Frequently Asked Questions

Arclight Dynamics was founded in 2010. Like so many great American companies, ours was started in a two-car garage. Founder, Scott Cunningham, was in disbelief at what was available on the market for cnc plasma systems. At the time most CNC Plasma tables available on the market were overpriced, lightweight, and flimsy. And more importantly, the products were under-supported. Scott, convinced he could build a better mousetrap, based on experience, knew that every metalworking shop and small manufacturer in America would need and desire a CNC plasma table and portable plasma cutter. Arclight Dynamics was born.

Top notch customer service, reliable performance and value are the core values that set us apart. We stand behind you as a customer with the support you need to be successful with our equipment. Customer support the way it should be: comprehensive, friendly and helpful. We employ more technicians than any other light industrial table manufacturer and will take the time to answer all your questions from Design, CAD, CAM, Operation, Optimization and Troubleshooting. We’re here to help!

With our systems you will receive the CNC Table with a mini computer pre-installed with all the software you need to build parts or get started creating designs. All systems have advanced Digital Torch Height Control, Collision Detection, Breakaway Torch Mount and a Water Pan to reduce plate warpage and dust. The software is pre-configured with cut settings for Mild Steel, Aluminum and Stainless Steel. Our standard software has no recurring licenses or fees. Plasma cutters are sold separately so you can use your own or so we can pair a unit up with your needs for cutting capacity. We proudly offer Hypertherm products from a 45xp to the MAXPRO200.

The primary differences between the Arc Max and Arc Pro tables are how they are intended to be used. For most general fab shops, the Arc Pro tables will work accurately and efficiently to produce accurate parts with clean edges, sharp corners, and round holes. The Arc Pro is best suited for shops that rarely see 1/2″ Mild Steel and thicker materials.

If the intent is full production capability and the machine will see heavy plate on a regular basis, then the Arc Max is an excellent choice. the unitized steel frame is robust and well suited for thick materials. The HIWIN Linear guide rails have sealed cassette bearing block housings with grease-able zerk fittings for easy maintenance. The Arc Max tables also come standard with the following:

• Welded, unitized steel frame with 3×3, 3/16″ wall steel tubing
• HIWIN precision linear rails and slides on all axis
• An 8″ extra deep water pan with expanded metal at the 4″ mark to catch small parts for easy access. The extended depth water pan allows for increased run time before the pan needs to be cleaned= less maintenance.
• 8″ raised gantry clearance standard
• Rollers to help loading of large, heavy plate onto the bed of table as a standard feature
• The material support slat height is flush with the table frame
• Frame skirting is a standard Feature
• Twin ball valves for easy draining and filling of water pan
• 3 Emergency stop buttons

The Arc Max tables run a different controller that use CAD, SheetCAM and CommandCNC. The Elite tables run the FlashCut CNC Software and Controller and have upgraded NEMA 34 Motors. The Unlimited tables also run the FlashCut CNC Software and Controller and have upgraded NEMA 34 Motors, a reinforced and gusseted steel frame suitable for up to 3” Thick Mild Steel and have upgraded 4.5” deep slats to accommodate either Max Pro 200 or Oxy-Fuel Cutting Processes.

All tables come with lifetime support that follows the table to any owner. Our staff of expert full time technical support agents are available Monday-Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm PST. They can be reached via email or phone. Occasionally you will have to leave a message, but they return all calls in the order received as we see every call through to resolution. Our support team also monitors our table owners group on Facebook Arclight Dynamics Users Support Forum. This is a gated, owners-only group that is an invaluable resource for new and experienced operators.

Email: [email protected] | Phone: 866-222-2154 (option 2).

We offer comprehensive training options: Free 4 hr In-House 1 on 1 training class with every table, Free video call training training  (Zoom, Facetime, Facebook Live, Skype or Google Hangouts), a comprehensive written operations manual for cutting and all accessories, extensive video support library in short 10 minute videos and optional on-site training services if you want a technician to come to you.

