What is plasma cutting? Function and benefits

An accelerated jet of burning plasma is used to cut through workpieces made of electrically conducting materials. Thick sheet metal may be efficiently cut with this method, whether you are fabricating finished products or producing artwork.

Plasma cutting provides countless options for cutting materials like stainless steel, aluminum, and more. Let's go into detail about plasma cutting in this blog, including what it is, how it functions, and its benefits.

What is Plasma?

Solid, gas, and liquid, are the three primary forms of matter you have undoubtedly heard about. But there is also the fourth one. It is indeed plasma.

Plasma can be found in the natural world however it is most common in the upper atmosphere of the planet. Plasma-based solar winds are the cause of the well-known polar lights. Plasma is also used in lighting and high-temperature fire.

Plasma is an ionized gas-like material that conducts electricity. This indicates that some atoms have electrons missing and that additional free electrons are present. Plasma is created when gas is warmed to an increased temperature. Therefore, plasma is frequently referred to as an ionized gas.

Because the atoms are not always in contact with one another, plasma is comparable to gas. In addition, it responds to an electrical and magnetic field similarly to liquids in terms of its ability to flow.

How do plasma cutters operate?

A thermal cutting technique is plasma cutting. In other words, it melts the metal rather than mechanically cutting it.

The general operation of the system never changes. Compressed air or other gases, such as nitrogen, are used in plasma cutters.

In most cases, the electrode comes into touch with the compressed gases, which ionize to increase the pressure. A stream of plasma is pushed in the direction of the cutting head as the pressure increases.

A stream of plasma is produced when the cutting point restricts the flow. This is subsequently applied to the workpiece. The workpiece is electrically linked to the ground through the cutting table since plasma is electrically conductive.

The metal melts because of the high temperature when the plasma arc comes into touch with it. The molten metal is simultaneously blown away by the fast-moving gases.

Benefits of plasma cutting machine:

• The functioning of one or more burners depending on the series
• Cutting of medium- and large-thickness high-alloy steel and aluminum materials
• Wonderful performance in soft steel thicknesses of small and medium
• Cutting of structural high-strength steel with less heat input
• Rapid cutting rates are up to 10 times higher than with oxyfuel
• The preparation of premium blanks for medium and thick-gauge sheet metal
• Automated cutting with plasma is possible.
• Plasma cutting in water provides shallow heat exposure and minimal noise at work.

Plasma cutting applications:

• Manual plasma cutters:

Typically manual plasma cutters use workshops for thin metal processing, factory maintenance, agricultural maintenance, welding repair centers, metal service centers, construction work such as buildings and bridges, commercial shipbuilding, trailer production, car repair, and artistic creations. On the other hand, if you are having trouble with your cutter and are having problems, you should go for esab replacement parts immediately.

• Mechanized plasma cutters:

When combined with cutting tables, mechanical plasma cutters are typically substantially larger than manual plasma cutters. Punching, laser, or robot cutting systems can all be connected with mechanized plasma cutters.

The available table and portal determine the size of a mechanized plasma cutter. Since these systems are difficult to maneuver, layout of the system, as well as all of its components, should be taken into account before installation.

Here, esab replacement parts offer combo systems that can be used for both welding and plasma cutting when you require parts. The general rule in the industrial sector is that the more complex the needs are for plasma cutting, the more expensive it will be.

Cutting with plasma that has a more substantial constriction effect:

You need 100% guaranteed plasma parts to increase plasma column confinement and produce a more stable necking arc. Thus this is where you should turn to esab plasma cutter parts.

The centrifugal force shifts the highest pressure point to the plenum's edge, and the minimum pressure point substantially closer to the axis as the number of inlet gas vortices rises. With more swirls, there is a more significant gap between the maximum and minimum pressure.

The widening of the arc caused by the considerable pressure differential in the radial direction causes a high current density and ohm heating close to the axis.

Wrapping it up:

Finally, if you are looking for the best plasma parts that matter on your budget, then have the best esab plasma cutter parts to fit your needs. They provide the premium Hypertherm series for individuals wishing to invest in high-quality equipment at a higher price point. The parts all offer exceptional cutting performance, efficiently handling even the most challenging cutting tasks.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/what-is-plasma-cutting-function-and-benefits

Tips for choosing the best laser cutting system

You cannot discuss technological advancements without bringing up laser technology. The laser's ability to capture energy has been tremendous. The laser cutting machine is the main region where the laser establishes itself. 

