A smaller metal working shop, machining shop or a general fabricator or prototype development company trying to expand their customer base and their market needs to have the equipment on hand to take on new jobs.
However, this can become complicated if the new jobs are going to require the additional purchase of new equipment. With the addition of a CNC plasma cutting table to your current line of equipment and machines, you will be opening up the possibilities of adding to the services you can offer your customers.
Determining if the investment in a CNC plasma cutting table is going to be a good use of your equipment budget depends on several different factors. Taking the time to examine the demand for this type of equipment in your current shop and in your market will be the first important step.
The Need For Plasma Cutting
More and more consumers, OEMs, fabricators and even refurbishing and repair companies are looking for a local business that has the ability to produce one-of-a-kind or small to large volume runs of specific components. When precise cutting with high tolerances and high levels of accuracy with every cut is a common factor, getting a CNC plasma cutting table will allow you to provide that service.
The actual volume of requests you get for that type of a job may be hard to determine if you can’t advertise the service. A good first step will be to survey your current customers to get an idea if they would use the service if it were to be available in your shop.
The Current Competition
Another important factor to investigate is the other shops and services in your area already established with plasma cutting services. If there are already multiple shops doing the service are there enough customers in your area and can you be competitive with your pricing?
Since many smaller shops don’t have plasma cutters, this can be an ideal way to step in and corner a market. There is very little specialized training required to run the plasma cutter so it is a service you can offer almost as soon as the equipment is in place.
There is demand in virtually all markets and areas for plasma cutting services. This can be an ideal additional service to add to your shop menu of services, providing you with the edge over your competition.
