When it comes to metal fabrication, manufacturers and small business owners typically have many options. From traditional metal-on-metal cutting methods to advanced laser cutters, determining the right process for the work at hand can be a challenge.
However, if you need to cut large metal parts or products, one option that deserves a closer look is a computer numerical control (CNC) plasma cutter. CNC cutting machines come in many forms. However, a CNC plasma cutter stands out for its elevated levels of efficiency and accuracy and ability to complete big jobs in a small amount of time.
How Does a Plasma Cutter Work?
The plasma cutting process is a thermal cutting process. This means that heat is used to vaporize or melt the sheet metal surface, leaving behind the specified cuts. Plasma cutters use compressed air or other gases, like nitrogen, which ionizes to form plasma, and while the gases used may vary, the cutting process is mechanically the same.
Typically, the plasma is pushed towards the cutting head, which is then directed in a stream to the workpiece or sheet metal. (Because plasma is electrically conductive, the workpiece or sheet metal is connected to the ground through the plasma cutting table.)
Once this highly focused plasma arc contacts the metal, the high temperature melts the material. At the same time, the high-speed gases blow away the molten material, leaving behind the cut alone, without excess debris.
The computer numerical control (CNC) makes the process even easier by automatically dictating and guiding the cuts without human intervention. As such, once the computer-aided design software instructions have been fed to the CNC plasma cutter, the machine does the rest, replicating precise cuts again and again so that there are no variations between individual cuts or parts.
What Are the Advantages of CNC Plasma Cutting?
There are several advantages when it comes to using CNC plasma cutters for metal fabrication, which include the following:
The Ability to Handle Larger Projects
CNC plasma cutters are well known for their ability to tackle larger projects that require multiple units, which is why they are common in manufacturing and industrial applications. This is especially true when compared to a standard hand tool or any cutter that does not have modern technology or computer numerical controls involved. These computer numerical controls and modern technology ensure that every cut is precisely duplicated for multiple units while speeding the process.
Versatility
CNC plasma cutters are extremely effective for various metals, including steel, stainless steel, brass, copper, and aluminum. In addition, CNC plasma cutters can handle metals varying how thin or thick, depending on the project. As a result, manufacturers can rely on just one CNC plasma cutting machine (or one cutting services provider) to handle a wide array of varying projects.
Consistent Accuracy
The technology involved in CNC plasma cutting machines eliminates the risk of human error and ensures that the cutting machine perfects and performs every cut precisely as specified. In addition, these cuts can be made multiple times since the plasma torch will follow the exact path outlined by the software, creating consistent results. This can be achieved regardless of how many units need to be fabricated.
Increased Safety
The technological backbone that drives CNC plasma cutters also ensures safety throughout the process, as all cuts specified by the CNC plasma cutting machine are set up and orchestrated electronically. In addition, CNC plasma cutting machines do not need any explosive gases involved in the process, making every project inherently safer from the start.
Smaller Cutting Kerf Compared to Flame Cutting or Other Traditional Cutting Methods
Another benefit of CNC plasma cutters is that they have an inherently smaller cutting kerf – or cutting width – than other cutting tools. This means more detailed cuts or designs can be completed, even in thinner or thicker metals.
A Fast Process
One of the most heralded attributes of CNC plasma cutters is the production speed. Plasma cutting tables that utilize CNC software are even faster than lower-budget plasma cutters, as the software makes it easier to load different programs and production schedules and allows automated controls to complete the job.
Disadvantages of CNC Plasma Cutting
There are a few drawbacks to consider when it comes to CNC plasma cutting as well, which includes the following:
Initial Cost and Maintenance
A CNC plasma cutter can be expensive to purchase, operate, and maintain in-house. Cost can be a problem for smaller or growing businesses that don’t have the budget to purchase the equipment, rent, or purchase the facilities. Additional costs include hiring experienced technicians required to handle the work.
Technical Skill Requirements
Like all advanced cutting machines, a CNC plasma cutter requires a depth of knowledge to operate, which includes intricate knowledge of the CAD software and computer numerical controls that power the operations. As such, companies will need to hire a specialized technician or dedicate significant time to learning the methodology and the mechanics.
Does Not Work Well with All Metals or All Details
The tolerances of a CNC plasma cutter are not as precise as laser cutting, and plasma cutters are great for metals with thicknesses up to 50 mm. In addition, it can typically handle thicknesses up to 150 mm, and thicker metals may be better addressed with a different cutting method.
Discover the Benefits of CNC Plasma Cuttingwith Steelway Laser Cutting
It’s understandable that most companies don’t have the budget, or the multiple resources required to purchase and operate their own CNC plasma cutter in-house. However, this is where an expert can step in and accelerate operations.
CNC plasma cutting and CNC laser cutting (Pennsylvania and beyond) are readily available through Steelway Laser Cutting.
At Steelway, we have the facilities, expert operators, and technicians, the best metal fabrication technology available to complete any project quickly, efficiently, and with perfect precision. Even with shipping, the cost and turnaround time are minimal, and we have decades of experience coupled with decades of satisfied clients.
Contact us today for your plasma cutting needs or assistance with any metal fabrication project where an outside resource can make your job easier and your operations more profitable.