Attention Plasma Cutters! General Welding Safety is not enough.
There are a few things about plasma cutting safety that are different from general welding safety tips
This short list of plasma cutter safety tips is geared toward light duty plasma cutting using compressed air not large industrial units that use gas mixtures and water cutting tables.
Electric Shock Can Kill
- Operating a plasma cutter completes an electric circuit between the torch and the workpiece. The workpiece and anything touching the workpiece are part of the electrical circuit.
- Never touch the torch body, workpiece or the water in a water table when the plasma system is operating.
Voltages & Currents
- Plasma cutter output voltages are much greater than welding voltages, usually 100-200 volts.
Precautionary Measures
- Do not pick up the workpiece, including the waste cutoff, while you cut. Leave the workpiece in place on the workbench with the work cable attached during the cutting process.
- During plasma cutting operations do not move the work clamp.
Wear insulated gloves and boots, and keep your body and clothing dry.
- Do not stand, sit or lie on or otherwise touch any wet surface when using the plasma cutter system.
- Insulate yourself from work and ground using dry insulating mats or covers big enough to prevent any physical contact with the work or ground. If you must work in or near a damp area, use extreme caution.
Work Cable
- Ensure metal-to-metal contact between work cable and workpiece or work table.
- Work cable clamp should make contact with clean metal free of rust, dirt, painted surfaces, etc.
- Do not attach work cable to the piece that will fall away when the cut is complete
Plasma cutter Arc Rays
Plasma cutter arc rays produce intense visible and invisible (ultraviolet and infrared) rays that can burn eyes and skin.
Protective Clothing
- Guantlet gloves, safety shoes and hat.
- Flame-retardant clothing to cover all exposed areas.
- Cuffless trousers to prevent entry of sparks and slag.
- Remove combustibles, such as a butane lighter or matches, from your pockets before cutting.
Noise Levels of Plasma Arc Cutting
- Plasma arc cutting systems can generate noise levels in excess of 120 dB during high-amperage cutting operations.
- Ear protection should be used when operating or working near plasma arc cutting operations.
Toxic Fumes & Gases
Plasma arc cutting can produce toxic fumes and gases that deplete oxygen and cause serious injury.
- Keep the cutting area well ventilated or use an approved air-supplied respirator.
- Do not cut in locations near degreasing, cleaning or spraying operations. The vapors from certain chlorinated solvents decompose to form phosgene gas when exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
Pacemakers & Hearing Aids
- Pacemaker and hearing aid operation can be affected by magnetic fields from high currents. Pacemaker and hearing aid wearers should consult a doctor before going near any plasma arc cutting and gouging operations
Overall Plasma Safety
- The plasma arc cutting process can be very safe.
- By paying attention to safety standards and correctly setting up and operating the system, plasma arc cutting poses no more a threat than most welding processes.
For more information on plasma cutting and other welding information, visit http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jody_Collier
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Affordable CNC Plasma & Laser Cutting Machine
The plasma cutting process uses high velocity as well as high temperature ionized gas along with an arc, to cut different types of materials.
Plasma cutting process
The plasma cutter torch has a high velocity ionized gas that conducts electricity, which is used to heat the work piece and eventually melts the material. While the purpose of the arc is to melt the material with its high heat, the function of the gas is to blow the molten material away from the piece and cut the material. Due to the force of the plasma, you get a clean cut with very little or no slag at all. The plasma arc roughly has a speed of up to 20,000 feet per second (that's more than 13,000 miles per hour!) while the temperature is as high as 30,000ยบ F.
Different types of Plasma cutting machines
Plasma cutting machines are available in a variety of types such as plasma torches, plasma torches, and plasma cutters. Compressed air or nitrogen is used as a cutting gas in plasma cutting torches. The torches have a narrow-width kerf along with a water-cooled electrode. Plasma torches use a high temperature gas steam, which is produced by passing the gas through an electric arc discharge. The plasma torch has two electrodes that are metallic and tubular in nature. The electrical arc flows between the negative or positive electrodes. Plasma cutters are specially used for cutting steel and materials that conduct electricity.
Advantages of Plasma cutting machines
- They provide high quality cuts and fast travel speeds.
- It is a low cost process for short runs as no physical tooling is required.
