CNC plasma-arc cutting power source

ESAB Cutting Systems has launched a CNC plasma-arc cutting power source that provides high-speed cutting of materials from 0.5mm to 100mm.

The three-phase 440A 50Hz machine, with IP 22 protection, operates from a 400V supply.

The power source also produces high-quality cuts, has low running costs and is ideal for production line applications, steel producers and sub-contract profilers.

High-speed cutting can be achieved on conductive materials including mild steel from 0.5 to 80mm, stainless steel from 1mm up to 100mm including up to 70mm dross-free, and aluminium.

Quality cutting can be achieved with all thicknesses and piercing of material up to 50mm thickness can also be carried out.

Plasma gases include air, oxygen, nitrogen/hydrogen, argon/hydrogen with argon as a marking gas.

Cutting and marking operations can be carried out with the same consumables.

The power source can be used in conjunction with the full range of ESAB CNC plasma-arc cutting tables.

Walter solid carbide cutters machine titanium

The Prototyp Protostar Ti45 and Ti40 shank-style solid carbide milling cutters from Walter GB provide a universal solution for roughing and finishing cycles.

The Protostar Ti45 has a helix angle of 45 degrees and a cutting-edge length-to-diameter ratio of 5:1.

This configuration makes it ideal for high-speed finishing applications on demanding cycles such as those involving high webs and extended walls within a component.

The cutter is available in 16, 20 and 25mm diameters and with a choice of 3mm or 4mm radii.

Each cutter has a specially developed micro geometry on the periphery of the cutting edge, which enables high orders of surface finish and blend to be created.

Low vibration under cut is a major advantage obtained from the unequal edge-spacing of the Protostar Ti40 end mill when used for rough and finish milling.

As with the Ti45, the specially developed micro geometry on the periphery of the cutting edge creates an enhanced surface finish.

Through pre-treatment of the tool, built-up edge is prevented, which extends the reliability factor of any process and, through a post-coating treatment, which forms part of the ACN coating process, cutting-edge life is also increased.

Available in diameters between 12 and 25mm, the Prototyp Protostar Ti40 can also be specified with radii of 0.2, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4mm set at the transition point between the primary and secondary cutting edges.

Both tool types are also available in imperial sizes.

Milling cutters have wavy helix configuration

Cutwel has introduced solid carbide milling cutters from YG-1 for machining stainless steels, titanium alloys, inconel, tool steels, cast iron, mild steels and low hardness materials under HRc 40.

The cutter is made from a K30/K40 premium-grade carbide and a variable helix geometry has been manufactured into its flute form.

The V7 cutters have a wavy (sinusoidal) helix configuration and the index and helix on each portion of the cutting edge changes along the flute to give smooth cutting and chip removal.

This helps to reduce vibration and produce silent machining; improve surface finish due to the chatter-free design; increase cutting depths and give higher feed rates; and makes it possible to rough and finish with one cutter with minimised tool deflection and take a depth of cut equal to the cutter diameter.

It also features corner radius cutters for strength and protection against chipping and an Altin coating to reduce friction and dissipate any heat during cutting.

Application cutting area: stainless steel: 80-100m/min; titanium: 80-90m/min; inconel: 20-30m/min; alloy steels; and cast iron: 120-150m/min.