Electronic torch height control also was introduced. Electronically controlling the torch-to-workpiece distance allowed the torch head to pierce the material at a greater distance from the workpiece, which minimized consumable wear and contributed to a more precise cut. The PC also gained in popularity during this period. Many machines continue to use this technology today. CAD programs that could generate machine code became available in the late s. The knowledge of G-code programming was no longer the only source to program the machine control.
CNCs that allowed programming at the machine also became popular. The navigation of the PC via text alone became outdated. The s were a time that encouraged some pioneering fabricators to run machine tools directly from the PC.
Many who operated their machines in this way found the user interface to be much more user-friendly when compared to rudimentary commercial control software offerings. High-precision plasma cutting became available in the s. Many cutting applications required the edge quality a laser machine could produce—no dross and smooth edges—but not the precise accuracy.
These high-precision-plasma cutting machines became an affordable option for these types of applications. Today fabricators benefit from the combination of the innovations that emerged in the previous decades. Machine motion has improved because of advancements made in linear guiding, servomotors, and gearing:. Plasma cutting systems that feature these technologies have machine motion positioning accuracy of 0.
Systems of the past without sinusoidal AC servomotors, antibacklash gear heads, and precision linear guides normally would achieve only 0. The tighter tolerance as related to positioning accuracy minimizes corner overshoot and maintains straighter lines during diagonal moves. This higher accuracy in machine motion directly corresponds to higher part accuracy. The improvements to contouring technology, electronic torch height control, and high-precision torch systems enabled plasma machines to produce parts similar to laser-cut parts, but with slightly less accuracy.
Having said that, plasma cutting systems can cut thicker materials faster than lasers and produce quality parts at the same time. Based on operating costs and periodic machine maintenance, it is safe to say that plasma cutting is one of the most affordable contour-cutting machine choices to purchase and to operate. For instance, consider the cost of consumables, which are changed on a pay-as-you-go basis. Laser and waterjet cutting machines also use consumables with similar costs, but those technologies require additional maintenance.
Lasers periodically need mirrors and lenses replaced or aligned. Waterjets need water purifiers, seals replaced, and abrasive media systems. Well, you may also be interested in how a plasma cutter works. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Menu Skip to content. Starting with World War II Did you know that the first plasma cutter was invented back in the s during the second world war? What happened afterward? Beginning of s Shortly after the WWII, as research continued, scientists later found out that by restricting the inert gas flow opening to the nozzle, it actually altered the particles and properties of the electric gas arc, increasing the arc speed and temperature dramatically.
From ss Research and development continued throughout the next 20 years with scientists coming up with the ideas of using air oxygen and water h2o to form as a secondary gas to establish a dual flow cutting process.
A high definition plasma system including the first PC-based automatic process control. Kjellberg launched HiFocus near laser quality plasma cutting technology.
Kjellberg releases HiFinox technology permitting clean and dross-free cuts on thin sheets of chromium nickel steel. Amperage outputs of , and amps.
Hypertherm releases HPR high definition plasma power supply. Kaliburn releases the Spirit series of high definition plasma cutting systems with automatic gas consoles including the Spirit a, Spirit a and Spirit a.
Kjellberg releases Smart Plasma series. Available in six machine sizes, KANO is configured with a Hypertherm plasma system and your choice of three cutting table styles. The TracKlean table is comprised of two unique traveling cars, each with a slag bin and a detachable plow for fast part retrieval and easy cleaning. As the recommended fume extractor for our plasma cutting machines, the Fusion Collectors from RoboVent offer perfect air quality solution for cutting-edge processes.
The Zoned Down Air Draft table with mechanically activated zone damper doors offers the cut quality benefits of cutting dry and excellent fume extraction. The Water Table with adjustable water level offers a lower cost, good fume capture and reduced plate warpage. Of all the companies we deal with in the equipment and tooling portion of our business, Park Industries response and service are the very best. The easy communication we have with tech support when any issues arise makes operating our Kano stress-free so we can focus on building our business.
We are constantly finding new ways to incorporate the machine into our daily operations. Water Injection Torch. Water Injection Direction. Steam Layer. Hypertherm releases the MAX A single gas air plasma cutting system. InnerLogic releases the SRi A inverter plasma cutting system.
Hypertherm releases the HT A oxygen plasma cutting system. Even when the plasma cutting machines came to be controlled by computers — CNC plasma cutting machines — they were still too big and expensive. They were still limited to cutting parts and patterns out of flat steel sheets using X Y cutting.
Get your gifts early, check out the new Baker's Bundles! Filed in: electrical arc , plasma arcs , plasma cutters , plasma cutting , plasma torch , plasma torches , Special Welding Processes , Techniques. Previous article TIG Tuesday. Leave a comment Comments must be approved before appearing.
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