What Hornet Cutting Systems does

Hornet Cutting Systems is a privately held American OEM of industrial CNC thermal cutting machines, founded in 2004 and headquartered at a 47,000 sq. ft. manufacturing plant with an adjacent 7,000 sq. ft. training and demonstration facility in Valley Center, Kansas. The company designs and builds CNC plasma cutting tables across a range from a compact 4x4 ft. Mini Hornet entry-level unit up to the 20 ft wide Mega Hornet 2000 with up to 12 cutting and marking processes; complementary lines include the Aqua Hornet CNC waterjet cutters, Roto Hornet pipe and tube cutting systems, and Mod-Weld FANUC-based robotic welding cells. Hornet machines integrate Hypertherm's full technology stack — Edge Connect CNC controls, Phoenix software, SENSOR torch height control, ProNest nesting, and a range of Hypertherm plasma power supplies (XPR, HPR, MAXPRO200, Powermax) — and are sold alongside distributed product lines including Bodor fiber laser cutters, Fronius welding machines, and Durma press brakes and roll benders. The company is ISO 9001:AS9100D certified, is 100% American-owned and American-made, and carries a verified SDVOSB designation.

The revenue model is primarily one-time hardware sales of mid- to high-ticket capital equipment (plasma machines priced roughly $50,000–$100,000 and laser systems $300,000–$1,000,000+, all sold via custom quotes), augmented by professional retrofit services for legacy CNC machines at 40–60% of new-equipment cost, recurring service and parts contracts under 12-month warranties, and a trade-in / used equipment program. Go-to-market is sales-led with a professional inside and field sales team reachable by phone and online quote request, supplemented by a network of channel partners distributing across approximately 10 countries and 43 U.S. states; digital marketing is run through the company website, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and trade shows including FabTech.

Hornet serves heavy industrial buyers across steel fabrication, shipyards, steel service centers, oil and gas pipeline construction, aerospace, railroad, forest products, retail, and SMB job shops. Named enterprise customers displayed on the company website include Nucor Steel, ConocoPhillips, BNSF Railway, Bass Pro Shops, Weyerhaeuser, and Hutchinson Manufacturing, alongside case studies such as CM Welding and Machine. The company cites hundreds of customers and 20 years of operating history, with the most recent strategic emphasis on broadening the portfolio beyond cutting into robotic welding automation, fiber laser, and metal forming through both OEM launches and distribution partnerships.

Name

Hornet Cutting Systems

Legal name

Hornet Cutting Systems

Website

https://hornetcs.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Hornet Cutting Systems is a privately held Kansas-based OEM of industrial CNC plasma, waterjet, and pipe cutting machines, robotic welding systems, and complementary laser and metal forming equipment, serving steel fabrication, shipbuilding, oil and gas, aerospace, and SMB job shops across 43 US states and roughly 10 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial CNC Cutting Machinery

NAICS

Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing (33351)

SIC

Machine Tools, Metal Cutting Types (3541)

akta.pro primary industry

Sheet Metal Machinery (Laser/Plasma/Waterjet Cutting, Punching) (IMAHADAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Metal Forming & Fabrication Machines (Presses, Bending, Shearing, Stamping) (IMAHADAC), CNC Plasma/Laser Cutting & Automated Fabrication Training (EDAOADAH)

Keywords

• CNC plasma cutting
• Thermal metal cutting
• Robotic welding systems
• Waterjet cutting machines
• Fiber laser cutting

