Manufacturing technology advancements might make life easier for thick metal processors
PLASMA cutting technology has advanced to the point that it has forced metal fabricators to rethink its usage. High-definition plasma cutting provides a squarer edge-cut than previous generations of the technology. On 6 mm mild steel, plasma torches can reach cutting speeds of more than 2,5m/min. Plasma systems also can deliver bolt-ready holes that help to minimize secondary machining activities once the plate parts leave the table.
Even with those advancements, plasma cutting technology manufacturers continue to put money into research and development. Laser cutting systems are becoming more powerful and cost-effective, so more shops are using them to cut thicker materials more regularly. Waterjets remain a suitable way to cut very thick materials, and steps have been taken to improve productivity on the machines. That leaves plasma cutting technology companies trying to defend their turf as the cutting method of choice for heavy-duty fab shops and service centres.
These companies have used the time wisely. Thinking of a plasma cutting table as a tool to process only 6 mm- to 50 mm mild steel does not reflect the current reality of the technology, especially as it relates to cutting thick nonferrous materials. Fabricators and service centres would be wise to ask themselves what plasma cutting systems of today can do—and maybe what they might be capable of tomorrow.
Reprinted from The Fabricator.
