There is a variety of process equipment to meet a wide range of applications.  For conventional cutting conditions, the oxygen/fuel gas system is most common.  In applications where high-speed shape cutting capability is required, or for cutting stainless steel and nonferrous metals, the plasma cutting process is best suited.  Preparation of plate edges for welding is accomplished by a straight-line edge preparation unit or the more complex contour bevel unit for edge preparation of shapes.


Gas Cutting

The most common process configuration is composed of a cutting torch, torch holder, motorized vertical slide mounted to either the master or slave transverse carriage.  Positioning of the work stations on the beam is accomplished by unlocking the band clamp, setting the required space between work stations and relocking the clamp for direct or mirror image production.  Two handwheels on the torch holder provide rack and pinion adjustment of the torch manually in both vertical and longitudinal directions.  The motorized slide allows remote vertical positioning of the torch by the operator at the control console.

The gas torch stations may be equipped with automatic ignitors which allow simultaneous ignition of all selected stations from the control console.  An electric spark fires the ignitor pilot fuel when the LOW PREHEAT push-button is pressed as part of the normal operating sequence.  The ignitors are extinguished when either the CUT OXYGEN or HIGH PREHEAT buttons are pressed, or the ignition control "Times-out".  (The ignitors of stations not selected for use are also activated, although the torches will not be lighted.)

Each torch is equipped with Reverse Flow Check Valves at the torch inlet connections.  These check valves are designed to prevent reverse flow of gases into hoses or regulators.  They are not designed for stopping a Flashback. Such reverse flow can create hazardous conditions and may be caused by:  (1) damaged or plugged tips;  (2) loss of pressure in one line;  (3) failure of operator to follow correct procedures for lighting torch.

The check valves supplied with you cutting machine are designed for use on torch inlet connections.

Reverse flow check valves should be tested every six (6) months or whenever they have been subject to severe torch back-firing or to torch flashback.  They should be replaced every five (5) years, or whenever test indicates need for replacement.



Plasma Cutting

The plasma cutting process consists of a plasma cutting torch, plasma control and plumbing box, power supply, water pump and a water cooler.

Basically, an inert gas (nitrogen) is partially ionized by an initial pilot arc.  Once established, the arc generates heat which in turn increases the ionization process.  The ionized gas (plasma) becomes a high-energy arc which is directed toward the workpiece.  The workpiece is part of the plasma circuit providing a return path to the power-supply.  Constriction of the arc at the torch nozzle forms a "plasma jet" greatly increasing the energy and thus the temperature.  The plasma arc (jet) serves as an extremely efficient resistive heating element to cut through the plate.  The force of the plasma jet blasts the melted metal away from the cut area.  The swirling cutting-water is injected at a point in the nozzle to aid in the constricting action as well as removing excessive heat and inhibiting the adherence of slag.

Cutting water is supplied from an auxiliary water pump to the plumbing box, where it is adjusted to the proper flow rate then delivered to the torch.