A CNC plasma table can typically cut metal up to three-quarters of an inch thick. Shop owners may shy away from purchasing plasma cutter tables due to the costs and consumables involved; however, there are certain brands offering entry-level tables equipped with combined CAD/CAM software that makes switching from drawing to cutting faster and simpler - perfect for small shops, hobbyists, or beginners.
CNC Plasma Tables: Transforming Fabrication
No matter if you run a small metal fabrication shop or enjoy metal art as a hobby, a CNC plasma table will help reduce material costs and save time. These industrial machines use a machine torch connected to an automated system controlled by CAD/CAM software for cutting the metal into pieces that will weld without leaving gaps behind. Furthermore, computer automation ensures consistent cutting accuracy so you can craft weld-ready pieces more accurately with fewer errors.
Plasma cutting machines provide thermal cutting similar to that provided by laser cutters; however, plasma torch powered by electricity produces hotter cuts than lasers as it vaporizes metals in its cutting zone. As a result, they can cut thicker metals than their flame cutter counterpart without suffering quality loss.
Plasma tables feature wet cutting systems that use water tables to control metal plate temperature and cool the torch, as well as reduce smoke emissions during cutting jobs, improving cut quality, and decreasing smoke risers during jobs - both essential elements in making sure your finished parts are weld-ready and safe for handling.
Industrial CNC plasma tables on the market vary from portable units designed for hobbyist metal projects to more powerful production-grade models with multiple thickness-cutting capabilities and uninterrupted operations. You should select one based on your specific needs that can withstand continuous use without needing repairs or servicing and be capable of cutting different metal thicknesses without issue.
For those in search of an economical yet powerful plasma cutting table solution, we highly recommend the Baileigh PT-22 plasma cutting table. With its 4-foot square working area and preassembled torch system to get you going on your project quickly. Plus, it is durable steel construction and bevel head make for effortless straight cuts - making the PT-22 an excellent option for both aspiring metal artists as well as small commercial fabricators alike!
Efficiency & Precision: CNC Plasma in Production
Plasma-cutting machines offer unrivaled precision that cannot be replicated with manual cutters, leading to increased output, reduced costs, and an expedited return on investment (ROI). When compared with traditional cutting methods such as blade or chainsaw cutting, high-quality plasma tables may save both time and materials.
CNC plasma systems come in various sizes and capacities, from those ideal for hobbyist garage use all the way up to those designed for heavy industry fabrication and metal work. More sophisticated systems offer industrial-grade PC controls with built-in drive amplifiers; multiple plasma torches; drilling/tapping/beveling capabilities as well as other features.
A typical plasma system begins with gas (compressed air, nitrogen, or another source) being forced through a small nozzle until it becomes superheated and ionized into plasma, before being directed at a workpiece to melt or vaporize it, creating narrow cuts or kerfs in its wake. A strong electrical current flows through a torch which controls plasma current to achieve precise cuts.
Workpieces are placed on metal tables fitted with holes or slots that permit plasma gas to pass through, cutting through metal to form edges and cutting through to form cuts. These tables provide a stable work surface and may include downdraft systems for fast removal of fumes from the working area, as well as water tables to help clean off workpiece debris created during cutting.
Dependent upon the size and complexity of the pieces you wish to cut, additional equipment may be necessary in addition to a plasma table. For instance, special software could help create blueprints or plans for cutting. Once complete, this software would then read your specifications into machine code that could be read by your plasma table's control system.
The control system then issues signals to motors that move the plasma torch in a predetermined direction. An encoder (or feedback mechanism) on each motor monitors how far its axis has moved since its original position; and using CNC software, CNC can adjust drive signals to keep the torch moving along its programmed route.
Versatile CNC Plasma: Metal Fab Applications
Although plasma cutting may seem like the domain of large industrial metal fabrication companies, these systems can actually work well for smaller shops as well. No matter if you need to cut stainless steel or aluminum sheets a CNC plasma table can handle this job with ease and accuracy. Plasma cutting machines use both electricity and heat to cut through metals instead of traditional blade-against-metal methods, with an electric arc going through gas passing through a constricted opening (nozzle). As soon as an electrode contacts the gases inside, they become superheated and ionized, transforming into plasma. The plasma is then directed at a metal workpiece where its high temperature melts and vaporizes it before compressed gases blow it away - leaving behind an edge without chips or imperfections.
The nozzle allows plasma to be directed specifically at a workpiece, eliminating waste and improving cut quality. Furthermore, its flexibility means it can be used on flat plate materials as well as complex or irregularly-shaped materials - something other plasma cutters simply cannot do. Plasma cuts are frequently utilized in production workshops, metal art projects, repair/restoration of vehicles as well as salvage/scrap metal applications.
Most CNC plasma cutting systems use computers that interpret drafts and sketches into machine instructions, eliminating human error while increasing productivity. Many of these machines come equipped with combined CAD/CAM software that makes the transition between drawing and cutting smooth and seamless.
CNC Plasma cutting systems also require an elaborate drive system consisting of amplifiers, motors, encoders, and cables for optimal operation. There will usually be at least two motors used - typically on either end - with each equipped with its own drive amplifier that converts low-power signals from the CNC into high-powered signals for starting up its motor. An encoder creates digital position signals back to the CNC. Finally, cables connect all these elements for communication purposes between amplifiers, motors, and encoders back to one another as well as power from amplifiers back to amps and position signals from encoders back to the CNC control system for operation.
Design to Product with CNC Plasma
No matter your level of experience or budget, CNC plasma tables offer efficiency and precision when cutting steel plates or pipes for fabrication purposes. Not all plasma cutters are equal; each has unique features to consider before committing to a purchase decision.
The ideal CNC plasma tables are built for full production environments while still offering ample mobility to manage various metal projects. When selecting your plasma table, consider your maximum plate thickness plan, typical material thicknesses, shape and size requirements of workpieces as well as the type of gas you use - oxygen is great for mild steel cutting but may leave rough-looking edges on stainless steel or aluminum; an argon and hydrogen mix provides smoother cuts while simultaneously offering a balance between quality, speed, and economy.
Electrical control units - known as controllers - are central components of CNC plasma cutting systems. This computer controls every aspect of the machine from reading the CAD/CAM program to sending instructions to the drive system which then drives the torch along a preprogrammed path. Furthermore, encoder feedback will be monitored in real time so any corrections to drive signals are made quickly to keep torch motion consistent with the plan.
In addition to connecting to an AC power source, the controller connects to two servo drivers (X and Y) as well as interacts with a torch height control (THC). These connections are essential as this is how the controller detects when an arc has started or completed its path through a workpiece, thus helping ensure optimal edge angularity and consumable longevity.