Our CNC Systems shipped 98% assembled with all the components loaded and secured to the top of the table. We ship partial load LTL, fully insured with a driver no-touch policy. The system is not trans-loaded, moved or otherwise disturbed until it arrives at your location. Offloading will require a forklift or similar machine with extensions to facilitate front or side offload. In some cases where a forklift is not available a tilt-bed roll-off style tow truck can be hired to assist with offloading. All tables are equipped with caster wheels that can be lowered to aid with rolling the table off the truck. Our team of shipping and logistics specialists will coordinate with you and our shipping carriers to arrange a delivery time that is both prompt and convenient.

Yes, we are located in Central Oregon, in the city of Bend. We are a 3 Hour Drive from Portland, OR and a 20-minute drive from the Redmond Airport (RDM).  There are some major advantages to picking up locally: No shipping charges and No Sales Tax in Oregon. We offer a complimentary half-day training session with every system that covers maintenance, table operation, and the  CAD-CAM-CUT workflow. Pickup and Trainings are scheduled in advance. Contact our sales team for more details.

The CNC Systems Run QCAD, InkScape, SheetCAM and the Controller is run by CommandCNC. We also offer tables that run the FlashCut CNC software and Controller. You can use a wide range of CAD, CAM and Design software including but not limited to: ProNest, AutoCAD, Solid Edge, Solidworks, Fusion 360, Sketch-Up, Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator, Enroute, MasterCAM, FastCAM, Design2Fab and more.

The flashcut software is a 3-in-1 CAD, CAM and CNC Solution. What this means is that all your design, cut setup and table operations are contained within one software package. By having one software do all the work this simplifies the time and reduces the need to use multiple programs to generate, setup and cut a part. With more that 27 years of experience in the industry, FlashCut has developed an industry leading software interface that simplifies, streamlines and integrates all aspects of CNC cutting and design. The easy to run software allows inexperienced operators to quickly learn the interface and become proficient with running the table with minimal instruction. This setup is perfect for shops with multiple operators or for users with little to no experience with both computers and CNC Cutting Systems.

The system will require 110VAC 15A for the the Controller and Computer. Plasma Cutters will run from  200V-600VAC Single or 3 Phase Depending on the Model. Clean, dry compressed air with a minimum 60 Gallon 5 hp 15CFM Compressor or greater.

The CNC System is very easy to use. In most cases it is a 3 Step Process: CAD, CAM and Cut. Some of our additional software makes this process easier. Most users are able to get started cutting right away and fully learn the system within 2 weeks.

Lifetime Warranty on the table, 3-Year Comprehensive Warranty on the Controller and Motors. 2-Year for other electronics and a 1-Year Computer Warranty.

Your CNC plasma can cut most metals, including steel, brass, copper, and aluminum. The CNC Router can cut wood, acrylic, aluminum, plastic, foam, composites, phenolic and other solid medium-density materials.

30 DAY GUARANTEE: If Buyer is not satisfied with the performance of the Goods within 30 days from the date the Goods were shipped from the Seller, Buyer may return the Goods in the original carton(s) for a full refund less Shipping, Handling, Damages and Freight Charges. All sales become final after this 30 day period. Buyer should determine the satisfactory performance of the Goods by using the software, and inspecting and operating the electronics and/or accessory items.  Any items to be returned for full refund must be in new, unused (except for bench testing), and saleable condition at the sole determination of the Seller.  Items that, in the Seller’s judgment, have been used, damaged or modified in any way as well as accessory kits or CNC  Systems that have been partially or fully completed but not yet shipped will be subject to a restocking fee to be determined by the Seller, not to exceed 20% of the original purchase price. A return merchandise authorization number (RMA) must be obtained by the customer prior to any return. Shipments of returned items not marked with a valid RMA may be refused.

All tables ship fully tested and 98% assembled, making it easy to cut your first masterpiece. An initial training session and lifetime support are included with every table.

Assembly consists of unpacking the computer and controller components, securing the control cabinet to the table, connecting motors and limit switches, connecting power to table and plasma cutter, connecting compressed air supply and filling the table with water. With our step-by-step instructions, this can all be completed in about 1.5 hours. Technicians are available to answer any setup questions or walk you through your first cuts.