Page 34 - MetalForming September 2014

The Road to Plasma-Cutting Automation
supplier and wait a week for shipment, while paying more in the long run.”
Quick Switch from Automated to Manual
While Cornfield Customs largely ded- icates its new PAC system to automated cutting on its new table, the arrange- ment allows Wagner to quickly switch to manual cutting, thanks to a quick-dis- connect torch feature. This allows him to efficiently switch from the setup’s 180- deg. mechanized cutting torch to a 70- or 90-deg. manual torch. Software auto- matically detects which torch he has attached to switch between automatic and manual modes. This type of flexi- bility makes sense for Wagner, who often needs to manually cut one-off parts.
In addition, the power source offers a small connector on the back to con- nect to the CNC controls. This CNC interface connection gives Wagner sig- nals for start/stop, OK to move and divided arc-voltage.
Other features noted by Wagner
WEDNESDAY
Air-Shielded Plasma-Cutting Speed and Starting Specifications*
32
MetalForming/September 2014
www.metalformingmagazine.com
Amps
Recommended Cut, in.
Cutting Speed (in./min.)**
Maximum Edge Start, in.
Maximum Pierce Start. in.
40 1⁄4 40 1 1⁄4 60 3⁄8 50 1 3⁄8
80 1⁄2 120 5⁄8
40 11⁄4 1⁄2
45 11⁄2 5⁄8
*Amperage will vary slightly by manufacturer. Use as a general guideline. **Based on the recommended cut speed, which produces optimal quality.
include front-panel LED indicators for fault, function and pressure.
“I must be sure to dial-in all of the parameters—air pressure, travel speed, voltage and arc distance,” Wagner emphasizes. “Then I can adjust and fine-tune based on what the LEDs indi- cate. It’s very easy to deal with.”
Wagner was able to get his system up and running by following the man- ual, using his existing process knowl- edge along with some trial and error.
“I might play with the travel speed just a little bit to see which speed gives me a nicer cut,” says Wagner. “Same thing with torch height. On aluminum, for example, I like to adjust the arc gap up a little bit from what the manual says, because when you pierce thicker aluminum it has a lot of blowup and can damage the consumables.”
Making Every Dollar Count
Some of the parts Wagner makes
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