Unless you have an effective CNC plasma table, it is almost impossible to obtain the required precision when cutting metals. Therefore, using an efficient heavy-duty type plasma cutting table is essential for you to achieve good results. The cutting worktable performs much more than just holding the metal plates when shapes are cut. That said, there are many cutting table designs, and for plasma cutting, the choice of a worktable can be the downdraft system or water table.
The water table is mostly used for underwater cutting, especially by steel service centers. The work plate is submerged from 2 up to 4 inches below the water. During this process, water sucks all the smoke, excluding the necessity of a dust collector. A blower is used to extract smoke beneath the plate for the downdraft system.
A heavy-duty plasma cutting table employs oxy-fuel and plasma cutting techniques to cut through heavy metals, and it is tailored towards your precise metal cutting needs. The following are more insight into the ideal cutting table and its features.
Standard Equipment Fundamentals
The equipment should have an Air Tensioning System for an appropriate engagement of pinion to rack. Air Tensioning System also expands the rack and pinion life. A Band Clamp allows for relaxed and correct spacing and positioning of tools like plasma torches.
The machine electronic and motion controller ensures a quick response time and precision in motion in the cutting process. The non-contact solid-state closeness sensors guard the drive train as you produce your parts at an impressive rate. Note that there is communication between the PC controller and digital servo drives to guarantee maximum security.
The controlled multiple exhaust zones remove plasma fumes from the machine, minimizing exhaust requirements. The exhaust damper opens during the cutting process, minimizing air volume being flushed from the cutting machine.
When deciding on a system of dust collection, the zoning system permits a small dust collection unit.
The electric torch height restraint and collision protection; for efficiency in every torch system, your height control selection is incorporated to maintain the exact torch cutting height. This usually occurs during the cutting cycle to improve cut quality.
Additionally, there is a protection device to guard your torch against harm if a collision occurs with the material.
The precision linear guide on both axes allows for a high-quality clean edge cut using a precision power supply.
The table must be capable of sustaining additional clamps and jigs with ease. There should be a button or knob for the stoppage during emergencies to safely and quickly shut down the machine’s cutting and motion.
The rail design and H-beam are heavy-duty to provide the exact symmetry for a smooth motion and precision cutting. It gives room for expansion of the rail dimension and allows you to accommodate a common rail while operating with more than one machine.
The greaseable linear ball slides should make it possible for accuracy and even motion. It should have the capacity to sustain heavyweight.
Final Thoughts
When selecting a plasma cutting table, choose what suits you best, depending on the definite features you want. It is prudent to examine the material quality; excellent materials should be used to make the frame. The table design should be perfect too for better performance.
