The enterprises use a variety of metal cutting methods. This operation can be carried out mechanically, using gas, a laser , etc. But the most effective cutting technology is still plasma. Using this technique, metals and alloys of almost any kind can be cut. At enterprises, the cutting of such materials is done on special machines. Since plasma cutting of metal began to be used in industry not so long ago, all machines of this type have a modern design and in most cases are equipped with CNC.
Scope of application
Most often, machines of this variety are installed in enterprises engaged in the mass production of parts. Ease of use for the production in continuous operation of a huge number of identical blanks of such equipment is determined precisely by the presence of CNC in its design. After all, it is enough to develop a product project once, enter its parameters into special software - and the unit will work in the specified mode for as long as necessary.
Main advantages
The advantages of such equipment as a CNC plasma cutting machine, among other things, include:
- High precision cutting. No faulty hardware controlled by a computer can simply be made.
- Ideal repeatability of the position of all faces and sizes of manufactured products. This is especially convenient if the parameters of the finished product are regulated by GOST.
- High cutting speed. The CNC plasma cutting machine can be equipped with several working tools at once. Moreover, during the operation of the machine, all the torches necessary for the manufacture of this particular part act simultaneously.
- Clean cut. Since the edges of the cut sheets remain smooth, there is no need for additional processing.
Such equipment also has one more significant advantage over conventional equipment. Work on it is much easier. After all, all that needs to be done by the operator of such a machine is to monitor the uninterrupted process and the quality of manufactured products.
Unit design features
Plasma cutting machines can have different performance, dimensions and equipment. But at the same time, the main structural elements of any such units are:
- torch-plasma torch;
- source of power;
- a device designed to move the torch or the part itself;
- table;
- CNC.
Consumables for plasma cutting on such machines, if necessary, can be purchased both individually and in sets. The nodes of such aggregates are usually changed if the quality of cutting worsens, the insert burns out at the end of the electrode, or the nozzle walls are deformed.
Types of cars
Plasma cutting machines can be classified according to the following criteria:
- Constructions. In this regard, distinguish between portable and stationary units.
- The number of sheets processed. The production uses single, double and multi-seater units of this type.
- By the method of placing the sheet. CNC plasma cutting machine can be console-portal, articulated type or portal.
- By type of processed products. Such equipment can be used for cutting sheet metal, pipes and so on.
Types of plasma cutting
Burners on machines of this type can be used differently. So, for example, cutting is often done with a direct-action jet. Such plasmatrons are called axial and have a very high efficiency. Also, torches are sometimes used, when using which an arc arises between the nozzle and the cathode. This variety is usually used only for cutting very thin metals or non-conductive materials, as it has a low thermal energy.
The design of the plasma torch of the machine also depends on the cutting technology used. Very often, metal cutting is performed using air. This technique is used for cutting all types of industrial steels, aluminum, copper and their alloys. Air plasma cutting is the most economical variety, and therefore the most popular. Also cutting can be done using:
- Oxygen This technology is used for cutting steel sheets in the manufacture of high quality parts.
- Nitrogen-oxygen mixture. This technique is also used for cutting only steel if it is necessary to increase the speed of work.
- Argon-hydrogen mixture. This method is great for cutting the edges of copper and aluminum workpieces.
- Nitrogen This inert gas is also used mainly for cutting aluminum and copper products. Plasma cutting of metal with its use is considered economical. Sometimes nitrogen is also used for cutting sheets of corrosion-resistant steel.
Assembly table
This structural element of equipment such as a CNC plasma cutting machine can be a single system with the main unit or installed separately. The first option is used when working with small workpieces. The main advantage of this type of equipment is its compact size. For heavy products, freestanding tables are used. The fact is that under the weight of the workpieces, their elements bend over time. Replacing a separate table is much easier than an element that is rigidly connected to the main unit.
Air-plasma cutting, oxygen cutting and using inert gases - a procedure in which a lot of abrasive is formed. Therefore, tables of machines of this type are equipped with special dustproof pneumatics. In the lower part there is a smoke exhaust system and metal particles. The table itself consists of several plates arranged at small intervals.
CNC machine
This unit design element may differ in:
- diagonal of the monitor;
- degree of thoughtfulness of the interface;
- type of software used.
The most convenient are considered CNC, among other things, equipped with a modem. Using such electronics, the operator has the opportunity to contact the supplier directly if it is necessary to change the parameters of the machine or to correct any errors.
The CNC can control not only the actual cutting process, but also the stability of the equipment. In the event that any discrepancies with the inherent parameters are detected, the computer blocks the operation of the unit, which prevents the release of low-quality products, and often the breakdown of all kinds of nodes and mechanisms.
Price for machines
How much can a modern plasma cutting machine cost? The price of equipment of this type depends on the brand (build quality), performance, functionality and complexity of the CNC system. Large portal machines today cost on average 700-1000 thousand rubles. The price of more compact machines of lower productivity and dimensions ranges from 300-600 thousand rubles.
Thus, modern machines designed for plasma cutting of metal can be considered equipment very convenient and productive. In particular, the purchase and installation of such units at the plant is advisable if the products are supposed to be mass produced.