Headquarters

HQ city

Valley Center

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. CNC Plasma Cutting Machine Sales: Sale of CNC plasma cutting machines across multiple product lines (Hornet HD, Hornet XD, Mega Hornet 1000/2000, Hornet LTX) and table sizes. Machines are sold as complete systems including plasma power supplies, CNC controls, and cutting tables. Revenue is generated from one-time hardware sales with optional add-ons and upgrades.
2. CNC Waterjet Cutting Machine Sales: Sale of CNC waterjet cutting machines (Aqua Hornet LT, Aqua Hornet 1000) configured with Hypertherm HyPrecision or KMT Streamline pumps, featuring modular design for flexible industrial configurations.
3. Mod-Weld Robot Welding System Sales: Sale of FANUC-based robotic welding cells and systems, including customizable weld cell types, multiple table sizes, and optional configurations for soft metals. Backed by ISO 9001:AS9100D quality standards.
4. Fronius Welding Machine Sales: Sale and distribution of Fronius welding machines (MIG/MAG, manual, mechanized, and robotic options) featuring patented voltage management technology, arc stability, and reduced spatter.
5. Bodor Fiber Laser Cutting System Sales: Sale of Bodor fiber laser cutting systems (P-Series, A-Series, M-Series, H-Series) ranging from 1kW to 60kW power, covering plate/sheet, tube/pipe, and combination cutting applications.
6. CNC Machine Retrofit Services: Retrofit services for existing CNC plasma and oxy-fuel machines, upgrading control systems, drive motors, gearboxes, and torch height control at 40-60% less than new equipment cost. Includes on-site installation, labor coverage, and replacement parts.
7. Service, Parts, and Preventative Maintenance: Ongoing revenue from service contracts, replacement parts, preventative maintenance programs, and technical support including remote help via internet and on-site installation support. Warranty typically includes 12 months for labor and replacement parts.
8. Used and Trade-In Equipment: Sale of previously owned CNC cutting machines through a trade-in program, allowing customers to upgrade while saving costs. Company also sells used equipment directly.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Hornet Cutting Systems manufactures and sells CNC thermal cutting machines including plasma, waterjet, pipe, and tube cutting tables, integrated with Hypertherm CNC controls and torch height control technology. The company also offers Mod-Weld robotic welding systems using FANUC robots and distributes Bodor fiber lasers, Fronius welding equipment, and Durma metal forming machinery. Complementary services include CNC machine retrofits, parts, preventative maintenance, and technical support.

Product overview

Hornet Cutting Systems is an OEM manufacturer of industrial CNC thermal cutting machines headquartered in Valley Center, Kansas. The product portfolio centers on CNC plasma cutting tables (Hornet HD, Hornet XD, Mega Hornet 1000, Mega Hornet 2000, Hornet LTX) complemented by specialized waterjet cutters (Aqua Hornet LT, Aqua Hornet 1000), CNC pipe cutting systems (Roto Hornet 1000, Roto Hornet 2000, Hornet HD Combo), and robot welding solutions (Mod-Weld with FANUC robots). The company also distributes complementary technologies including Bodor fiber laser cutters, Fronius welding equipment, and Durma metal forming machinery. Key accessories include HydroClean water tables, AeroClean downdraft tables, Hypertherm plasma power supplies, and ProNest nesting software. All products integrate Hypertherm technology including Edge Connect CNC controls, Phoenix motion software, and SENSOR torch height control systems. The company holds ISO 9001:AS9100D certification and operates a 47,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Hornet HD: The most cost-effective plasma table, available in 6X12 foot cutting size.
• Hornet HD Combo
• Hornet XD
• Mega Hornet 1000
• Mega Hornet 2000
• Hornet LTX
• HydroClean
• AeroClean
• Aqua Hornet
• Roto Hornet
• Mini Hornet
• Mod-Weld

