Langmuir CNC plasma any good?

[Jaxon Industries]

Hi all,
New to the forum and had a question with respect to the Langmuir CNC system. Are they suitable for the home hobbyist or is this something to stay away from? Why does Langmuir not include the Z axis option into the unit by now? I see that there are many individuals have successfully built and installed them so don't understand why this is not an option from OEM. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks!

[acourtjester]

I think you need to evaluate your needs and what you will be cutting, it seems that the Langmuir table is limited as to what it can do. I find the lack of a Z axis movement very limiting, in both the pierce/cut height positioning. With a Z driven system you could have a floating head assembly to find the metal surface when starting a cutting operation. And the addition of a THC for surface level following action for continuing to maintain the correct cut height. Here is amember who has one and is moving on to building a replacement.
https://www.plasmaspider.com/viewtopic. ... t=Langmuir

[gamble]

Consider your needs like stated above.
I started with a Torchmate 2x2 with no height control. While it did suck for a few years it did make me money and it was inexpensive cost to get started.
No height control will have headaches but keep your expectations realistic. It is a nice entry level kit for any hobbyist or small shop. I wouldn't be doing production stuff with it 8 hours a day without height control.
I had the table and it was pretty well put together. I think it's better than my 2x2 torchmate (hardware wise, not electronics)
Best part is that the community seems to be developing their own upgrades.

[Finter]

All above is good info. For me.....low cost entry into cnc plasma was the goal. Success with the Crossfire. Using my wood cnc knowledge I quickly have billed many $1000's of dollars in steel work. I'm not sure I would ever up grade because the cost of a crossfire is so low. If needed just buy another.
Even though the entry point is lower I'm smart enough to not sell my products cheap. I hope others don't sell cheap.

[SA Precision Cuts]

I have had mine for a year and love it. I use mine weekly for side hustle. Torch Height Control is a must if you purchase one. I have many videos on tiktok under sa_precision_cuts if you want to see my work.

[Rftek]

Hi, another Langmuir CNC user here.
I run a Pro setup w/ a Hypertherm 45XP.

The machine (w/ THC) has a couple inches of Z travel.

I have not used any other machines so don't have good comparison points.

The machine control software (Firecontrol) can be downloaded for free to checkout. It allows control of the CNC, does some features like re-sizing & cloning of a part.

The workflow for me is this: design (Inkscape for example) -> toolpath (sheetcam for example) -> cutting (Firecontrol) .

They (Langmuir) update Firecontrol pretty often, the machine requirements seem pretty low (I run on a low end Win10 machine) and if you are meeting basic requirements (good dry compressed air, minimal clearance between cut paths, etc) then it works really well. There is good recovery from a loss of arc, which for me happens too often when I run out of air.

Good luck! I hope you find something that works for yah, let me know if you get the Langmuir Pro. Do account for the water handling and general floor space associated with a machine like this.

[adbuch]

Rftek - thanks for your review!

Another popular workflow is: design (Fusion 360) -> toolpath (Fusion 360) -> G-Code (Fusion 360/FireControl post processor) -> cutting (FireControl).

Langmuir has some great Fusion 360 tutorial videos as well.

David

https://www.langmuirsystems.com/software/fusion

f360.jpg

[Wsidr1]

I am just replying so that future readers get additional information since I am sure the OP has probably long since made a purchase.

Other than good advice above, if you already have a plasma cutter, go to Langmuir Systems website and check the "Approved Cutters" list. They maintain a list of cutters that they feel confident will work with their units.

[adbuch]

I am just replying so that future readers get additional information since I am sure the OP has probably long since made a purchase.

Other than good advice above, if you already have a plasma cutter, go to Langmuir Systems website and check the "Approved Cutters" list. They maintain a list of cutters that they feel confident will work with their units.

Thanks for that! I agree that Langmuir has an excellent website and I think they offer a lot of bang for the buck. They also have some great Fusion 360 tutorial videos specifically geared towards cnc plasma cutting.

David

[NPHS-FFA]

I recently purchased a setup through donations to our ag program. We were able to get a Hynade cut 80 through a donation from Missouri Farm Bureau and Farm Credit purchased us a Langmuir Crossfire Pro with THC and a machine torch. I have been very pleased in the learning process. My cuts have been on par with all of the expensive brands that other ag teachers are using, and we are all in just over $4000 including 20 sets of consumables. I get about 1000 Pierces per set and my cuts are great. I am sure there are things the more expensive machines can do beyond, but you can’t beat the value.

[adbuch]

I recently purchased a setup through donations to our ag program. We were able to get a Hynade cut 80 through a donation from Missouri Farm Bureau and Farm Credit purchased us a Langmuir Crossfire Pro with THC and a machine torch. I have been very pleased in the learning process. My cuts have been on par with all of the expensive brands that other ag teachers are using, and we are all in just over $4000 including 20 sets of consumables. I get about 1000 Pierces per set and my cuts are great. I am sure there are things the more expensive machines can do beyond, but you can’t beat the value.

Thanks for your review of your Langmuir Crossfire Pro table. I agree that they offer a quality product at a very reasonable price. Other than the shop stool you posted, what other sorts of things have you been cutting. Feel free to post photos so we can have a look.

David

[NPHS-FFA]

Here are a few files that we have ran. I haven’t taken near enough pictures, but I figure this is decent considering we have been running it less than 3 weeks.


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[N2 Welding]

I ran accross this video that does a side by side video of the Langmuir Crossfire Pro next to the Crossfire XR.

I’m liking the design of the gantry movements on the XR, well at least the tube and roller system the gantry rolls on. The way they changed the leadscrew design from the pro to the XR is nice too. I’ve always wonderered if having a long floppy lead screw would or could cause minute calibration issues if it flexes.

[adbuch]

Here are a few files that we have ran. I haven’t taken near enough pictures, but I figure this is decent considering we have been running it less than 3 weeks.


PB7BC4DEE-EA14-4269-AAEB-CF98B4AA0D80.jpeg960DC2E0-F46B-4E72-812B-27E13E931F0A.jpeg4BBF3F12-A442-48B0-91A2-919E4848C601.jpegDEF8BA0C-0988-48D4-A36B-F291903E8DCF.jpeg4C29764B-CCD8-4E9D-9D55-E9F4FB2B00FA.jpeg85244432-8270-47BF-938C-C7610B78457C.jpegAAD50FE1-C389-4064-8532-807DF1807251.jpegD44EC3A5-2C95-473C-A294-17A5691F7DE6.jpeg0B5F71D6-503B-4AD0-8CB2-DBB05200D3A9.jpeg06920551-20A2-41A8-8C0B-49B64A42F0F2.jpeg

Those are some really nice looking cuts (and pieces). Looks like you've got your table dialed in just fine. Keep up the great work!
David

[NPHS-FFA]

Thanks and I don’t get much flopping on the lead screws but then it is only 33x48 and I vary my amperage and try to keep my cut speed down. It is supposed to be good for 250ipm but I mostly cut at 110.