Plasma Cutters in CNC Machining: How Do They Work?

26 November 2020

Many fabricating and manufacturing companies utilise the power and abilities of computer numerical control (CNC) machining. CNC machining is a type of manufacturing process wherein a pre-programmed computer software can dictate and regulate the movement of a wide array of tools and machines. The dependency of CNC machining towards computer software decreases the need for tool operators.

One of the tools that can be regulated by CNC machining is a plasma cutter. Plasma cutters that are used in CNC machining generally operate by forcing high-speed gas or compressed air through a nozzle. And as an electric arc comes out of the gas, the plasma cutters will subsequently produce ionised gas or plasma. This ionised gas, in turn, can easily cut through a specific workpiece.

Basic Elements of CNC Plasma Cutting

Through plasma cutters and the help of modern software, the cutting of workpieces can be easily done. Most materials that are subjected under and processed by CNC plasma cutting are electrically conductive, a characteristic that allows materials to take in electrical current in multiple directions. Electrically conductive materials are typically made of metal, particularly steel, aluminium, and copper.

And to cater to a wide variety of electrically conductive materials, CNC plasma cutters boast different sizes, functions, and prices. The machines associated with these cutters are likewise designed to be fast and accurate, allowing them to cut through workpieces at speeds of up to 500 inches per minute.

CNC Plasma Cutting Working Principles

While a hand-held plasma torch can easily cut through sheet metal, metal plates, straps, and others, this specific tool can find it difficult to produce good part accuracy or edge quality. Hence, a CNC plasma cutter is utilised in producing high-quality metal products.

As mentioned, CNC plasma cutting can easily cut through workpieces through ionised gas or plasma. The machine associated with CNC plasma cutting possesses a torch that can move in various directions through the command set by the programmed numerical coding into the computer. But unlike other CNC machining processes, the machine used for CNC plasma cutting typically requires a huge and ventilated working space for it to be effective. The floor must also be flame-resistant for safety purposes.

The torch used for CNC plasma cutting works like a regular hand-held plasma torch. Though, an added control by the CNC allows the torch to move and cut according to the described contours of the workpiece. CNC likewise instructs the torch to turn on or off depending on the required product.

Numerous Uses of CNC Plasma Cutting

All the features and working principles involved in CNC plasma cutting allow it to work in different types of environments and industries. Plasma cutters in CNC machining can be utilised in fabrication and welding centres, industrial construction sites, recycling centres, and automotive repair and restoration shops. These special cutters can also be used by specialists at home or their respective workplaces since they are known to be more cost-effective and affordable compared to other cutting tools.

 

Optimised by: Netwizard SEO