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Spec Card
A working spec card for CNC and laser machine sourcing in South Africa, written for teams who need the right machine on the first brief.
Machine brief before supplier contact
Spec Card is used at the start of sourcing so the machine brief is clear before we approach suppliers in China. It records the job, material, working size, power, and output needed for the South African factory floor.
The Spec Card is completed before we ask Chinese suppliers for pricing or build options. It sets out the material grade, sheet or tube size, cut thickness, spindle or laser power, voltage on site, and the daily output the South African workshop needs. Space on the sheet should also cover extraction, compressor supply, rigging access, and whether the machine must pass through an existing roller door.
Include photos of the current job, the finished part, and the area where the CNC or laser machine will stand. A clear card helps compare bed size, controller, chiller, nesting software, dust extraction, and spare parts against the actual work being done. That reduces confusion when similar Chinese models carry different options under nearly identical names.
Details captured on one sheet
A proper Spec Card gives the buying team one reference point for the machine scope. It should show the approved process, any non-standard tooling, preferred brands for controls or source components, and the operating limits at the South African site. When shipping, installation, and after-sales questions come up later, the same sheet keeps the original requirement visible.
Include the Spec Card details when using the contact form, with the model under review and any mismatch found against the order. The most useful notes are exact, such as plate thickness, tube diameter range, gantry travel, nozzle size, or whether a rotary attachment is required. If timing on site is fixed around power shutdowns, crane booking, or tenant access, note that on the card as well.
- Material grade, thickness, and finish
- Working area, travel, and clearance
- Voltage, phase, and extraction needs
Site conditions that change spec
A machine selected for Gauteng may need different maintenance planning from one installed near Durban or Cape Town. Dust load, humidity, available three-phase supply, and forklift or crane access all affect what should be written into the card before purchase. Older industrial units also need accurate doorway, slab, and height measurements for unloading and placement.
Power interruptions should be considered when recording controller settings, servo recovery, and first-off approval parts. Coastal corrosion risk matters for cabinets, rails, and exposed steel, while inland dust can shorten filter life and affect sensor reliability. On laser systems, gas supply, extractor duct route, and chiller position should be stated instead of left for installation day.
Operated by Astros Marketing (Pty) Ltd from 2 Makro Place, Sunnyrock 1401.
Records to keep with the card
Send the spec card with machine photos, model details, floor timing, and any deviations already picked up against the order. Keep the subject line clear.
Store the completed Spec Card with the machine quotation, inspection notes, layout drawing, and accessory list. Later, the same record helps when checking what was requested against what arrived in South Africa, especially for chuck size, table length, software licence, guarding, or included consumables. It also gives service teams a cleaner starting point when fault history and operating settings need to be traced.