Products and services

• Hornet HD CNC Plasma Cutter The most cost-effective CNC plasma table from Hornet, with a 6.6x12ft cutting area. Features Hypertherm XPR Series power source, precision linear rails, AC servo motors, and planetary gearboxes. Targeted at fabricators seeking a balance of performance and value.
• Hornet XD CNC Plasma Cutting Table Heavy-duty high-performance plasma and oxy-fuel table with dual-side EtherCAT motors, up to 1,000 IPM traverse speed, and support for 6 cutting heads. Built for demanding industrial cutting operations.
• Mega Hornet 1000 CNC Plasma Table Heavy industrial plasma cutter with 14ft width capacity and up to 6 cutting processes. Designed for shipyards, service centers, and manufacturers requiring decades of reliable service for heavy plate cutting.
• Mega Hornet 2000 CNC Plasma Cutting Machine Largest industrial plasma cutter from Hornet, with 20ft width and 150ft+ length capacity. Supports up to 12 cutting and marking processes for ultra-heavy-duty industrial applications.
• Hornet HD Combo CNC Plasma Plate Pipe Tube Cutting Machine All-in-one machine combining plate and pipe cutting capabilities with a single power unit. Handles up to 8in round tubing and 6in square/rectangle tubing for shops needing versatile plate and pipe profiling.
• Hornet LTX CNC Plasma Cutter Compact industrial plasma table with 5ft x 10ft cutting area featuring heavy-duty steel construction, EDGE Connect CNC controller, and economical footprint for small to mid-sized fabricators. Launched as a new product in 2023.
• Mini Hornet CNC Plasma Tables Entry-level compact plasma cutter available in 4x4ft or 4x8ft configurations. Designed for service support shops, maintenance operations, schools, and low volume production environments.
• Aqua Hornet LT CNC Waterjet Cutting Machine Compact waterjet cutter available in 4x4ft, 4x8ft, and 5x10ft sizes. Cuts up to 8in depth with 90,000 psi water pressure and 15-150HP pump options for precision cutting without heat-affected zones.
• Aqua Hornet 1000 CNC Waterjet Cutting Machine Advanced waterjet machine with state-of-the-art motion control, modular design, and dual cutting head options. Handles 10in cutting capacity with heavy-wall steel construction for industrial precision cutting.
• Roto Hornet 1000 CNC Plasma Pipe Cutting Machine Standalone pipe cutter handling 2-14in diameter pipes up to 40ft length. Features pneumatic loading system, three-jaw chuck, and Rotary Tube Pro software for precision pipe profiling.
• Roto Hornet 2000 CNC Plasma Pipe Cutting Machine Heavy-duty standalone pipe cutter with 2-24in diameter capacity and 40ft+ length. Features EtherCAT digital interface, 1,000 IPM traverse, and through-chuck smoke extraction for high-throughput pipe fabrication.
• Mod-Weld Robot Welding Systems Automated robotic welding systems built with FANUC industrial collaborative robots, featuring pre-engineered cells, recipe management for up to 100 recipes, and 98% uptime. Targeted at aerospace, automotive, shipbuilding, and structural steel fabrication operations. Launched in 2024.
• Fronius Welding Machine Solutions MIG/MAG welding machines distributed by Hornet, featuring patented voltage management technology offering up to 50% reduction in weld spatter and 15-20% faster weld speeds for industrial welding operations.
• Bodor Laser Cutting Solutions Fiber laser cutting systems from Bodor Laser including P-Series plate/sheet cutters, A-Series combo cutters, M-Series tube cutters, and H-Series large format cutters. Power range from 1kW to 60kW for plate, sheet, tube, and pipe cutting applications.
• Durma Press Brakes AD-R series press brakes from Durma distributed by Hornet, with CE safety compliance, hydraulic/electric controls, and laser light curtain safety. Designed for sensitive bending and energy-efficient metal forming operations.
• Durma Roll Bending Machines HRB-3 and HRB-4 roll bending machines from Durma distributed by Hornet, with vertical support options. HRB-4 features four plate rolls for enhanced precision and operator independence in metal rolling operations.
• Durma Panel Benders Automated panel bending machines from Durma distributed by Hornet, with fully automatic tool changing. Handles 0.5-4mm thickness with energy-saving smart consumption features for production sheet metal fabrication.
• HydroClean CNC Plasma Cutting Water Table Water table system with adjustable water level for fume suppression and noise reduction in plasma cutting. Features air bladder system for submerged or near-surface cutting and pairs with GreenCut plasma fluid for rust and bacterial growth inhibition.
• AeroClean CNC Downdraft Cutting Table Zoned downdraft air table with 2,200-5,500 CFM exhaust flow. Partitioned zones with steel damper doors and pleated cloth cartridge filtration for capturing thermal cutting emissions in industrial environments.
• Plasma Power Supplies Complete range of Hypertherm plasma power supplies including X-Definition (XPR460, XPR300, XPR170), High-Definition (HPR400XD, HPR800XD), Conventional (MAXPRO200), and Air Plasma (Powermax series) systems sold alongside Hornet CNC plasma tables.
• ProNest CAD/CAM Nesting Software ProNest 2025 and ProNest 2205 LT CAD/CAM part nesting software for mechanized cutting systems. Delivers automation, efficiency, and profitability improvements and integrates Hypertherm Rapid Part technology.
• Material Handling Solutions Steel plate racks, steel tube racks, and steel remnant carts for material handling and workflow optimization in fabrication shops operating Hornet cutting systems.
• CNC Cutting System Retrofit Services Retrofit upgrade services for legacy CNC plasma and oxy-fuel machines. Costs 40-60% less than purchasing new equipment while delivering comparable performance improvements through modern control systems, drive motors, gearboxes, and torch height control upgrades.

