Cnc Plasma Cutting Machine

Choosing the Right CNC Plasma Cutting Machine

The purchase of a CNC plasma cutting system for the workshop has been approved. It may be time to bring your profile cutting in-house if you've been outsourcing it. Whatever it may be there are many things to consider when buying or renting a cutting machine.

For those looking to buy sell or hire CNC cutting machinery our experienced team can provide unbiased advice. Over the years we have supplied all makes and models throughout the world.

Because we offer such a wide range of plasma-cutting machines we are often asked "Which is the best? We always have to be aware of the intended use of the machine before we can answer this question.

Machine power ratings range from 30A for thin material and light workloads to 800A for industrial fabrication. Mild steel stainless steel and aluminium can have material thicknesses from 6mm to 160mm.

It is wise to consider the potential applications for which the machine will be required before making a choice. Requirements for productivity and accuracy as well as the cost/budget available for the initial purchase and ongoing running costs.

Types of CNC Plasma Cutting Machines

Different forms of plasma are used on different systems although CNC plasma cutting tables are designed for a specific process metal. Depending on the products you make and the volume of work you do you should choose the best plasma source for your CNC table. Let's look at some common plasma subtypes:

Air Plasma Air plasma tables are often used on entry-level steel fabrication machines and are perfect for low-volume production.

Oxygen plasma

Offering a step up in quality from air plasma oxygen plasma is often used by mid-range fabrication shops.

High Definition Plasma

High Definition Plasma is the best option for companies that specialise in high volume processing such as steel service centres. It is also the choice for the highest quality fabrications.

CNC Plasma Cutters

CNC plasma cutters can produce consistent high quality cuts.

How does it work?

"Computer Numerical Control or CNC is the abbreviation for an automated process. Steel fabricators use CNC software to programme a multi-axis bevel to do the job rather than risk damaging the material by working freehand with a portable torch. Potential problems with the shape or profile can be found in the software before fabrication begins saving time and money. In fact CNC systems often work in conjunction with CAM (Computer Aided Machining) and CAD (Computer Aided Design) software to produce accurate fabrications.
 

Advanced Features of CNC Plasma Cutting Machines

You can achieve consistency accuracy and efficiency in all your cutting tasks by automating the machining process with Computer Numerical Control (CNC) plasma cutting. Many already believe that the use of plasma cutting is a more effective and precise technique than oxyfuel or high-pressure waterjet cutting.

In the past CNC equipment was largely restricted to large industrial companies due to its extremely high cost. Today a wide range of CNC machines are available for smaller companies. There are even entry-level machines suitable for amateur use. It's important to understand some of the jargon involved and what accessories you may need when using a CNC plasma cutter to get the best results.

Height Control

The automatic height control technology found in CNC plasma cutting machines helps to achieve correct pierce and cut heights.

Gantry A gantry is used to provide an X-Y coordinate configuration that facilitates the horizontal movement of the torch. A gantry is either pedestal or floor mounted and has a powerful rail system. Another option is to integrate a gantry into the side of a workbench. Gantries come in a variety of sizes from setups that provide cutting areas just a few feet long to ones that span 100 feet.

Cutting guides

Cut more accurately with the help of cutting guides. There are special guides for lines circles and other special cuts. A great idea is to buy a guide pack that includes the most popular guides.

Air purifiers

A plasma cutter's filtration system is a crucial part that helps get rid of contaminants and moisture that can damage the torch and result in subpar cuts. Get a good filtration kit with a replacement filter element and only use premium filters that have a high level of efficiency and can remove particles as small as .85 microns.

Safety equipment

When using any type of plasma cutter specific safety equipment is always required. Wear adequate eye protection and a pair of heavy duty leather gloves designed exclusively for high heat operations. When using a CNC plasma cutter always follow the recommended safety precautions. Ensure that your work area is adequately ventilated.
 

Consumables

Some components often referred to as "consumables" will eventually need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear. These include nozzles swirl rings electrodes shields and retaining caps. A spares kit should be kept on hand so that these components can be easily replaced to reduce downtime.

