CNC Plasma Cutting Machine
CNC plasma cutting machines Plasma Cutting Systems Plasma technology Something very interesting about plasma technology

What is a CNC plasma cutting machine?

CNC Plasma Cutting Machine

Whenever there is a need to make a precision cutting of complex shapes, or whenever consistency is a key, a CNC system would be a preferred solution. The abbreviation CNC stands for computer numerical control, referring to equipment where a computer controls the movement of a system using a numerically programmed set of instructions. A CNC plasma cutting machine integrates a plasma cutter and a CNC table. In such a system, plasma cutting is done automatically through computerized control of the position and movement of the cutting plasma torch. This combination enables high-quality and precision automatic cutting of any complexity in metals up to 100 mm thick.

A CNC plasma cutting system consists of a plasmatron, a CNC portal machine, a coordinate table, and a CNC control system. A plasmatron is a plasma generator, which converts an electric current into a plasma arc. Its main components are an electrode, a nozzle, and a swirler. Plasmatrons are usually water-cooled. The electrode and the nozzle are consumables. Their lifetime depends on the workload, the type, and the thickness of the processed metal.

A CNC portal consists of longitudinal guides and a mechanism for the transverse movement of the plasma cutter, allowing a three-axial movement of the plasma cutter. Equipment of the portal with a dynamic vibration protection system increases the quality of the cut and the system’s service life. A coordinate table provides a stable base for mounting a workpiece. Table sizes vary with the type of equipment, with the standard widths between 1.5 to 8 m.

A CNC control system includes a working console for loading the program and controlling operation modes, an operator console for visual observation of the workflow, and a moving equipment controller. A control program, developed by a technologist, drives a CNC cutting process. It considers the grade and thickness of the metal, the trajectory of the plasma torch, the place of insertion, and allowances for processing when required by the technological process. When the program is complete, a CNC plasma cutting operator only needs to load the program into the system to do the cutting.

The main advantages of CNC plasma cutting include:

– minimal contribution from the operator

– high cutting speeds, up to 6 m/min

– high precision detailing of any shape

– cleanliness and small width of cuts due to consistent movements resulting in perfectly flat edges of metal workpieces with a minimum amount of dross, burr, or other defects.

– short burn-through times compared to oxy-fuel cutting, where pre-heating is necessary

– minimized area of thermal influence, allowing cutting thin metal sheets without thermally-induced deformation

– low cutting cost for slab thicknesses below 50mmx     

CNC Plasma Cutting Machine

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