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CNC plasma cutting systems use superheated gases to cut patterns in materials like sheet metal. The computer interface controls the cutting process, and the plasma cutting head moves in both X and Y directions. Plasma cutting is typically used for two-dimensional manufacturing and is useful for shops that perform precision machining.
A computer numerically controlled (CNC) plasma cutting system uses gases that have been superheated in the plasma to cut patterns. These systems consist of a plasma cutting tool, some form of manipulator for the tool, a base table, and a computer interface that controls the cut. They are used in both small- and large-scale production of parts from materials, such as sheet metal, that involve two-dimensional cutting.
Plasma cutting originates in WWII-era welding and, later, the plasma torch. To use this technology to cut rather than simply melt, the gas is superheated into plasma, which is a state of matter. This plasma is sent through a very small aperture at high speed. When it contacts the material to be cut, the plasma first melts it, then blasts it through the molten material, puncturing it and initiating the cutting process. Piercing could be almost instantaneous or take up to two seconds, depending on the thickness of the material.
A typical CNC plasma cutting system has a plasma cutting head mounted on a sliding shaft so that it can move in both the X and Y directions. This assembly is fixed to a bed in which the materials to be cut are held in place . Beds for a CNC plasma cutting system typically use water or a down stream to cool the plasma after it exits the other side of the material. This prevents the assembly from overheating.
The term “computer numerical control” refers to the way the cutting head is driven: The CNC plasma cutting system takes a computer-generated design and translates it into the specific X and Y motions needed to cut that design into the material. Therefore, unlike manual plasma cutting, a CNC plasma cutting system requires a computer interface to issue cutting commands. The use of computer numerical control allows designs to be cut quickly and automatically from a single template.
Plasma cutting is usually only used for two-dimensional manufacturing due to the nature of the cutting system. It is often used in cutting steel and machining other materials that may be very brittle or difficult to cut. The computer control also allows for complex designs and tight corners, as the shape of the plasma column gives it a very small turning radius. This customizable control makes it useful for shops that regularly perform precision machining.
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