CNC plasma cutting machine. Machines and equipment

At the enterprises the most various ways of cutting of metal are used. This operation can be performed mechanically, with the help of gas, laser, etc. But the most effective technology for cutting is still plasma. With the application of this technique, it is possible to cut metals and alloys of virtually any kind. At the enterprises cutting of such materials is made 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 machines of this variety are installed at enterprises involved in mass production of parts. The ease of use for the production of a continuous number of identical blanks of such equipment is determined by the presence of a CNC in its design. After all, it is enough to develop the product design once, enter its parameters into special software - and the unit will work in the given mode as long as necessary.

Main advantages

The advantages of such equipment as CNC plasma cutting machine, among other things, include:

• High precision cutting. Errors the serviceable equipment managed by a computer can not simply perform.
• Ideal repeatability of the position of all faces and sizes of manufactured products. Especially it is convenient in the event that the parameters of the finished product are regulated by GOST.
• High cutting speed. The plasma cutting machine with CNC can be equipped with several working tools. At the same time, during work of the machine all the cutters necessary for the production of this particular part act simultaneously.
• Clean cut. Since the edges of the cut sheets remain smooth, there is no need for further processing.

There are such equipment and one more important advantage in comparison with the usual one. Work on it is much easier. After all, all you need to do to an operator of such a machine is to monitor the continuity of the process and the quality of the products produced.

Design features of units

Plasma cutting machines can have different capacities, dimensions and equipment. But the main elements of the design 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 separately or in sets. The nodes of such aggregates are changed usually in the event that the quality of the cutting is degraded, the insert on the end of the electrode burns out or the walls of the nozzle are deformed.

Types of machines

The plasma cutting machines can be classified according to the following features:

• Constructions. In this regard, the units are portable and stationary.
• Number of sheets to be processed. In production, single-, double- and multi-unit units of this type are used.
• By the way the sheet is placed. The plasma cutting machine with CNC can be console-portal, hinged type or portal.
• By type of workpiece. Such equipment can be used for cutting sheet products, pipes and so on.

Types of plasma cutting

Burners on machines of this type can be used different. So, for example, cutting is often done by a direct-action jet. Such plasmatrons are called axial and have very high efficiency. Also, sometimes burners are used, with the use of 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, since it has a low value of thermal energy.

The design of the plasma torch of the machine and the cutting technology used depend on it. Very often, metal is cut using air. This technique is used for cutting any kinds 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 steels in the event that it is necessary to increase the speed of the work.
• The argon-hydrogen mixture. This method is great for cutting edges of workpieces made of copper and aluminum.
• 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 when cutting sheets of corrosion-resistant steel.

Assembly table

This element of the construction of equipment such as a CNC plasma cutting machine can form a single system with the main unit or be installed separately. The first option is used when working with small workpieces. The main advantage of this type of equipment is its compact dimensions. For heavy products, separate tables are used. The fact is that under the weight of the blanks, their elements tend to buckle with time. To replace a single table is much simpler than an element that is rigidly connected to the main unit.

Air-plasma cutting, oxygen and with the use of inert gases - a procedure in which a lot of abrasive is formed. Therefore, the 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 short intervals.

CNC machine

This component of the unit may differ in:

• Diagonal of the monitor;
• Degree of thoughtfulness of the interface;
• Type of software used.

The most convenient are the CNC, among other things, equipped with a modem. When using such electronics, the operator is able to contact the supplier directly if it is necessary to change the machine parameters or to correct any errors.

CNC can control not only the cutting process itself, but also the stability of the equipment. In the event that any mismatches with the parameters are detected, the computer blocks the operation of the unit, which prevents the release of substandard products, and often the failure of various kinds of assemblies and mechanisms.

Price of machines

How much can a modern plasma cutting machine cost? The price of this type of equipment depends on the brand (assembly quality), performance, functionality and complexity of the CNC system. Large portal machines today cost 700-1,000 thousand rubles on average. The price for more compact machines of lower productivity and dimensions varies between 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 in the event that the products are expected to be produced massively.