Plasma Cutting: products

ESAB

ESAB Welding & Cutting Products has added a new capability to its CNC plasma cutting machines—Precision Hole Technology, an integrated set of systems that improve hole cutting cylindricity as well as delivering the highest possible edge quality. This new system takes advantage of the advanced gas control capabilities already available in ESAB’s m3 Plasma systems by capturing the best hole cutting techniques in ESAB’s new Columbus.Net programming software. Precision Hole Technology also utilizes the company’s encoder-based height control, as well as the Vision 5x series of CNCs. The technology is available on new ESAB cutting machines and can also be retrofitted on many existing ESAB machines in the field.

The Precision Hole Technology represents a significant engineering development encapsulated in a new process control database. This database is used by ESAB’s Columbus.Net programming and nesting software to automatically produce the highest quality plasma cut holes on mild steel up to 1” thick, for hole sizes down to 1:1 ratio without manual intervention.

The database is also used in ESAB’s new Vision T5 CNC, where it automatically processes any part program created through the EasyShape library with optimum small hole quality. This includes DXF and DWG files imported right at the Vision T5 CNC, as well as nests. Building this technology into both the off-line programming software as well as the new CNC gives ESAB customers the flexibility to quickly and easily produce the highest quality plasma cut holes.

The Vision T5 features an ergonomic, wide screen layout and an advanced touch screen interface that offers twice the display area of other CNC controls, as well as unique process control features designed to simplify operation and boost productivity.

ESAB integrates all process controls for every cutting or marking tool, making operation quicker and easier for every machine. The Built-In Process Database simplifies cutting tool setup by automatically setting parameters such as cutting speed, kerf offset, and timers based on material thickness, material type and cut quality desired. The operator sees a picture and part number for the torch parts that are needed for both plasma and oxy-fuel torches. All cutting and marking process tools are controlled directly on the touch-screen. Operation is easier and faster when the controls you need are always at your fingertips. This makes the Vision T5 the ideal CNC system for controlling complex cutting tools and processes, such as triple torch oxy-fuel beveling, plasma beveling, inkjet marking, laser cutting and beveling, grinding, milling and drilling. Operators can handle special applications, including grate cutting, wind tower section cutting, or panel cutting with material thickness transitions. Vision T5 controls from 1 to 12 stations without additional panels and controls numerous axes for variable beveling and rotating tools.

Automatic machine referencing makes machine startup quick and easy. Program parking allows cutting of rush jobs without losing your place in a nest. Remote diagnostics using a live connection between ESAB service and your control speeds up trouble-shooting or training.

An important part of Precision Hole Technology is the automatic height control system that sets and maintains the optimum torch height during hole cutting. ESAB’s m3 Plasma system features an automatic gas control that has always had the capability to mix and switch shield gases as required. The Process Database built in to the Vision T5 CNC is now expanded with the additional data required for small hole cutting. www.esabcutting.com

Fastcut CNC

The new Icon Elite Series from FastCut CNC has quickly become our best seller. Dollar for dollar it out performs all competitors, claims the company.

With dual linear guideways on the gantry, solid welded cutting substructure and a standard Cable Carrier, the Icon Elite has what it takes to produce non-stop profits in an industrial application.

The complete drive system has what the company says is the best guarantee in the industry–two years. This includes the HD 570 oz/in motors, the Helical Rack and Pinion Linear Drives and even the Automatic Torch Height Control with its Sealed Ball Screw.

This CNC system ships easily in a small wood crate and includes the start-up instructions and operating manual. FastCut CNC customer support is part of the service. The new system raises the bar in the affordable CNC plasma cutting category and includes quality, user friendly software.

www.fastcutcnc.com

Hypertherm

Powermax1000 and Powermax1250 owners interested in upgrading to the latest Hypertherm torch technology can now enjoy the benefits of Hypertherm’s Duramax torch series, including more durability and longer consumable life, while using their existing Powermax systems.

Similar to the new Duramax torches introduced last fall with Hypertherm’s new Powermax65 and Powermax85 systems, the torches were designed with durability in mind. They can withstand impacts five times greater than the previous generation of torches and are more heat resistant

so they can easily conquer the most demanding job.

The Duramax torches use a new Conical Flow nozzle and spring electrode for longer consumable life. Hypertherm testing shows an increase of up to 55 per cent in the life of the Duramax consumables, which translates into a 30 per cent savings on consumable costs.

“We were using five sets of tips per week. Now with the new retrofit torch, we use the system more and are using only one set per week,” says Travis Bering, a manufacturing foreman at JMH Trailers in Pennsylvania. Bering estimates the money his company is saving on consumables will help JMH buy another plasma system for the shop.

The Duramax retrofit torches also offer convenience. They are designed with the same Easy Torch Removal (ETR) connection as the standard Powermax1000 and Powermax1250 torches, enabling switching from the older torch to the new in just seconds.

These retrofit torches use the same consumables as Hypertherm’s Powermax65 and Powermax85, allowing customers with a mix of systems to simplify their consumables stock. In addition, Spring Start technology, a new patent pending design, eliminates moving parts within the torch for greater reliability.

The Duramax retrofit torches are available in an ergonomic, 75° hand torch (HRT) or a 15-in. full length machine torch (MRT). Similar to the standard Duramax machine torches, customers have the ability to convert the MRT into a 6-in., short-barreled machine torch perfect for robotic and pipe-cutting applications.

www.hypertherm.com

Miller

Miller has introduced the Spectrum 875 Auto-Line plasma cutter, which replaces the company’s Spectrum 2050 plasma cutter. Weighing 56 lb (24 kg) and able to cut metal up to 1-1/4-in. thick (7/8-in. at a rated quality of 10 ipm), (31.75 mm/22 mm/254 mm per minute) the new plasma cutter is ideal for fabricators, contractors and businesses that require job site versatility, portability and exceptional cutting performance.

The cutter recognizes and adjusts to any input voltage from 208 to 575 volts, single or three phase power and 50 or 60 Hz without the need for physical linking mechanisms. The Auto-Line technology enables the unit to operate on generator power without being affected by power fluctuations during the use of other power tools.

“The Spectrum 2050 provided users with features, benefits and durability that defined its product category. Building on that legacy, the Spectrum 875 Auto-Line offers everything that users loved about the Spectrum 2050 in a smaller package and with a lower price tag,” says Steve Hidden, product manager with Miller.

The new plasma cutter offers increased cutting power and several upgraded features, yet with a lower price tag and in a package that weighs 30 lb (13 kg) less than the 2050. Among these upgrades, the Spectrum 875 Auto-Line provides automatic air regulation, eliminating the need to manually adjust the air pressure to match the cutting application, an additional 5 amps of output power and Miller’s patented Ultra-Quick Connect torch and work cable for the fastest torch and cable connection and removal in the industry.

The Auto-Refire technology automatically keeps the pilot arc lit while cutting expanded metal or multiple pieces of metal, eliminating the need for manual re-triggering and reducing operator hand fatigue.

For fabricators who want to take plasma cutting precision to the next level, the Spectrum 875 Auto-Line is also available with an optional machine torch package for mechanized cutting applications.

The machine torch package includes a barrel-style torch for attachment to an automated cutting system, and a cable kit allowing easy access to remote on/off, ok to move and voltage sensing.

In mechanized applications that require very precise output consistency, the Auto-Line technology provides a smooth, reliable

cut in the event of brownouts or other primary power fluctuations.

The Spectrum 875 Auto-Line will not replace the standard Spectrum 875, which operates solely using the most common input power in fabrication environments: 230-volt single-phase.

www.millerwelds.com