- A cost effective option for thick metal sheets.
- As compared to laser cutting can cut thicker sheets.
- It can be used to cut a wide variety of geometric shapes along with 2D shapes that do not require too much precision.
Specifications
The process can be used on ferrous and non-ferrous metals and requires only software tooling. It helps to reduce cost by reducing total cut length. At times, some warping may occur on complex parts. The cut edge is somewhat roughened and may show the presence of an oxide layer. Further, the plasma cut surface may not be precisely perpendicular to the surface of sheet material.
eMachineShop offers you information about various types of CNC machines along with other cutting techniques such as Plasma cutting and Laser cutting. Visit the site www.eMachineShop.com to design and order custom plasma cut parts today!
George is a well-known author who writes on the topics related with Injection Molding, Free CAD Software and CNC Milling for the site http://www.emachineshop.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Ure
Plasma cutting process
The plasma cutter torch has a high velocity ionized gas that conducts electricity, which is used to heat the work piece and eventually melts the material. While the purpose of the arc is to melt the material with its high heat, the function of the gas is to blow the molten material away from the piece and cut the material. Due to the force of the plasma, you get a clean cut with very little or no slag at all. The plasma arc roughly has a speed of up to 20,000 feet per second (that's more than 13,000 miles per hour!) while the temperature is as high as 30,000ยบ F.
Different types of Plasma cutting machines
Plasma cutting machines are available in a variety of types such as plasma torches, plasma torches, and plasma cutters. Compressed air or nitrogen is used as a cutting gas in plasma cutting torches. The torches have a narrow-width kerf along with a water-cooled electrode. Plasma torches use a high temperature gas steam, which is produced by passing the gas through an electric arc discharge. The plasma torch has two electrodes that are metallic and tubular in nature. The electrical arc flows between the negative or positive electrodes. Plasma cutters are specially used for cutting steel and materials that conduct electricity.
Advantages of Plasma cutting machines
- They provide high quality cuts and fast travel speeds.
- It is a low cost process for short runs as no physical tooling is required.
- A cost effective option for thick metal sheets.
- As compared to laser cutting can cut thicker sheets.
- It can be used to cut a wide variety of geometric shapes along with 2D shapes that do not require too much precision.
Specifications
The process can be used on ferrous and non-ferrous metals and requires only software tooling. It helps to reduce cost by reducing total cut length. At times, some warping may occur on complex parts. The cut edge is somewhat roughened and may show the presence of an oxide layer. Further, the plasma cut surface may not be precisely perpendicular to the surface of sheet material.
eMachineShop offers you information about various types of CNC machines along with other cutting techniques such as Plasma cutting and Laser cutting. Visit the site www.eMachineShop.com to design and order custom plasma cut parts today!
George is a well-known author who writes on the topics related with Injection Molding, Free CAD Software and CNC Milling for the site http://www.emachineshop.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Ure
Friday, August 15, 2008
Jay Leno’s Garage Turns to Hypertherm For Plasma Cutting Needs
Hypertherm plasma cutting brand is the choice for Jay Leno and his professional race team, when it comes to cutting metal during an auto restoration.
The team at Jay Leno's Garage knows that when it comes to fixing up cars-namely Jay's impressive collection of vintage automobiles-there is one plasma cutting brand that rises above the rest: Hypertherm. That is why Jay and the Big Dog Race Team turn to the Hypertherm Powermax30 when cutting metal during an auto restoration.
When it comes to automotive restoration, the team at Jay Leno’s Big Dog Garage looks for the latest in plasma metal cutting technology. Whether it’s to fix an exhaust system on a car, remove a bent or crushed bracket or replace corroded and rusted body panels the team has turned to Hypertherm and the Powermax30 manual plasma system.
Super portable, the Powermax30 can easily cut through metal up to 10 mm thick and sever metal up to 12 mm thick. And all with only 110 or 220 volt power and compressed air.
"The Powermax30 is definitely impressive. I have to admit I was a little skeptical when I first saw it because the unit is so small. I thought there is no way that thing is going to cut through the metal on our cars. But it did with no problem," said Bernard Juchli, head mechanic and race car driver for the Big Dog team. "It didn't even hesitate for a second. It was fast, easy to use, and really produced a nice clean cut."
