• Challenges & improvements to cutting stainless steel using a CNC Plasma Arc Cutting Machine

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. - May 1, 2015 - PRLog -- CNC Plasma Arc Cutting Systems use gases that are superheated using electricity. These gases form what is known as “Plasma”. The Plasma is then directed through a torch toward an electrically conductive metal material which is pierced by the plasma arc. This Plasma Arc is controlled by a CNC Table System that allows the machine operator to draw and cut virtually any shapefrom the larger plates.

Xycorp Inc. designs and builds all of their machinery models to an industrial quality standard. The use of high quality motion control and drive system components are essential to any CNC Plasma Arc Cutting System to achieve the best cut quality. The PC based computer controller is solid state and has no moving part to fail. In addition to the robust CNC table system, Xycorp offers the complete line of Hypertherm Plasma Power supplies and torches. These complete plasma systems are true workhorses in any production environment. Easy to learn and use software make operation of these machines an easy task.

One of the many challenges in plasma cutting is deciding the best cut method for cutting stainless steel. There are some advantages to cutting with CNC water-jet or CNC laser machine but, these methods also have their drawbacks. Cutting stainless steel with a plasma cutter can often be the most cost effective cut method.With the many improvements to the Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC) process, cutting stainless steel with a plasma cutter has become a more popular way to produce just about any metal shape from larger plates up to 3” thick. Cut speeds are also more favorable than other cut methods.

Stainless steel is a popular metal used in the fabrication of many products. Its strength, weight and aesthetic qualities make it a more favorable choice than some other materials. One of the arguments against cutting stainless steel with a plasma cutteris that there the cut parts can be somewhat discolored and require additional processing prior to use. More recent improvements to the Plasma Cutting processes and consumables, the use and mixing of certain gases and improved machine parameters have greatly reduced the discoloration problem when cutting stainless steel with a plasma cutter. Thus, making plasma arc cutting a more favorable cutting method.

In the past, there has also been some concern about the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) when cutting stainless steel with a plasma cutter. More recently, it has been shown that the HAZ is very small and has little to no effect on the finished parts when the proper cutting process parameters are used.

In summary, Xycorp can work with companies to help them determine if a CNC Plasma Arc Cutting System can provide a value added process to the business. Once this determination has been made, and plasma cutting makes good sense, the design team can work to provide recommendation and the machine specifications. From order deposit, to delivery, to complete set-up and training, Xycorp will provide valuable customer support for the life of the machine.