CNC plasma-arc profilers raise capacity

Three CNC cutting and profiling systems, using advanced plasma-arc cutting and precision guidance systems, produce ultra-precise blanks, usable without time-consuming manual reworking

Three CNC plasma-arc cutting machines from ESAB Cutting Systems have increased production capacity at a major manufacturer of aluminium and steel dumper truck bodies. Every month the company processes, an average of 420 tonnes of steel sheet and plate, with thicknesses ranging from 3 to 25mm as well as 30 tonnes of aluminium up to a thickness of 30mm.

The plasma-arc cutting process is used for cutting steel and aluminium.

The first ESAB Suprarex plasma-arc cutting machine has a working range of 12m x 3m.

The latest one has even a larger working range, of 24m x 3m.
Each machine features two high-precision plasma-arc torches and a fume extraction table with a highly efficient fine dust filtering system.

The cutting machines are fully integrated in the production process.

In view of the large number- some 4500 - and complexity of the different parts, manual production is impossible.

Cutting is the first step of the production process and all cutting operations on the Suprarex machines are controlled automatically at a central station.

The cutting parameters are set up using ESAB's COLUMBUS programming software.

The cutting data for each individual part is stored and can immediately be transmitted to the corresponding machine via the network.

The automatic nesting facility is particularly efficient and time-saving - individual cutting paths are designed so that material loss is kept to a minimum.

After cutting, the cut blanks are formed in four tandem bending presses and then robotically assembled and painted.

The advanced plasma-arc technology, in combination with ESAB's precision guiding machines, allows ultra-precise parts to be produced without time-consuming manual reworking.

The costs of investment in the plasma-arc plant is also much lower when compared with laser cutting system prices, said ESAB.

The Suprarex cutting systems significantly contribute to making the whole production process more effective and efficient.

Automatic creation of the nesting schedules reduces the work preparation requirements and set-up times are very short when it comes to cutting a different part.


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