You can see what Jay and Bernard have to say about the Powermax30 in the garage's latest Under the Hood segment available by clicking here. "The Powermax30 is a great tool," said Juchli. "I would even go as far as saying it is the first tool any auto restoration professional or hobbyist needs for their shop or garage."
Weighing just 9 kg, the Powermax30 is one of the smallest plasma cutters on the market, making it super portable. But don't let the small size fool you. As the old saying goes, "good things come in small packages". The Powermax30 is no exception. Even though it's small, it can easily cut through metal up to 10 mm thick and sever metal up to 12 mm thick. All of that with only 110 or 220 volt power and compressed air.
Whether you need to fix an exhaust system on your car, remove a bent or crushed bracket, replace corroded and rusted body panels, or fix up a floor or frame, a plasma cutter like the Hypertherm Powermax30 is indispensable. First, it is more versatile than any other metal cutting method out there, especially since you can cut both mild steel and aluminum; even if it's rusted, painted or dirty. In addition, patented Hypertherm technology and simple controls make it easy to drag cut with your Powermax system. You can also cut with a standoff (great for odd-shaped pieces or when trying to access a tight location) or make high quality, very narrow cuts on thin material with virtually no warping and a very small heat affected zone.
In addition to cutting, plasma can be used in place of carbon arc gouging to remove metal for weld preparation or for gouging out worn or cracked parts for repair or replacement. Plasma is also great for piercing.
Not only is plasma fast-in fact, much faster than oxyfuel, saws, and shears-it makes nice clean cuts so very little time is wasted on cleaning up cut parts. The combination of speed, superior cut quality, and low cost of operation makes it very popular in auto shops: it saves time which ultimately makes the shops more productive and profitable.
Jay Leno's Big Dog Garage is home to one of the world's great car collections and one of the world's best equipped garages. The 5,181.6 square meters facility was custom-built from the ground up and is run by a team of mechanical wizards adept at fixing, restoring, and customizing just about every type of vehicle imaginable. Since you can't exactly go down to the local auto shop for parts from pre-teen cars, the garage is geared up to fabricate parts and do just about all required work in house: a CNC Mill, a water jet cutter, sheet metal equipment, a lathe, a regular mill, welding equipment and a Hypertherm Powermax30 are among the shop highlights.
The team at Jay Leno's Garage knows that when it comes to fixing up cars-namely Jay's impressive collection of vintage automobiles-there is one plasma cutting brand that rises above the rest: Hypertherm. That is why Jay and the Big Dog Race Team turn to the Hypertherm Powermax30 when cutting metal during an auto restoration.
When it comes to automotive restoration, the team at Jay Leno’s Big Dog Garage looks for the latest in plasma metal cutting technology. Whether it’s to fix an exhaust system on a car, remove a bent or crushed bracket or replace corroded and rusted body panels the team has turned to Hypertherm and the Powermax30 manual plasma system.
Super portable, the Powermax30 can easily cut through metal up to 10 mm thick and sever metal up to 12 mm thick. And all with only 110 or 220 volt power and compressed air.
"The Powermax30 is definitely impressive. I have to admit I was a little skeptical when I first saw it because the unit is so small. I thought there is no way that thing is going to cut through the metal on our cars. But it did with no problem," said Bernard Juchli, head mechanic and race car driver for the Big Dog team. "It didn't even hesitate for a second. It was fast, easy to use, and really produced a nice clean cut."
You can see what Jay and Bernard have to say about the Powermax30 in the garage's latest Under the Hood segment available by clicking here. "The Powermax30 is a great tool," said Juchli. "I would even go as far as saying it is the first tool any auto restoration professional or hobbyist needs for their shop or garage."
Weighing just 9 kg, the Powermax30 is one of the smallest plasma cutters on the market, making it super portable. But don't let the small size fool you. As the old saying goes, "good things come in small packages". The Powermax30 is no exception. Even though it's small, it can easily cut through metal up to 10 mm thick and sever metal up to 12 mm thick. All of that with only 110 or 220 volt power and compressed air.
