Bend-Tech PRO software coordinates with the Dragon A400 machine to handle structural tube and pipe fabrication by importing CAD/CAM files, managing material dimensions up to 24 feet long, and driving plasma cutting operations at speeds reaching 120 inches per minute, as reported by bend-tech.com.
Industrial Hardware Integration and Material Capabilities
The manufacturing setup pairs specialized software with physical fabrication hardware. The Dragon A400 machine processes round tube profiles ranging from 0.75 inches to 6 inches in diameter. The system accepts steel, aluminum, stainless steel, DOM, HREW, black pipe, galvanized steel, and electrically conductive materials. Full stick lengths up to 24 feet feed into the machine. Loading options include the front, back, top, or either side depending on shop layout. An operator places the tube into the front gate, secures it in the self-centering four-jaw chuck, and tightens the front gate. Loading typically requires one person.
Purchasing the Dragon A400 includes the machine itself, a center support lifter, a marker, an engraver, a laser pointer, a technology package, and the Bend-Tech Dragon Software. Operational requirements call for an active internet connection, a plasma torch with a mechanized head, 220-240V outlets, two 110-120V outlets, miscellaneous outlets, and an air compressor. Available hardware add-ons consist of a plasma system, a material coolant system, an angle or channel motorized gate, and additional software licenses. Bend-Tech headquarters in Osceola, Wisconsin, fully assembles, calibrates, and tests every machine before partial disassembly for shipping. Replacement parts remain fully stocked at the 36,000-square-foot facility, with components sourced primarily around Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Software Architecture and CAD/CAM Interoperability
Design flexibility dictates fabrication efficiency. The Dragon CAD/CAM software imports and exports files to and from common CAD programs including Solidworks, Inventor, AutoCAD, PRO Engineer, Tekla, and SDS2, functioning simultaneously as a design program. According to pro-tools.com, Bend-Tech offers several distinct modules to accompany its fabrication software, including a handrail module, a large radius module, an exhaust module, and a SolidWorks module.
Software maintenance requires specific subscription cycles. A two-year maintenance package is included with the purchase of a Bend-Tech Dragon A400. Following expiration, operators repurchase maintenance packages on a yearly basis to maintain ongoing support and software updates. Training resources include wiki pages, video tutorials, optional on-site training delivered by a dispatched Dragon Technician, and in-person training sessions at the Osceola headquarters.
Cutting Speeds, Tolerances, and Technical Specifications
Performance metrics fluctuate based on operational parameters. The plasma torch achieves cutting speeds up to 120 inches per minute. Rapid travel between cuts reaches up to 1100 inches per minute along the X-axis and 30 RPM on the Y-axis. Actual cut speed, dross level, and overall cut quality depend on material size, cut design, material type, tolerance requirements, material thickness, amperage used, and the optional coolant circulation system. Current lead times for machine delivery typically span two to four weeks, supported by continuous manufacturing at the Wisconsin facility.
| Specification Category | Operational Parameter |
|---|---|
| Tube Profile Diameter | 0.75” – 6” round |
| Maximum Tube Length | 24 feet (full stick) |
| Max Torch Cutting Speed | Up to 120 inches per minute |
| Max X-Axis Rapid Travel | Up to 1100 inches per minute |
| Max Y-Axis Rapid Travel | 30 RPM |
| Hardware Limited Warranty | 12 months (electronics and hardware) |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dragon A400 and Software
What materials can the Dragon A400 cut?
The machine processes steel, aluminum, stainless steel, DOM, HREW, black pipe, galvanized steel, and any electrically conductive material with tube profiles from 0.75 inches to 6 inches.
How long does initial software mastery take?
Most operators become comfortable using the Bend-Tech software after a couple of days of regular practice, backed by available wiki pages and training videos.
What is included with the machine purchase?
The purchase includes the Dragon A400 machine, center support lifter, marker, engraver, laser pointer, technology package, Bend-Tech Dragon Software, and a 2-year maintenance package.
Where is the equipment manufactured?
All Dragon A400 machines are assembled, calibrated, and tested at Bend-Tech’s 36,000-square-foot facility in Osceola, Wisconsin, using parts predominantly from the Minneapolis and St. Paul area.
What power supply is required for installation?
Setup requires 220-240V outlets, two 110-120V outlets, miscellaneous outlets, an air compressor, and an active internet connection.
