PLASMA CUTTING TABLES

Water Table

Downdraft Table

Controlling smoke and fumes is critical while plasma cutting. When using a CNC cutting table you have two choices: water or downdraft. Each has pros and cons that should be considered when choosing between the two.

Water Table Advantages

• Less expensive to purchase and operate
• Water reduces heat warpage on thin plate and keeps parts cool enough to remove immediately
• Supresses noise and high intensity arc flash
• Adjustable water level provides ability to submerge plate for underwater plasma cutting

Downdraft Table Advantages

• Easier to maintain with almost no adjustment needed once system is in operation
• Produces cleaner parts with no water contamination
• Provides a cleaner work environment and fully contains dangerous fumes that can pose health risks to workers

Water Table Disadvantages

• Water in unheated shops or cold areas can freeze
• Machine components, table, slats, and steel plate are susceptible to rust
• Difficult to clean and dispose of contaminated water
• Aluminum alloys react with water and produce hydrogen gas which may cause dangerous explosions

Downdraft Table Disadvantages

• Requires purchase of an extractor system and filters
• Requires ample space to install ductwork in shop and extractor system outside
• Blowers used to collect fumes will suck out the air in your shop which makes climate control difficult

Additional Options

• Veracity dust collectors for downdraft tables extract dust and fumes and provide a cleaner work environment
• Removable slag pans to reduce cleanup time and protect table surfaces from direct contact with slag and debris
• Plasma Quench, an anti-rust and anti-bacterial additive designed to reduce corrosion and microbes that cause damage and odor