http://www.thefabricator.com/PlasmaCutting/PlasmaCutting_TechCell.cfm The Plasma Cutting tech cell is packed with specific links to help you find product information, suppliers, technical articles, case studies, seminars and conferences, as well as books, software, and videos on metal fabricating-related topics. en-us http://www.thefabricator.com/RSS/images/thefabricator_rss.gif http://www.thefabricator.com Copyright 2007 FMA Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. official publication date Tue, 21 Aug 2007 11:13:42 AM CDT Vicki Bell Laurie Harshbarger http://www.thefabricator.com/PlasmaCutting/PlasmaCutting_Article.cfm?ID=1692 George Conner, a C&S machine operator, nests plates and performs numerous other shape-cutting functions right at the cutting machine on the shop floor. Many fabricating operations now use offline programming centers for parts design and plate nesting. In fact, many of those same companies use their offline centers to automate the metal cutting process. They simply download the part program nests from the front office to the shop floor, where PC-based controllers automatical... Wed, 08 Aug 2007 12:00:00 AM CDT http://www.thefabricator.com/PlasmaCutting/PlasmaCutting_Article.cfm?ID=1642 The process of choosing a CNC plasma cutting system is much more difficult today than it was 10 years ago, when systems were fewer but more expensive. By 2000 several progressive manufacturers had developed low-cost CNC plasma cutting systems that could run off of a PC. Hardware and software developers made huge contributions with new, affordable, easy-to-use products. By 2004 it was becoming a chore for the first-time buyer to sort out the increasingly wide range of prices and new models on... Brian Gallup Tue, 12 Jun 2007 12:00:00 AM CDT http://www.thefabricator.com/PlasmaCutting/PlasmaCutting_Article.cfm?ID=1575 If you’re maintaining the proper travel speed, the sparks will exit the workpiece at a 15- to 20-degree angle. Plasma cutting is easy to learn, and cutters are simple to use. In fact, it's so easy that many users go right to work as soon as they remove the unit from its packaging. However, that approach may not optimize your plasma cutter's capabilities. Here are some tips and suggestions for best practices that will increase your efficiency and precision and prol... Don Keddell Tue, 13 Mar 2007 12:00:00 AM CST http://www.thefabricator.com/PlasmaCutting/PlasmaCutting_Article.cfm?ID=1567 Photos courtesy of Hypertherm Inc. Precision plasma technology provides many operational benefits, in-cluding control of cut surface quality, minimal distortion, and precise control of the significant taper on the cut surface (see Figure 1). Several considerations should be taken into account when selecting a precision plasma cutting system for your application, but before you do that, it is useful to understand the basics of plasma cutting. Plasma Arc Cutting Defined ... W.F. Garth Stapon, Randy Damas, and Bob Einfeldt Tue, 13 Mar 2007 12:00:00 AM CST http://www.thefabricator.com/PlasmaCutting/PlasmaCutting_Article.cfm?ID=1504 About 900 feet above the Las Vegas Strip, Brian Day uses a plasma cutter to cut apart the Stratosphere's High Roller roller coaster. About 900 feet above the Strip, Brian Day pauses for a moment and looks down on the early morning Las Vegas skyline. "I put up the signs there and there," Day said, pointing at the brightly lit casino signs below. The Strip casinos all look small from the top of the Stratosphere Tower and its famous roller coaster, the High R... Stephanie Vaughan, Contributing Writer Tue, 12 Dec 2006 12:00:00 AM CST http://www.thefabricator.com/PlasmaCutting/PlasmaCutting_Article.cfm?ID=1498 The cutting torch on the VICON Elite plasma cutting system travels 1,500 to 2,000 IPM when cutting thin- gauge steel sheet. One job, that's all it took to change the fortunes of one company. Keller & Son Industrial Contractors Inc., Spartanburg, S.C., used to work out of a 5,000-square-foot facility with three employees and spent most of its time performing millwright and plant relocation work. Then came an order for metal fabrications that had to be delivered in three ... Eric Lundin, Senior Editor Tue, 07 Nov 2006 12:00:00 AM CST http://www.thefabricator.com/PlasmaCutting/PlasmaCutting_Article.cfm?ID=1477 One of the most common and least expensive retrofits on a laser system is the cutting head. Upgrades expand plate cutting capabilities To stay competitive in today’s marketplace, fabricators are constantly evaluating many variables in the areas of current and potential customer base, shop operations and work flow, and processing technology. If these base elements are not balanced, the overall productivity of a shop will decrease. You may be looking to expand capacity, whether ... Kenneth Woods, Ph.D. Tue, 10 Oct 2006 12:00:00 AM CDT http://www.thefabricator.com/PlasmaCutting/PlasmaCutting_Article.cfm?ID=1445 A notched shield like this one will cause poor cut quality. The key to obtaining high cut quality and long consumable life when cutting with plasma lies in both a general understanding of plasma and being aware of the process's fundamental operating guidelines. Knowledge of both allows operators to evaluate the cutting process and diagnose problems that may be occurring in the plasma torch. In the Beginning Plasma cutting occurs when a beam of ionized ... Tex Whiting Tue, 12 Sep 2006 12:00:00 AM CDT http://www.thefabricator.com/PlasmaCutting/PlasmaCutting_Article.cfm?ID=1142 Plasma cutting has come a long way since paper punch machines were used to write G-codes for the cutting controller. For example, 10-gauge cold-rolled steel sheet that’s cut with a high-precision plasma torch yields a part with an accuracy of ±0.012 in. It wasn't that long ago that plasma cutting was the domain of seasoned metal fabrication veterans who knew just how to tweak gas settings and adjust torch height to get the best cut on a plasma cutting table. Today many ... Matt Walsh Tue, 13 Sep 2005 12:00:00 AM CDT http://www.thefabricator.com/PlasmaCutting/PlasmaCutting_Article.cfm?ID=1085 Read any metalworking trade magazine and you routinely will see introductions of new cutting machinery. You'll also see machines advertised and the tradeshows that will feature them. As the owner of a small or medium-size shop, how do you decide which equipment is best? How can you be sure you're getting the best value? You have to consider several factors. Key Issues Given the range of equipment available, you may find it difficult to make a choice, but answering a few key q... Robert Ludwigson Tue, 10 May 2005 12:00:00 AM CDT