500 mm, max 12 t Drilling and tapping: Ø 4 - 40 mm, M4 - M33, automatic tool exchange Positioning speed max: 50 m/min Bidirectional repeatability: 0.05 mm/m
MG	It is designed to carry out a maximum of processing on sheet metal, pipes, profiles and even domes – and to do so with the highest quality and fully automatically combined: this includes cutting precise holes and contours with plasma and oxyfuel, weld edge preparation as well as drilling, countersinking, tapping, marking, punching or scanning. Technical Parameters Possible number of tools: 6 (8 oxyfuel) Possible cutting processes: plasma, oxyfuel Possible number of bevel cutting heads: 2 Maximum material thickness plasma: according to plasma source Maximum material thickness oxyfuel: 250 mm Positioning speed up: to 40,000 mm/min. Positioning accuracy: according to DIN 28206 / ≤ 0.06 mm/m X, Y axis: linear guides, driven on both sides and helical toothed racks Z axis: ball screw Gantry type: massive steel gantry
DRM	This machine allows 3D processing of sheets, pipes, profiles & domes with extraordinary dimensions. The stable portal allows a vibration-free operation of heavy technologies such as the 3-torch unit oxyfuel or the special plasma rotator "Pantograph" (120° tiltable) with a Z-axis stroke up to 1,500 mm or several 3-torch units. The heaviest drilling supports up to 55 kW can be realized. The DRM can also be designed as a pure drilling rig with special drilling table. Technical Parameters Effective length of work area: 3,000 to 30,000 mm Effective width of work area: 1,500 to 8,000 mm Possible number of tools: 4 Possible cutting processes: plasma, oxyfuel Possible number of bevel cutting heads: 2 Maximum material thickness plasma: according to plasma source Maximum material thickness oxyfuel: 200 mm Positioning speed up to: 40,000 mm/min. Positioning accuracy: according to DIN 28206 / ≤ 0.10 mm/m X, Y axis: linear guides, driven on both sides and helical toothed racks Z axis: ball screw Gantry type: massive steel gantry
DS	It is designed for high-efficiency drilling and cutting with the possibilities of automatic plate feeding and automatic part sorting on output. The machine is dedicated to heavy-duty structural steel applications such as production of high-precision fittings, gussets and end plates. Technical Parameters Effective length of work area: 6,000 mm Effective width of work area: 2,000 mm Possible number of tools: 4 Possible cutting processes: plasma, oxyfuel Possible number of bevel cutting heads: 1 Maximum material thickness plasma: according to plasma source Maximum material thickness oxyfuel: 100 mm Positioning speed: up to: 26,000 mm/min. Positioning accuracy: according to DIN 28206 / ≤ 0.06 mm/m Bidirectional repeatability: 0.05 mm/m X, Y axis: X axis: linear guides and helical toothed racks/ Y axis: linear guides Z axis: ball screw Gantry type: massive steel gantry
MasterCut	The application range of the entry version with rails in X direction dedicated to fully automated oxyfuel cutting or cutting with conventional plasma can be enhanced to a variety of high precision plasma cutting applications including pipe, profile or elbow cutting and marking. The machine comes in to configurations - with linear guides or with rails in the X axis. Technical parameters Working length: 1500 – 30000 mm Working width: 1500 – 4000 mm Max. number of tool stations: 4 (6 oxyfuel) Max. thickness of material cut by plasma: according to a plasma source Max. thickness of material cut by oxyfuel: 150 mm (optionally 200 mm) Bevel cutting: yes (see accessories) Pipe cutting: Ø 30 - 700 mm, max 10 t Drilling: up to Ø 13 mm Positioning speed: max 51 m/min (linear guides), max 43 m/min (rails) Bidirectional repeatability: 0.05 mm/m
PL Compact	PL Compact is the suitable for getting started with CNC-controlled plasma cutting and straightforward cutting tasks. This series impresses with its compact and space-saving design, an excellent price-performance ratio and short installation time. The PL Compact is available in four different work area sizes - from 2,000 x 1,500 mm to 4,000 x 2,000 mm – and delivers high quality plasma cutting and marking. Dual-side synchronized drive system and use of high-quality components ensure excellent accuracy and long term durability of the system. Technical parameters Working length: 1 500 – 2 000 mm Working width: 2 000 – 4 000 mm Max. number of tool stations: 1 (2 – width 2 000 mm) Max. thickness of material cut by plasma: By plasma type (max. 280 A) Bevel cutting: no Pipe cutting: no Drilling and tapping: no Positioning speed : X direction up to 30 m/min Bidirectional repeatability: 0.05 mm/m
MasterCut Compact	As a fully compact machine it is moveable within workshop while the pre-assembled delivery significantly shortens the start-up time. Technical parameters Working length: 1500 - 6000 mm Working width: 1500 - 2000 mm Max. number of tool stations: 1 (2 with 2000 mm width) Max. thickness of material cut by plasma: according to a plasma source Max. thickness of material cut by oxyfuel: 100 mm Bevel cutting: yes (see accessories) Pipe cutting: no Drilling and tapping; no Positioning speed : max 51 m/min Bidirectional repeatability; 0.05 mm/m

S.W.O.T Analysis

Strength

The company offers a wide diversified range of CNC cutting machines, including plasma, laser, oxyfuel, and waterjet cutting technologies, catering to various industrial needs.
It has a strong focus on innovation, developing advanced software solutions like CAM systems that enhance machine performance and user experience.
Strong focus on expanding its geographical presence across the globe. Currently, the company is providing their product in 58 countries.

Weakness

Limited focus on the domestic market, as about 95% of production is destined to be exported in other countries

Opportunity

The increasing automation and digitalization trends in manufacturing present opportunities for growth in CNC machinery sales.
Strategic partnerships, such as the one with United Precision Services for North America, can help MicroStep penetrate new geographical markets.
There is a growing emphasis on sustainable manufacturing practices. MicroStep can leverage this trend by promoting energy-efficient machines and processes.

Threats

The plasma-cutting machine market is highly competitive, with numerous players offering similar technologies. This could lead to price wars and reduced profit margins.
Economic downturns can adversely affect capital expenditures in manufacturing sectors, impacting sales of CNC machines.
Rapid advancements in technology mean that MicroStep must continuously

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Article Details

Published 16 Oct 2024
Last Updated 16 Oct 2024
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