Posted on
16/05/2025
For many metal fabrication shops across Australia, outsourcing plasma cutting work makes perfect sense… until it doesn’t. That turning point usually comes when your annual spend on external cutting services hits around $20,000. At this level, bringing a CNC plasma cutting machine in-house starts to look like a smart business move.
What you’re really paying for when outsourcing your cutting
When you outsource your cutting work, you’re paying for more than just the cut itself:
- Priority fees when deadlines are tight.
- Transport costs back and forth between facilities.
- Time lost waiting in your supplier’s queue.
- Extra work fixing quality issues that shouldn’t happen.
These costs add up quickly and eat into your margins on every project. Most fabricators find themselves surprised by how much these hidden costs impact their bottom line. While outsourcing to plasma cutting companies seems straightforward, the compounding expenses often go unnoticed until carefully analysed.
For growing businesses, the control factor is even more valuable. Your production schedule remains at the mercy of the plasma or laser cutting company as long as you’re outsourcing. This dependency creates invisible costs through missed opportunities and delayed projects that might not appear on invoices but still have a significant impact on your business.
Benefits beyond your balance sheet
Cost savings aren’t the only advantage you get from in-house cutting. When you control your cutting operations, you gain immediate access to production capacity exactly when needed. This flexibility transforms how you approach projects and deadlines, allowing for quick adjustments during fabrication without the delays and charges typical of external providers.
In-house cutting capabilities also provide significant quality control improvements. Issues can be addressed immediately rather than after receiving the finished work, reducing waste and eliminating the back-and-forth with plasma cutting companies that wastes valuable time.
The ZT Series plasma cutting machines are built specifically for workshops in industries like mining, maintenance, fabrication, construction, and shipbuilding. These robust tables handle steel up to 100mm thick with impressive precision. Download our ZT Series brochure to see exactly what our plasma cutters bring to the table.
Common concerns about making the switch
There are two questions that we hear regularly from shops considering their own CNC plasma cutting machine:
“Do we need specialist operators?”
Today’s CNC plasma systems are much more user-friendly than you might expect. The SURECONTROL software has a straightforward interface that your existing team can learn without much trouble. Most shops find that their staff can handle cutting tasks alongside their regular work.
The operators don’t need specialised training beyond a brief orientation period. The software guides users through the process, from loading designs to setting cutting parameters. This accessibility means you won’t need to hire additional specialists, which significantly reduces the ongoing operational costs compared to older systems that required dedicated technicians.
“What about maintenance?”
Modern CNC plasma cutting machines need far less maintenance than older systems. Regular consumable changes and periodic servicing keep everything running smoothly. The upkeep is minimal compared to the advantages of having cutting capabilities right when you need them.
Maintenance requirements primarily involve routine tasks like replacing consumables (tips, electrodes, and shields) and keeping the table clean. These tasks can easily be incorporated into regular workflow without significant disruption. The robustness of current systems means downtime is minimal, especially compared to the waiting periods often experienced with outsourced services.
Is this right for your shop?
If you’re still not sure whether or not to buy your own plasma cutter, consider these practical questions:
- How often do you face delays waiting for outsourced cutting?
- Are quality problems with external suppliers causing headaches?
- Do you regularly pay extra for rush orders?
- Could your existing staff handle cutting tasks with proper training?
- Do you have space for a new machine?
Most fabrication shops find that as their volume increases, the decision becomes increasingly clear. The combination of direct savings, improved workflow, and enhanced quality control typically makes in-house cutting not just financially sensible but operationally advantageous.
Many of our customers say that the transition period is shorter than expected. Within weeks of installation, most teams develop comfortable routines around their new CNC plasma cutting equipment. The learning curve is manageable, and the productivity benefits become apparent almost immediately as backlogs clear and response times improve.
Choosing the right CNC plasma cutting machine
Finding the right CNC plasma cutter means matching the machine to your typical cutting needs while allowing room for growth. Features like waterbed tables for fume control and reliable software make daily operation much smoother.
Look beyond the initial price when comparing options. Operating costs, consumables, and local support all contribute to your long-term experience with the machine. The right equipment partner will provide ongoing support and training to ensure your team maximises the value of your investment.
The ideal supplier offers not just equipment but partnership through the transition and beyond. Local support availability, training resources, and parts accessibility should factor heavily into your decision-making process.
Ready to explore whether bringing CNC plasma cutting in-house is right for your business? Download our Buyer’s Guide today.