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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2023-09-02 Origin: Site
CNC plasma cutters deliver air or inert gas through the plasma torch to create an arc spark, which then forces the plasma through the torch tip to cut the metal. Plasma cutters can reach arc temperatures of up to 45,000 degrees Fahrenheit, making them one of the fastest ways to cut metal. Plasma cutters have an on/off switch and an amperage setting that determines how much power is used when cutting. As long as the plasma cutter has enough power to cut the metal workpiece, plasma is usually a very safe, efficient and clean way to cut metal.
CNC plasma cutters have advantages over oxy-fuel cutters, and in the long run, if a large amount of metal needs to be cut, a plasma cutter pays for itself with its speed and low running costs. In this article utech will cover some of the main factors to consider when buying a CNC plasma cutting machine.
1.Choosing a CNC Plasma Cutter Based on Your Job Needs
2.Choose the output power of CNC plasma cutter
3.Select the cutting speed of CNC plasma cutter
4.Choose the working cycle of CNC plasma cutter
5.Selecting the right torch for your CNC plasma cutter
6.Selecting Consumables for CNC Plasma cutter
As with buying a welder, the type of plasma cutter you choose depends on the job you are doing. Unlike oxy-fuel cutting, plasma cutters can cut almost any kind of metal. Therefore, the main considerations when choosing a CNC plasma cutter are the thickness and amount of metal you plan to cut. Here are some key questions to keep in mind when choosing a CNC plasma cutter for your job:
Will you be cutting thick metal?
How often will you use the CNC plasma cutter?
Do you need portable equipment?
Are you willing to adjust the power outlet for the cutter?
Do you have a generator that you plan to use with the CNC plasma cutter?
Does your current fluctuate?
These questions will narrow down your choices as you look at your plasma cutter options. While certain equipment can meet your specific needs, choosing between brands will likely be based on what you are used to or what is recommended to you. The main difference between brands is that a standard feature from one manufacturer may be an additional feature on another brand's machine. utech can provide you with a specialized, high-quality CNC plasma cutter.
The output power of your CNC plasma cutter will determine what it can cut. For example, a 120-volt machine with a 12-amp output can cut most 1/8-inch metals, while a 230-volt machine with a 60-amp output can cut most 7/8-inch thick metals. There are also inverter-based plasma cutters that provide high cutting output but weigh much less than a regular cutter with the same cutting capacity.
The cutting speed of a CNC plasma cutter is usually expressed in inches per minute (IPM). Your workflow and priorities will dictate your needs, and while two different plasma cutters can both cut 1/2-inch metal, their cutting speeds can be very different - one may cut in under a minute, while the other may take four or five minutes. Choosing a machine with the right cutting speed can make or break your investment.
The duty cycle of a CNC plasma cutting machine is the amount of time it can work continuously for ten minutes before needing to cool down. A five-minute duty cycle means that the plasma cutter can run for five minutes and then need to cool down for five minutes. If the machine is running at a lower power level, the duty cycle may be longer, but overheated working conditions may shorten the duty cycle. Using the machine beyond the duty cycle can cause the machine to overheat. Longer duty cycles are good for long or deep cuts on large pieces of metal, while shorter duty cycles are good for home shops that make a series of small cuts on a regular basis.
There are two common types of plasma cutting torches. The most common type of torch is the high-frequency start system, which generates a spark through a high-voltage transformer, capacitor and spark gap assembly. The advantage of high frequency torches is that they do not use any moving parts and are therefore quite reliable. However, they do require occasional maintenance and can generate electrical noise that can interfere with computers and other electrical equipment in the neighborhood of an office, store or home.
Another option is a contact-start torch, which uses a moving electrode or nozzle to create a spark to ignite the pilot arc. This type of torch does not interfere with other electrical equipment and turns on immediately without a pre-flow cycle.
An important feature of the torch is a resistance shield that attaches to the cup of the torch and holds the head in an ideal position 1/16 to 1/8 inch from the metal being cut, a distance known as the "isolation zone." The torch can be operated at full capacity while maintaining a certain distance. The spacing depends on the thickness of the metal and the amperage being used for the cut; low amperage cuts require little or no spacing.
If you plan to cut thinner metal, you will only need to use a single-flow torch, which can operate at a limited number of amperes and does not require additional protective gas to cool the torch. For larger cutting jobs or customers planning to cut thicker metals, a dual-flow torch with protective gas can cut thicker metals at high amperages.
Regardless of how the torch ignites the plasma arc or uses a drag shield, it's important to choose a torch design that fits your hand, especially if you plan to use it for extended periods of time.
After the initial purchase of a CNC plasma cutter, the most important ongoing costs will be the cutting head and electrodes. Therefore, before purchasing a CNC plasma cutting machine, find out as much as you can about how quickly the machine will use these consumables. A damaged cutting head or worn electrode due to poor technique can reduce cutting speed or cut quality, and it is often recommended that both the cutting head and electrode are replaced to achieve optimum cutting results.
With a strong foothold in the CNC machinery industry, Shandong U-May CNC Technology Co., Ltd. continues to innovate and provide cutting-edge solutions to meet the changing needs of businesses. Our commitment to quality, customer satisfaction and industry expertise makes us a trusted partner in the CNC plasma cutting machine market. Partner with Shandong U-May CNC Technology Co., Ltd. to provide reliable, efficient and precise solutions to enhance your metal cutting operations.
