The BOC Smoothcut Plasma 100C Air offers a powerful three-phase cutting solution that delivers a quality, smooth cut — making it an impressive option for many metal-fabrication and industrial uses.
Fast, efficient and safe, this power source offers the convenience of an in-built air compressor for those quick-and-easy jobs, or for times when a separate compressor becomes cumbersome. Of course, for heavy-duty jobs requiring bigger cuts, the Smoothcut Plasma 100C Air can be connected to an external compressor.
Ideal for medium- to heavy-metal fabrication the 100C comes as a complete package, including a quality Trafimet-style plasma torch with a generous cable length and a double insulator trigger that prevents accidental start-up – a great safety feature. It’s simple to operate, has large wheels for ease of mobility, and is a robust and versatile machine for use onsite or in the workshop.
The BOC Smoothcut 100C Air complies with AS/NZS 60974-1 and IEC/EN 60974- 10, and is backed by a 3-year conditional warranty.
Jimmy Sullman at SWAT Fabrications had a great range of materials ready to cut and was happy to test the power and performance of BOC.
I’m happy to say it sure didn’t disappoint.
Test #1: Ease of use
Set up was quick and straightforward.
After quickly looking at the user guide and familiarising himself with the machine, Jimmy was cutting in no time. The internal compressor is a genuinely great addition and makes it extremely quick and easy to use. The only real requirement for use is a 3-phase power source for the 32A plug. Included in the package are the power source and plug, a 6m-LT141 cutting torch, a 3m work return lead, a pressure-relief valve and the operating manual. When I asked Jimmy about the process of getting set up and making his first cut, he sparked, “It’s a pretty straightforward process. Once it’s all plugged in and turned on, you’re ready to go.
“On the back of the machine is the switch for the internal compressor. As long as it’s on and you have plugged it all in, you are away and cutting in less than 10 minutes.
“After making the first cut you get a sense of what settings you will need for the material you are cutting.”
Test #2: Cutting
We went to the thicker end of the machine’s capabilities to really test what it could do, and our first cut was a PWC with 16m flanges. Then we cut a hole for a pipe. After that was 25mm mild steel, and last we cut 10mm aluminium. Jimmy shared his cutting experience: “This unit is a beast,” he flanged. “The speed of the cut was excellent, as was the clean edge we obtained. You can see in the images the machine didn’t skip a beat.
“The 25mm mild steel we cut was 5mm over the guide for a clean cut using the internal air compressor, but our edge was great. Hooking up to an external air supply would increase the guide from 20mm to 25mm for a maximum clean cut, and from 35mm to 40mm for maximum severance. So, as you can see, the internal air is doing an impressive job.
“Across the board, I’ve got to say the Smoothcut 100C Air is a workhorse designed for heavy commercial use.”
The good, the bad, and the ugly
Weighing in at 50.5kg, the unit is surprisingly easy to move around, thanks to the large wheels. Its recommended cutting thickness of 1mm-30mm means it will suit a wide range of industrial and commercial applications, and the ease of use will further add to the strengths of this excellent plasma cutter.
At the end of the day, the quality and speed of cuts across a range of materials and thicknesses make this a go-to outfit for metal fabricators like Jimmy from SWAT – tradies who need reliable machinery that boosts productivity and reduces downtime.
Features:
- Powerful three-phase cutting
- Fast, safe and efficient
- In-built air compressor
- Medium to heavy metal fabrication
- Includes Trafimet-style plasma torch
- Large wheels for easy mobility
- Three-year warranty from date of purchase.
Visit: www.boc.com.au