Whether you need to fix an exhaust system on your car, remove a bent or crushed bracket, replace corroded and rusted body panels, or fix up a floor or frame, a plasma cutter like the Hypertherm Powermax30 is indispensable. First, it is more versatile than any other metal cutting method out there, especially since you can cut both mild steel and aluminum; even if it's rusted, painted or dirty. In addition, patented Hypertherm technology and simple controls make it easy to drag cut with your Powermax system. You can also cut with a standoff (great for odd-shaped pieces or when trying to access a tight location) or make high quality, very narrow cuts on thin material with virtually no warping and a very small heat affected zone.
In addition to cutting, plasma can be used in place of carbon arc gouging to remove metal for weld preparation or for gouging out worn or cracked parts for repair or replacement. Plasma is also great for piercing.
Not only is plasma fast-in fact, much faster than oxyfuel, saws, and shears-it makes nice clean cuts so very little time is wasted on cleaning up cut parts. The combination of speed, superior cut quality, and low cost of operation makes it very popular in auto shops: it saves time which ultimately makes the shops more productive and profitable.
Jay Leno's Big Dog Garage is home to one of the world's great car collections and one of the world's best equipped garages. The 5,181.6 square meters facility was custom-built from the ground up and is run by a team of mechanical wizards adept at fixing, restoring, and customizing just about every type of vehicle imaginable. Since you can't exactly go down to the local auto shop for parts from pre-teen cars, the garage is geared up to fabricate parts and do just about all required work in house: a CNC Mill, a water jet cutter, sheet metal equipment, a lathe, a regular mill, welding equipment and a Hypertherm Powermax30 are among the shop highlights.
Plasma-arc unit offers high cutting
Kjellberg Finsterwalde will be demonstrating at EuroBLECH its HiFocus 440i plasma-arc cutting unit, which offers highest cutting precision across material thicknesses from 1mm up to 100mm.
Kjellberg Finsterwalde will be showing its latest developments in plasma-arc cutting technology and high efficiency arc welding at the EuroBLECH 2008 sheet metal working exhibition The company's HiFocus plasma-arc technology will be represented by a demonstration of the HiFocus 440i plasma-arc cutting unit Kjellberg claimed that the system offers the highest cutting precision across a full range of material thickness from 1mm up to 100mm.
The new PerCut 450M plasma-arc torch completes the unmatched process flexibility of the system, said Kjellberg to manufacturingtalk.
The torch has dimensions reduced by 15%, which with a reduction of weight and enhanced performance capacities, this plasma-arc torch is the latest swirl-gas design.
A new plasma-arc automatic head change unit, the BWE, is a turret system for profile cutting machines.
By integrating now the ignition boxes for the HiFocus 130 and HiFocus 160i into the plasmatorch connection unit PBA-160 the units will be more compact.
In addition to the increase of ignition reliability the investment costs will be reduced.
This logical step was taken after the successful experiences with the more powerful HiFocus units, which were furnished before with similar combined plasmatorch connection units.
As a novelty for the consumable system, YellowXLife the Cathode T012Y is now available.
Constructed for oxygen cutting Kjellberg Finsterwalde offers a cathode which is suitable up to 360A cutting current.
YellowXLife offers a significant extended life time for nozzles and cathodes.
* Arc welding - welding tractors of the KA-series are the basis for various customised automatic welding systems.
They will be shown first time with a cross-slide for positioning the welding head.
This ensures high stiffness for rugged industrial applications.
A special column and boom device for welding longitudinal and circumferential seams on, for example, wind towers, tanks and tubes, will be exhibited.
It features 3-axis drive and adapters for various welding heads, including power sources, to ensure highest flexibility and productivity.
* Strip cladding - the range of equipment for the high performance welding technologies will be enlarged by strip cladding.
Especially for the submerged-arc welding and the electro-slag welding, the highest melting down rates and enormous cost reductions can be obtained, said Kjellberg.
* Kjellberg Finsterwalde at EuroBLECH 2008, Hannover, Germany, October 21-25, Hall 13, Stand D40.
Kjellberg Finsterwalde will be showing its latest developments in plasma-arc cutting technology and high efficiency arc welding at the EuroBLECH 2008 sheet metal working exhibition The company's HiFocus plasma-arc technology will be represented by a demonstration of the HiFocus 440i plasma-arc cutting unit Kjellberg claimed that the system offers the highest cutting precision across a full range of material thickness from 1mm up to 100mm.