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration18 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• HyperthermcoreTechnology or IntegrationHypertherm is Hornet's primary technology partner providing plasma power supplies (XPR Series, HPR Series, MAXPRO200, Powermax Series), Edge Connect CNC control, Phoenix CNC software, SENSOR torch height control, ProNest CAM nesting software, and Rotary Tube Pro pipe cutting software. Hornet integrates these Hypertherm components across its entire CNC plasma, waterjet, and pipe cutting machine lineup.
• FANUCcoreTechnology or IntegrationFANUC provides industrial collaborative robots powering Hornet's Mod-Weld robot welding systems. Mod-Weld systems combine FANUC robotics technology with Hornet's commitment to durability, providing pre-engineered welding cells with recipe management (up to 100 recipes) and 98% uptime.
• FroniuscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHornet Cutting Systems is a distributor of Fronius welding machines (MIG/MAG manual, mechanized, and robotic options) featuring patented voltage management technology, arc stability, reduced spatter (up to 50% reduction), and 15-20% faster weld speeds. Products include digital power management and intelligent process control.
• Bodor LasercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBodor Laser is the #1 sales volume provider of CNC fiber laser cutting solutions worldwide. Hornet offers Bodor's P-Series plate/sheet cutters, A-Series combo cutters, M-Series tube/pipe cutters, and H-Series large format cutters (1kW-60kW power range). Bodor meets CE, FDA, ISO9001, and SGS standards with proprietary laser scanning technology.
• Durma (DURMA North America)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHornet Cutting Systems distributes Durma press brakes (AD-R Series), roll bending machines (HRB-3 and HRB-4), and panel benders. Durma has nearly 60 years of experience with 3 production plants worldwide, offering energy-efficient bending, forming, and rolling solutions meeting CE safety standards.
• RoboVentminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHornet Cutting Systems partners with RoboVent for dust collection and fume extraction systems on Roto Hornet pipe cutting machines. RoboVent handles complete system design, build, installation, and maintenance to ensure proper dust collection integration.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Hypertherm: Hypertherm is Hornet's principal technology partner for plasma power supplies, CNC controls, and CAM software, and is also an established industrial cutting brand. It is comparable as a plasma/cutting incumbent that overlaps in plasma systems and CNC control platforms.
• TRUMPF: TRUMPF is a leading global manufacturer of machine tools, laser cutting systems, and bending equipment. Its broad portfolio of industrial cutting and forming solutions makes it a high-end incumbent competitor to Hornet in laser and automation.
• Mazak: Mazak manufactures multi-process CNC machine tools including lasers and automation cells. It is a broad incumbent competing with Hornet across metal-cutting capital equipment for industrial buyers.
• Bystronic: Bystronic is a global manufacturer of laser cutting, bending, and automation solutions for sheet metal. It overlaps Hornet's Bodor laser and Durma press brake distribution offerings and competes in enterprise fabrication accounts.

Direct peers

• Messer Cutting Systems: Messer designs and builds CNC plasma, oxy-fuel, and laser cutting machines for industrial fabrication. Its product portfolio and customer base closely mirror Hornet's shipyard, steel service center, and heavy fabrication focus.
• OMAX Corporation: OMAX manufactures abrasive waterjet cutting machines with proprietary software and pumps. It competes directly with Hornet's Aqua Hornet LT and Aqua Hornet 1000 lines in the waterjet segment.
• ESAB Corporation: ESAB is a global manufacturer of CNC plasma, oxy-fuel, and laser cutting equipment, along with welding and automation solutions. It directly overlaps Hornet's plasma table and welding product lines, serving the same heavy-industrial fabricator base.
• Lincoln Electric: Lincoln Electric is a major manufacturer of welding equipment and cutting systems, including automation. It is comparable to Hornet through its Fronius welding distribution and Mod-Weld/FANUC-based welding automation offerings.
• Shape Technologies Group (Flow Waterjet): Shape Technologies owns Flow Waterjet, a long-standing waterjet cutting machine OEM. It is a direct competitor to Hornet's Aqua Hornet waterjet product family across aerospace, automotive, and general fabrication.

Others

• KMT Waterjet: KMT supplies the high-pressure pumps used in Hornet's Aqua Hornet waterjet machines (Streamline PRO-III, SL-VI, TRILINE). It is comparable as an enabling ecosystem participant rather than a direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@BuildSomethingGreat
• Facebookfacebook.com/hornetcuttingsystems
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hornet-cutting-systems
• Instagraminstagram.com/hornetcuttingsystems
• Xx.com/retro_systems

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hornet Cutting Systems