CNC plasma cutting machines: technical specifications

There are many ways of cutting metal. One of the most popular is plasma cutting. By this technology, it is possible to cut a wide variety of metals and alloys. Equipment designed for plasma cutting is used today in many areas of industry. Very often, its design includes such a modern addition as CNC.

Basic structural elements

Modern CNC plasma cutting machines are characterized by high productivity. At the same time they have not too complicated construction. The main elements of such machines are:

• Plasmatron with gas supply system;
• Burner height control system;
• Desktop;
• CNC system.

Sometimes in such machines only one plasma torch is used, and sometimes - several.

Machine Types

The enterprises usually use stationary CNC machines for plasma cutting. There are also portable machines of this type. Such machines are also often equipped with CNC systems. Stationary models, in turn, are divided into:

• Portal;
• Hinged;
• Console.

The second version is intended only for vertical plasma cutting.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of such equipment as CNC plasma cutting machines can be attributed first and foremost to the high accuracy of cuts. The computer controls the burner of such a machine. That is, the probability of deviation from the programmed trajectory of the working tool reduces to zero. On machines of this type, you can cut any, even the most complex configuration.

Another unquestionable advantage of such equipment is that the ends of the cut blanks remain very clean. This means that their additional processing is not necessary. Safety in use is another plus of this equipment. In this machine there are no elements under high voltage.

Disadvantages of the machine for plasma metal cutting have almost no. The only thing - they can not be used for cutting too thick sheets. For example, they are not used to work with high-alloy steel thickness of more than 10 cm. Also on plasma machines, titanium is not cut.

Types and technical characteristics of plasma torches

This element is the main one in such equipment as CNC plasma cutting machines. When choosing a plasmatron, one usually pays attention to such characteristics as:

• Type of plasma-forming gas. The most economical are the machines, which are cut using air. This equipment is used for cutting steel, aluminum or copper billets. In the event that the maximum quality cut is needed, oxygen plasmatrons are used. Also sometimes in enterprises burners are used, working on argon or a mixture of nitrogen and hydrogen.
• Speed and positioning accuracy.
• Type of cooling gas. Usually it's air. Sometimes in equipment of this type cooling can be carried out using carbon dioxide.
• Type of current. Industrial equipment of this type often works on a permanent basis. But there are models that operate on the variable.
• Cutting speed.

What is the TNC

Machines for plasma cutting of metal with CNC assemblies are necessarily equipped including TNS. A burner height control system is designed to control the drive for lowering / raising the working tool during cutting. This node operates using arc voltage. Control over the distance to the surface of the workpiece being processed is carried out using sensors.

What are the characteristics of the machine table

This element of the design of the plasma cutting machine consists of several sections. The dimensions of the latter may vary. Most often in the production of tables are used from the sections of 50 x 50 cm. The workpiece can be processed only on one or several such parts. This makes it easy to get rid of the waste generated during the cutting process. Under the table is a special system for removing particles of metal and smoke.

Among other things, the CNC plasma cutting machine is equipped with a special dustproof pneumatic. Its main purpose is to trap the aerosol formed during the cutting process. In the tables with a length of more than 2.5 m, the smoke exhaust system is double-sided.

CNC system: characteristics

The CNC controls the supply of gas and the movement of the burner in such equipment as the machine tools for plasma cutting. Cutting with CNC sheet metal is of high quality. The main characteristics of such a system are: diagonal monitor, the convenience of the interface, the type of software used. The first rate in CNC plasma cutting machines usually varies between 15-19 inches. Software in such machines is most often used rather complicated. The programs of modern CNCs allow you to lay the parts on the table in the optimal mode, easily perform various calculations (the time required for processing, the number of parts, etc.), compile reports, etc. One of the important characteristics of the software is the presence of a correct Russian translation.

Machines for plasma cutting of metal: technical characteristics of modern models

Thus, equipment of this type can differ in very different parameters. Below for clarity, we present you a table with the technical characteristics of two very popular machine tools. Both of them belong to the group of portal, most often used in enterprises.

When choosing an aggregate of this variety, among other things, you should pay attention to the allowable thickness of blanks from a particular type of metal. The most popular at the moment are plasma cutting machines, designed to cut steel thickness of 38-40 mm.

Can I make a metal plasma cutting machine with CNC my own hands?

Since such equipment is very expensive, many home-based craftsmen are interested in whether it is possible to assemble it on their own. In general, such an aggregate, as already mentioned, does not differ in the complexity of the design. It will most likely not be possible to make a table and other elements of such a machine of special work. Complexity in this case consists in assembling the plasma torch itself. Without certain knowledge and skills, such an element of construction is almost impossible to do. However, if desired, the plasma torch can be purchased separately. All that needs to be done in this case is to assemble the gas supply system. The CNC is also available for free.

The possibilities of such equipment, as CNC plasma cutting machines, directly depend on their technical characteristics. When you buy this type of equipment, you first of all look at such parameters as positioning and cutting accuracy, table appearance, etc. The characteristics of the plasma torch itself are also very important. However, since this tool can change in most machines, its parameters are not determining its parameters.