The Sabre DXG is designed with a gantry that can be equipped with up to eight stations, including up to two plasma stations that feature ESAB's m3 Precision Plasmarc system. Thus, the machine can cut and mark with the same plasma torch.

ESAB Cutting Systems is introducing a new high-production plasma and oxy-fuel cutting machine for large-area fabricating that it emphasizes is built from modular assemblies designed and produced globally. The builder explains this allows it to coordinate the optimal features and capabilities for North America in the Sabre DXG heavy-duty cutting machine.

ESAB manufactures and supplies of welding and cutting equipment and welding filler metals.

"The Sabre DXG is built in the USA, using lean manufacturing techniques and modular assembly. These manufacturing techniques are the result of ESAB's global restructuring, designed to bring the best technology to the market at the most cost effective price to deliver more value to our customers in every market," stated Steve Zlotnicki, ESAB product line manager for cutting machines. "The work we've done over the past 18 months has really come together in the Sabre DXG, where we will offer the best of ESAB's global designs in a locally manufactured product."

The new machine is designed for heavy-duty precision cutting, with a high-stiffness welded beam assembly with dual linear ways, digital AC drives, and heavy-duty gearboxes. The gantry can be equipped with up to eight stations, including up to two plasma stations that feature ESAB's m3 Precision Plasmarc system, so the Sabre DXG can cut and mark with the same plasma torch. Plasma stations include a high-speed vertical lifter with pneumatically balanced tool-tip sensing, encoder height for optimizing hole quality, and magnetic breakaway crash protection.

The three-axis precision gantry has an all-steel construction with machined mating surfaces, and rides on heavy-duty 85# crane rails mounted to H-beam rail supports for a sturdy foundation and easy installation on any concrete floor. The Sabre DXG reaches speeds up to 1,400 ipm (35,560 mm/min) and is available in cutting widths from 6 to 14 ft. (1.9 to 4.4 m), and working lengths up to 100 ft (32 m.)

Standard equipment on the Sabre DXG includes the Vision T5 touchscreen-based CNC. The Vision T5 features an Operating Wizard that guides users with step-by-step instructions, providing simple prompts with limited choices that lead from file selection to starting the cut. Even new operators can become productive more quickly, according to ESAB. This system starts at power-up and simplifies control start-up and machine referencing, and includes steps for torch setup and positioning the machine. A built-in shape library also uses a wizard to simplify part programming of complex shapes and maximize cut quality on small holes and inner contours.

This control package is easy to learn and to use. It features a built-in process database for easy plasma process setup, the builder claims, including graphical displays of torch parts and part numbers. The Vision T5 also provides network connectivity and USB support. An 18.5-in. wide-format touchscreen features an ergonomic layout with controls positioned for easy access to reduce vertical arm motion and to improve operator comfort. Up/down toggle switches make the operation of station lifters more intuitive, and easy to service or add in the field.

Vision T5's Built-In Process Database simplifies plasma and oxy-fuel torch setup by automatically setting all parameters through a touchscreen process selector. This integrates with ESAB's m3 plasma system, which features advanced gas-control functionality. The operator simply selects the material type and thickness, and the Vision T5 CNC automatically selects and mixes the optimal start, cut, and shield gas combination. The operator sees a picture and part number for the torch parts that are needed for both plasma and oxy-fuel torches.

The Sabre DXG is available with a choice of 200, 360, 450 or 600 Amp m3 plasma systems. Each of these rugged power supplies is capable of 100% duty cycle and features CNC- controlled output current for improved starting and extended consumable life. Depending on the configuration, the system can cut carbon steel up to 3 in. thick or stainless steel and aluminum up to 6 in. thick, and the m3 system allows cutting and marking on a range of materials and thicknesses.