Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2023-11-22 Origin: Site
CNC plasma cutting machine is widely used in various industries such as automobile, locomotive, ship, pressure vessel, chemical machinery, nuclear industry, general machinery, engineering machinery, steel structure, textile and petroleum. Advanced CNC software can realize full-time, automatic and efficient cutting. So, how to choose CNC plasma cutting machine? What features should I look for in a CNC plasma table? CNC plasma cutters vaporize metals into powder form and remove them from the cutting area using a high gas stream or gas. They all require plasma gas and an auxiliary gas to work properly, and the machines vary in size, price, and features. When you purchase a CNC plasma cutter, look for the following features:
1.User-friendly CNC controls are critical to a CNC plasma cutter
2.Economical prices can provide you with a quality CNC plasma cutter
3.CNC Plasma Cutting Machines with CAD/CAM Software
4.CNC plasma cutters that offer torch height control last longer
5.Selecting the Right CNC Plasma Cutter Table Size
6.Choosing the right output power for your CNC plasma cutting machine
7.CNC Plasma Cutting Machines Require Smoke Control Systems
Most entry-level machines are operated via a personal computer rather than a sophisticated control unit. A computer may not be enough in a high production environment, but it is usually sufficient for a small store. This approach helps control costs for hobbyists, one-man shops, and small fabs with modest production requirements.
Many brands offer excellent motion control and precision, but they are beyond the budgets of small stores, hobbyists and beginners. However, there are brands that offer industrial features at the price of an entry-level CNC plasma table. Also, look for companies that offer flexible payment options and financing so you don't have to struggle with a large one-time payment. You can save on upfront costs by putting off expensive add-ons until later. For non-heavy-duty plasma cutters, you can save money on drive motors, transmissions, and electronics. Many entry-level plasma cutters are equipped with stepper motors rather than servo drives, which can be a significant cost savings and just as reliable. Keep in mind, however, that heavy-duty machines can withstand the stresses of constant use and offer wider cut thicknesses, better cut quality, and faster cutting speeds. A lightweight plasma cutter (sometimes referred to as a DIY CNC plasma cutter), on the other hand, will have lighter, smaller, and less expensive mechanical components, making it ideal if you plan to use something other than this machine in your 24/7 production.
CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) allows you to digitally draw parts and enter them into CAM (Computer Aided Machining) software, which applies the correct tolerances, kerf widths, lead-in and lead-out lines through post-processing. The CAM file is fed into the CNC controller, which converts it into signals that control the cutting process. Some entry-level plasma cutters are equipped with combined CAD/CAM software that makes the transition from drawing to cutting parts quick and easy. It allows smaller stores to draw and trim parts while using the machine in the shop.
Some plasma tables do not offer torch height control, which reduces the overall cost of the plasma cutting system. However, height control is critical to edge angle and table life, and a plasma torch with torch height control (THC) will raise or lower the height depending on its distance from the metal. CNC plasma cutters that offer torch height control tend to last longer.
Table sizes range from 2' x 2' to 5' x 10' and everything in between. Hobbyists and small fabrication shops can opt for smaller tables that start at around $1,000. However, if you have industrial requirements, your CNC plasma cutter and correspondingly larger table could cost $50,000.
The output power of a CNC plasma cutter determines what it can cut. For example, 12 amps of output power from a 120V machine means you can cut most metals 1/8-inch thick, while 60 amps of output power from a 230V machine can cut most metals 7/8-inch thick. Some inverter-based plasma cutters offer high cutting output, but weigh far less than a conventional cutter offering the same cutting power. Therefore, you should choose the right plasma cutter output power for your industrial needs.
All plasma cutting machines produce harmful fumes, so you should seriously consider a method of smoke extraction. There are two main methods, with the water table being the more common as it is mainly used for entry level CNC plasma cutters. Its design is simpler and its ongoing costs are more reasonable. However, the water must be disposed of as required when the machine is retired. For production machines, downdraft tables equipped with high-capacity filtration are more efficient. In a downdraft system, a fan or blower draws smoke under the slats of the cutting bed. The smoke exhaust filter removes the smoke through the ductwork built into the cutting table. This method, although more costly, is safer and more environmentally friendly.
Shandong U-May Cnc Technology Co., Ltd. provides hobbyists, fabrication shops and large industrial manufacturers with CNC plasma cutting machines that combine precision, efficiency and versatility to help them achieve impressive results. Anyone looking to purchase a CNC machine should consider the above features and their situation (budget and type of work) and purchase a machine that meets their needs. If you don’t know how to choose a CNC plasma cutting machine that’s right for you, contact us!