The new PerCut 450M plasma-arc torch completes the unmatched process flexibility of the system, said Kjellberg to manufacturingtalk.
The torch has dimensions reduced by 15%, which with a reduction of weight and enhanced performance capacities, this plasma-arc torch is the latest swirl-gas design.
A new plasma-arc automatic head change unit, the BWE, is a turret system for profile cutting machines.
By integrating now the ignition boxes for the HiFocus 130 and HiFocus 160i into the plasmatorch connection unit PBA-160 the units will be more compact.
In addition to the increase of ignition reliability the investment costs will be reduced.
This logical step was taken after the successful experiences with the more powerful HiFocus units, which were furnished before with similar combined plasmatorch connection units.
As a novelty for the consumable system, YellowXLife the Cathode T012Y is now available.
Constructed for oxygen cutting Kjellberg Finsterwalde offers a cathode which is suitable up to 360A cutting current.
YellowXLife offers a significant extended life time for nozzles and cathodes.
* Arc welding - welding tractors of the KA-series are the basis for various customised automatic welding systems.
They will be shown first time with a cross-slide for positioning the welding head.
This ensures high stiffness for rugged industrial applications.
A special column and boom device for welding longitudinal and circumferential seams on, for example, wind towers, tanks and tubes, will be exhibited.
It features 3-axis drive and adapters for various welding heads, including power sources, to ensure highest flexibility and productivity.
* Strip cladding - the range of equipment for the high performance welding technologies will be enlarged by strip cladding.
Especially for the submerged-arc welding and the electro-slag welding, the highest melting down rates and enormous cost reductions can be obtained, said Kjellberg.
* Kjellberg Finsterwalde at EuroBLECH 2008, Hannover, Germany, October 21-25, Hall 13, Stand D40.
Plasma Cutting System features heavy-duty welded steel frame
Featuring uniframe design, tru-kut heavy-duty 5 x 10 ft system offers single set-up machining of frame and mounting surfaces. It utilizes Edge Ti CNC which includes touchscreen graphics display, on-board true shape nesting, and remote diagnostics/help capability. Air down draft cutting table includes 3 clean out doors on each side and parts catcher collects smaller parts falling through cutting slats. It also has digitally controlled brushless servo motors and high-precision motion system.
AKS Cutting systems introduces the new tru-kut heavy-duty 5' x 10' plasma cutting system. The rigid heavy-duty fully welded steel frame provides a stable platform for high precision plasma cutting.
Single set-up machining of the frame and mounting surfaces builds accuracy into the system and the heavy-duty design withstands rigorous usage requirements. The uni-frame design provides a compact footprint and allows for quick installation without any special floor preparation.
AKS tru-kut utilizes the easy to learn and use Edge Ti CNC which is specifically designed for plasma cutting applications and includes touch screen graphics display, on board true shape nesting and remote diagnostics/help capability and many more plasma application specific features.
Air down draft cutting table includes three clean out doors on each side for quick and efficient cleaning and a parts catcher to catch smaller parts falling through the cutting slats.
Latest technology digitally controlled brushless servo motors and high precision motion system with helical precision ground rack and pinions and linear guides provide quick acceleration, motion smoothness and accuracy.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0PIL/is_2008_May_7/ai_n25385978
AKS Cutting systems introduces the new tru-kut heavy-duty 5' x 10' plasma cutting system. The rigid heavy-duty fully welded steel frame provides a stable platform for high precision plasma cutting.
Single set-up machining of the frame and mounting surfaces builds accuracy into the system and the heavy-duty design withstands rigorous usage requirements. The uni-frame design provides a compact footprint and allows for quick installation without any special floor preparation.
AKS tru-kut utilizes the easy to learn and use Edge Ti CNC which is specifically designed for plasma cutting applications and includes touch screen graphics display, on board true shape nesting and remote diagnostics/help capability and many more plasma application specific features.
Air down draft cutting table includes three clean out doors on each side for quick and efficient cleaning and a parts catcher to catch smaller parts falling through the cutting slats.
Latest technology digitally controlled brushless servo motors and high precision motion system with helical precision ground rack and pinions and linear guides provide quick acceleration, motion smoothness and accuracy.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0PIL/is_2008_May_7/ai_n25385978
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