Why use a gantry and what is the design of a gantry cutter?

Gantry for cutting machines

Most machines used to cut flat steel plates use a gantry design because it is an easy way to move the torch in the X-Y coordinate system. The track system on the gantry forms one axis, usually the X axis. The gantry bridge itself forms the other axis, usually the Y axis. By motorizing each axis and coordinating the movement of both axes simultaneously, you can move the torch in any pattern necessary to cut out the shape of the steel plate. Therefore, the gantry design is suitable for CNC (Computer Numerical Control) shape cutting, using primarily an X-Y coordinate system to program the part.

Gantry cutter design

Gantry cutters have a track system in the X-axis that can be mounted on the floor, on a pedestal, or sometimes integrated into the side of the table. The rails are designed to provide precise motion to the machine and are strong enough to support the entire weight of the machine and all the equipment mounted on it. Depending on the size of the machine, these rails can be as simple as a small metal bar, as complex as a recirculating ball bearing linear rail system, or as large as a train track.

Gantry cutters will also have some sort of guiding system on the Y-axis, which is mounted on the bridge structure itself. the Y-axis guiding systems will usually be smaller than the X-axis rails, as they only need to carry the weight of a carriage and cutting tool, not the weight of the entire gantry. Gantry machines may have one tool holder or many tool holders. Sometimes each tool holder has its own drive motor that moves on the Y-axis, sometimes there is only one motor driving the Y-axis, and all tool holders are connected by steel straps, tie rods, wire ropes or similar mechanical devices.

Gantry frames can come in a variety of sizes. There are some machines that can provide a cutting area of 2 feet x 2 feet. Other systems can span nearly 100 feet wide, and rail systems are just as long.