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Tech Support
FAQs
If you’re curious about the many ways EMI plasma cutting systems can help your business maximize production when cutting miscellaneous metals, you’ve come to the right place! In the page below, we answer a number of Frequently Asked Questions about our machines. As always, we invite you to contact us today to speak with one of our fabrication experts! Our team is standing by to help you determine the best EMI cutting system for your application.
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Are your machines laser or plasma?
The Tube Processing Center is a plasma machine typically using one of the super popular Hypertherm PowerMax series torches. We have units in the field with millions of ignitions producing millions of parts.
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Do I need to run gasses or compressed air?
Most customers choose compressed air. The Hypertherm Power Max series of Plasma units can use inert gases like Nitrogen and it helps some with smaller tubes. However, most people do not continue using it after they complete their own testing. There is also a recommended gas called F5 for cutting stainless steel it helps but you still won’t tig weld it without cleaning the parts or taking other measures.
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Why not use High Definition Plasma?
For most customers, it would add $50,000 – $60,000 to the price and not benefit them.
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Do I need special programming software?
The machine comes with the PieceMaker software for round material. For importing files from TEKLA, SDS2, or others most customers use Sigmatube or Lantek. For non-round profiles one of those two packages is required, except in special cases that can be discussed with our engineering group.
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What are the monthly costs?
Compressed air and electricity. The torches’ consumables, nozzle and electrode, will typically last about 1,000-2,000 ignitions. That is typically about 800-1500 round parts. That might translate into $0.03 per part.
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What operating system does the TPC run?
Windows 11 LTSC
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Is the machine network and USB ready?
Yes and yes. Our warranty and remote support feature requires the machine to have access to the internet.
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How many welding tables will a machine be able to feed?
The typical programmer/operator with the basic 2100 series will feed three welding tables with ease.
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Can I put the machine outside or under a lean-to?
No, our machines are not outdoor-rated.
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Where are your machines made?
Nearly 100% in the USA. EMI manufactures most of the critical mechanical components themselves. The primary control components are also manufactured in our home state of PA. We have been doing it this way for nearly 20 years.
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Who are the typical operators?
Our typical operator is a shop floor person who has an interest in computers, and who is willing to learn from the more experienced fitters. Many of our operators are programmers as well. The information required to program the machine is typically simpler than most cut sheets in use today. Hence, the operator/programmer is usually not a highly experienced individual.
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What are the most common machine failures?
The most common machine failures are the torch consumables.
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How much compressed air does the machine consume?
Generally, under 10 SCFM.
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What are your machine dimensions?
Contact us and we’ll provide dimensions for the right machine that is specific to your needs.
