CNC Plasma Cutting capability can be classified into 3 main
groups which can be found
2D Plasma Cutting
It generates flat profiles
from plate or sheet, with straight cut edges at 90 Degrees to the profile
surface. Typically, high powered Plasma Cutting beds are configured in this
way, giving the largest depth of cut of between 100-150mm.
Similar to 2D Plasma Cutting
as well as commonly referred to as flat-bed Plasma Cutting, this variation adds
a third dimension through the introduction of an angular cut or bevelled edge
through the sheet or plate material. Typically, High Definition Plasma Cutting
beds are configured in this way, giving the greatest flexibility, accuracy and
/ or speed.
Tube & Section Plasma Cutting
The stock material & the
cutting axes are the major changes and enhancements in comparison with flat-bed
Plasma Cutting. The Plasma Cutting Head is typically stationary whilst the
section or pipe is planned under the beam creating not only end profiles, but
slots, tags and holes within the section or pipe.
These machines may or may not be fitted with a tilting head
or 3rd axis, enabling not only the cutting of the section, but the bevelling of
its edges or countersinking of holes - as with the above described “3D PlasmaCutting”
CNC
PLASMA CUTTING CONFIGURATIONS
Fabrication, Bending, Rolling, Welding
Plasma cutting is commonly
used to cut profiles to be used in fabrication, including bending, rolling and
welding. In the manufacture of large diameter pipe and section it is possible
to plasma cut pipe end profiles, and partially cut holes and junctions from the
flat plate material. Later, when the flat profile is then rolled and seam
welded the formed pipe doesn’t require any further shaping, other than to fully
cut the partially cut holes and junctions.
Machining
Plasma cut profiles are also a
common stock material for further processing by a multitude of machining
processes. In this instance Plasma cutting is acting as the bulk material
removal process, providing the machinist with stock material that includes some
machining allowance. It’s possible in many cases that profiles require minimal
machining such as drilling and tapping after being plasma cut, this is due to
the high level of accuracy and the quality of the cut edge that is achievable
with plasma cutting.
Plough Grinding
In instances where the
material being plasma cut needs increased flatness, plough grinding or
“Lumsden” grinding can be performed. This increases the flatness of the
profile, whilst providing the added benefit of removing the material skin and
cleaning up it’s appearance. Only the planar surfaces of the cut profile are
processed during plough grinding, the cut edges are left unaffected.
Edge Preparation
A Tilting head or 3rd Axis on
a CNC Plasma Cutting machine allows the creation of bevelled edges, contours or
countersinks in the stock material, whether it be flat or of 3 dimensional
section. This can be highly useful in instances where plasma cut pipes and
profiles are designed to form angular junctions, or weld preparations are
required. However, not all CNC Plasma cutting systems offer this 3rd axis, or
tilting head, so it is common for profiles to go through an edge preparation
process after Plasma Cutting. This can be applied along the long flat edge of a
profile, or the contoured edge of a hole or slot formed in a pipe or section. Using
CNC Edge Preparation a huge variation of preparation shapes can be achieved, as
opposed to a simple angled cut possible with Plasma Cutting.
Cleaning & Preserving
Sometimes the material being
processed has a crust or skin which needs removing, in these cases the plasma
cut profiles can be cleaned or processed in a number of ways to suit your
needs. Cleaning processes such as pickling or abrasive blasting can be employed,
whilst it’s also possible to paint profiles to prevent further corrosion, or
providing a final finish. One benefit of these cleaning processes over plough
grinding is that all surfaces are treated, inclusive of cut edges.
Comments
Post a Comment