ESAB Introduces Sabre DXG Heavy Duty Cutting Machine

ESAB Cutting Systems introduces the Sabre DXG Heavy Duty Cutting Machine for high production plasma and oxy-fuel cutting over large working areas. The Sabre DXG is built from globally designed and produced modular assemblies, allowing ESAB to bring to market the best set of features and capabilities in a package optimized for North America.

“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,” says 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.”

Designed for heavy-duty precision cutting, the Sabre DXG features a high-stiffness welded beam assembly with dual linear ways, digital AC drives and heavy-duty gearboxes. The rugged gantry can be equipped with up to eight stations including up to two plasma stations featuring ESAB’s m3 Precision Plasmarc system that allows the machine to 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 rugged three-axis precision gantry features 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 machine reaches speeds up to 1,400 ipm (35,560 mm/min) and is available in cutting widths from 6' to 14' (1.9 m to 4.4 m), and working lengths up to 100' (32 m).

Standard equipment on the Sabre DXG includes the Vision T5, an easy-to-use touch-screen based CNC. The Vision T5 features an Operating Wizard that guides users with clear, step-by-step instructions, providing simple prompts with limited choices that lead from file selection to starting the cut. This allows even new operators to become productive more quickly. This unique system starts at power-up, simplifying 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 is easy to learn, easy to use, and features a built-in process database for easy plasma process setup, including graphical displays of torch parts and part numbers. The Vision T5 also provides network connectivity and USB support. A large, bright 18.5” wide-format touch-screen features an ergonomic layout with controls positioned for easy access to reduce vertical arm motion and improve operator comfort. Simple up/down toggle switches provide intuitive operation of station lifters. These are easily serviced or added in the field.

Vision T5’s Built-In Process Database simplifies plasma and oxy-fuel torch setup by automatically setting all parameters through a simple touch-screen process selector. This integrates perfectly with ESAB’s m3 plasma system, which features the most advanced gas control system in the industry. 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'' thick or stainless steel and aluminum up to 6'' thick.

The m3 system allows both cutting and marking on a wide range of materials and thicknesses. Only ESAB offers fully integrated process control with the plasma system, oxy-fuel gas control, laser pointer and any other process options all operated through the Vision T5. As the technology leader in machine and process automation and the only total system supplier, ESAB is uniquely qualified to integrate the entire cutting process. By integrating machine motion control, cutting station control and complete plasma process control into the CNC, the Vision T5 leads the way to higher productivity and lowest overall cost-per-part.