Precision Cutting: How Accurate is Plasma Cutting Technology?

In the business, plasma cutters are known for creating precise and clean cuts. While this is unquestionably true, the system configuration significantly impacts the accuracy of plasma cutting. For instance, a portable torch will only be able to create cuts with a different level of accuracy than a CNC plasma cutting machine. Even yet, factors outside the control of CNC plasma cutting technology can impair accuracy.

Hand Plasma Cutting

There are several fabrication professionals out there who have built a living by using a portable torch to process materials. With years of experience, these experts can produce cuts with a tolerance of 1.6 millimeters. A skilled fabricator must possess excellent hand-eye coordination, yet no matter how good they are, their accuracy cannot compare to that of a computer-controlled machine.

Machines for Precision Plasma Cutting

Due to the numerous applications, CNC plasma cutters are available in various sizes and capacities. The plasma source, CNC software, and other elements affect the accuracy of the cuts made by these devices.

Light-Industrial & Entry-Level Systems

Entry-level plasma cutting tables have a plus or minus. Small businesses and do-it-yourself enthusiasts frequently utilize 77-millimeter tolerance. Light-industrial CNC burn tables are used for low- to moderate-level processing and are more durable than entry-level ones. Edge tolerances produced by these plasma cutters fall between.38 and.64 millimeters.

Advanced Industrial Systems

Heavy-industrial plasma cutters are designed for continuous operation. These powerful capabilities on heavy-duty systems enable them to deliver more precise cuts with varying tolerances.25 to.51 millimeters (depending on the material and its thickness). Automated torch height control, a crucial component for sustaining cutting plasma precision, is something heavy-industrial and light-industrial systems have those entry-level ones don’t.

Automated Torch Height Controls

Light- and heavy-industrial machines include a third axis, the z-axis, and the standard x and y-axes on CNC plasma cutting tables. The plasma cutter can automatically adapt to the material’s wear thanks to the torch’s movement along the vertical z-axis. Aluminum, for example, is thin and has the propensity to bow during processing. Negative and positive cut angles can be avoided by using automatic torch height control, which can move the torch out of the path of the material’s changing shape, preventing the need to grind down the cut

Beveling is Another Element That May Impact Accuracy.

Edges produced by plasma torches are crisp and seamless. However, a slight bevel is produced on the cut face as a result of the arcing motion of the ionized air as it exits the torch. Because of this, the cut’s top edge is slightly more exact than its bottom. On materials less than 3 millimeters, the cut face’s swirling appearance is barely perceptible, but on materials 6 millimeters or thicker, it becomes more pronounced. angles.

Choose the Best CNC Plasma Cutter for Your Shop

Rhino is the best manufacturer of powerful, precise CNC plasma cutting equipment for custom fabrications. We will create your burn table according to your exact requirements because we understand how crucial accuracy is when making parts. Contact Rhino immediately to learn more, and be sure to enquire about the free and limitless lifetime support provided along with your purchase.