Software

The right software is a critical component of CNC machining. Basic shape libraries and other built-in programming are features of many computer-controlled plasma cutters. Other software can be used to create unique designs. Modern CNC software programs can help you increase productivity and efficiency by analysing material data including cost and waste and converting your drawings and sketches into machine instructions.

Advantages of Using CNC Plasma Cutting Machine

Advantages

• All conductors can be cut. Only ferrous metals can be cut by flame cutting although it is also effective on thick metals.
• Excellent quality up to 50 mm thickness.
• 150 mm maximum thickness is the limit.
• Reasonably priced for medium thickness cuts.
• The best method for cutting aluminium and stainless steel of medium thickness.
• High precision and repeatability are provided by CNC machines.
• Can cut through water reducing HAZ. Also reduces noise levels
• Smaller kerf size than flame cutting.
• Higher cutting speed compared to oxyfuel.
• The same machine can be used for plasma welding by adjusting the parameters.

Factors to Consider When choosing a CNC Plasma Cutting Machine

Plate and sheet sizes first

The first consideration when choosing a CNC plasma cutter is the size of the plate you'll need to cut - choose the largest plate size you need to cut - 4' x 8' 8' x 10' 10' x 40' or sheets.

Each type of machine is capable of cutting a range of sizes but if the size you need to cut is outside this range you'll need to upgrade to a larger model.

Work areas

Another thing to consider is the layout of the work areas. The CNC plasma cutting table on the simplest CNC plasma machine can hold one sheet at a time because it has only one work area. However this means that after cutting a sheet you have to clear the machine of debris and cut pieces before loading a new sheet. That's acceptable in low-volume scenarios or small shops.

However many companies believe that the ability to load and unload materials while the industrial machine is cutting will increase the machine's efficiency. So do you buy two individual cutting tables or one large CNC plasma cutting table? It doesn't matter if it's a downdraft table or a water table - both are acceptable.

Flowchart of tools

Selecting a model is also aided by a clear understanding of the type of cutting tools you need. Do you need two plasma stations or just one? Do you need just one oxy-fuel torch or perhaps four or eight?

The more tools you have the wider the machine becomes. The only reasons for this are the 'cross-cut' requirements and the amount of space each tool takes up on the gantry.

For example consider a machine with four oxy-fuel torches and one plasma torch. The plasma torch must be able to cross cut the entire 10' wide plate to cut it.

Software

Never underestimate the value of nesting and programming software. You still need to be able to write code to make the CNC work even in a small shop where you don't need nesting capabilities.

Nowadays many modern CNCs come with programming features such as shape libraries or manual programme editors. Many also have the ability to 'post-process' a DXF or DWG file into M and G code for the CNC to run. Even then you need to be aware of your plan for creating and editing the CAD files that the CNC will ingest.

FAQs: CNC Plasma Cutting Machine

Q. What is a CNC plasma cutting machine?

Ans. A "CNC plasma" system is a piece of equipment that can move a plasma torch along a path specified by a computer. "CNC" stands for "Computer Numerical Control" which refers to the use of a computer to control the motion of a machine using numerical codes contained in a programme.

Q. Can CNC plasma cutting machines be used for cutting aluminum?
 

Ans. Modern CNC plasma cutting systems offer an affordable and effective technique for cutting aluminium although historically plasma cutting hasn't always been the best option for aluminium fabrication.

Q. How do I properly maintain CNC plasma cutting machine?

• Sanitise the torch body.
• Sanitise the torch cable.
• Sanitise the power source.
• Check the torch cooling parts.
• Check the water quality.
• Check the plasma.
• Clean the rails gears racks and other parts of the machine.
• Align and level the rails.

Q. What are some common issues that can arise with CNC plasma cutting machines?

Ans. Problems with cut quality result from cutting too fast or too slow. If the speed is too slow the cut pieces will develop "low speed dross" a significant accumulation of bubbles of dross along the bottom edge. Widening of the kerf and heavy top spatter can also result from slow speeds.