Importing a CNC Plasma Cutter or Metal Saw to South America or Africa
1. Voltage and frequency
Machines are built for the supply they will run on. Many countries in South America use 60 Hz, while most of Africa uses 50 Hz, and three-phase voltages vary. Tell us the voltage and frequency printed on your workshop supply, not just the country. Typical industrial supplies are:
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| Country | Typical three-phase supply | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 220 V, 380 V or 440 V | 60 Hz |
| Mexico | 220 V or 440–480 V | 60 Hz |
| Colombia | 220 V or 440 V | 60 Hz |
| Peru | 220 V or 380–440 V | 60 Hz |
| Chile | 380 V | 50 Hz |
| Argentina | 380 V | 50 Hz |
| Bolivia | 380 V | 50 Hz |
| Nigeria | 415 V | 50 Hz |
| Kenya | 415 V | 50 Hz |
| South Africa | 400 V | 50 Hz |
| Egypt | 380 V | 50 Hz |
| Morocco | 380 V | 50 Hz |
Typical values only. Supplies differ by region and building, so confirm with your electrician.
Where the grid is unstable, add a voltage stabilizer sized for the whole machine. It protects the plasma source, the servo drives and the control.
2. Incoterms: who pays for what
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| Term | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| EXW | You collect from the factory and arrange everything, including Chinese export clearance. Our published saw prices are EXW. |
| FOB (for example FOB Qingdao) | We deliver the machine onto the ship at the Chinese port. You pay sea freight, insurance and import costs. |
| CIF / CFR | We pay sea freight to your port (CIF includes insurance). You pay import duties, port charges and inland transport. |
| DAP | Delivered to a named place in your country, import duties not included. Agree in detail before ordering. |
Most first-time buyers find CIF or CFR to their nearest port the easiest. Ask us for a quote to your port.
3. Containers and packing
Plasma tables, band saws and cold saws normally ship in standard 20 ft or 40 ft containers, packed and fixed for sea freight. Large gantries, heavy-duty saws and pipe machines may need a 40 ft high-cube container or a flat rack. We confirm the packing list, dimensions and weights with the quotation so you can plan unloading: some machines need a forklift, others a crane.
4. Documents for customs
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list with weights and dimensions
- Bill of lading
- Certificate of origin, if your country gives a duty preference
- Any certificate of conformity or pre-shipment inspection your country requires; your customs broker will know
Ask your customs broker for the HS code and the duty rate before you order, so the landed cost holds no surprises.
5. Spares to order with the machine
Plasma machines
Electrodes, nozzles, shields and swirl rings for several weeks of cutting, plus fuses and a spare torch lead if you are far from a distributor.
Band saws
Blades in the pitches you use most, and spare blade guides.
Cold saws
At least one spare TCT blade so you can keep cutting while the other is re-sharpened.
Everything
Filters for the air system or hydraulics, and the recommended lubricants.
6. Installation and training
Plan a level concrete floor, the electrical supply, compressed air for plasma, and space for loading. Our engineers guide installation remotely by video and train your operators on the control and the nesting software; on-site commissioning can be arranged. Afterwards, send photos or videos by WhatsApp for remote diagnostics.
Ask an engineer
Tell us your country, port and workshop voltage, and we will quote the machine delivered to your port with the right electrical setup.