The Trumpf parts have established themselves as the best alternative to all other technologies because of their high precision and accuracy. So the Laser cutting equipment works incredibly quickly and with the highest precision. The laser cutting machine's engraving feature creates the latter information.

Working with metal, wood, glass, ceramics, paper, and stones is perfect for laser technology. The laser has several uses, in contrast to other cutting devices limited to single substrate applications. Let's look at some of the tips for choosing the best laser cutting system:

Lasers Resonator:

Any laser cutting device's heart is its laser resonator. Two mirrors are set up in a glass tube with their faces facing one another. Gases, including CO2, hydrogen, nitrogen, and helium, make up the tube.

The diodes that charge up this gas mixture then follow. This mixture may occasionally be charged using electric discharge as well. When gases are charged, energy is released through a laser beam.

Laser specifications:

A laser beam's diameter typically falls between 0.1mm and 0.3mm. Such beams have a 1 to 3 KW power range. It is possible to determine the machine's power by assessing the substrate material.

With 1 or 2 KW, you might complete your task of cutting steel or iron. However, you might wish to check for power beams of 6 KW for metals like copper and aluminum, which have high reflecting and conductive qualities.

If you were to examine its parts, the laser resonator and the cutting head would be the two main parts of a laser cutter.

Laser marking:

The laser does not fully penetrate the substrate material when performing a marking operation. Only the material's characteristics and appearance are altered. Always use the best Trumpf spare parts because the heat from the laser beam causes highly contrasted markings to appear on the substrate when it comes into contact with it.

Laser etching:

As the name suggests, laser engraving leaves a hollow on the surface after removing the material. Your information fills this cavity. Sharp impressions are produced by rapidly vaporizing the material after it has first melted due to the laser's heat.

The cutting head:

After the resonators emitted laser beam and reflected by well-placed internal mirrors, it travels in various directions. The laser beam is magnified and focussed on the object of interest after it has reached the cutting head.

This cutting head changes the laser beam into something that either engraves or cuts through the substrate material. The laser beam travels via a nozzle and pressurizes gases like oxygen or nitrogen before reaching the substrate.

The beam melts the substrate during the cutting or engraving process, followed by a nitrogen blowout. The mechanical component of the equipment that moves the cutting head across the substrate is assisted by chains and belts.

Various kinds of laser cutting devices are employed in the market:

Numerous laser cutting machines continue living depending on the variety of lasers utilized. As a result, the type of laser determines the substrate type and material thickness. The following are the three primary categories of laser cutters:

• Crystal laser cutters:

Crystal laser cutters produce neodymium-doped yttrium ortho vanadate beams. These cutters can cut through some thicker materials since their wavelengths are shorter than those of CO2 laser cutters.

A smaller wavelength also aids in sharper focus and more intensity. These cutters' parts wear out due to their high power functionality, which is a downside.

• CO2 Laser Cutters:

In addition to CO2, CO2 laser cutting equipment uses helium and nitrogen gas mixtures. Electric discharge charges up this particular gas mixture, which causes it to emit a laser beam. Such cutters have a wavelength of 10.6 mm.

The most popular and well-known laser from trumpf parts is an excellent CO2 model because they are effective and affordable.

• Fiber Laser cutters:

Seed laser, amplified and enlarged utilizing unique optical fibers, is the forerunner of fiber laser. Solid-state laser is the moniker used by fiber laser cutters more frequently.

The cutting of reflective and conductive metals, a threefold increase in efficiency over CO2 laser cutters, and the lack of driving parts are just a few of this laser cutter's impressive advantages.

Both organic and inorganic materials can be treated with fiber lasers. Although highly similar to crystal lasers, fiber laser cutters are more effective and require less upkeep.

Summing it up:

You only need to look at the necessary specifications of the machines once you have determined the type of work you require from your device. Choose CO2 laser cutters and engravers from trumpf spare parts with a power range on the higher side if you need to operate with non-metals. However, you need to opt for fiber laser equipment if your demand accurately works on metals or reflective surfaces like steel or aluminum.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/tips-for-choosing-the-best-laser-cutting-system

An excellent engineer's guide to laser cutting

Today, a concentrated, powerful laser beam is used in the fabrication process of laser cutting to slice the material into slabs, plates, or sheets. Non-contact optics are typically used in the process to control the output's form.

It is most frequently used in industrial applications where the quality of the cut is crucial, and milling or drilling would be an unaffordable option. Several materials may be used during the fabrication process, mostly in conjunction with metals, such as plastic, glass, gemstones, or paper.

Using a laser to cut has many applications. According to the circumstances of what you wish to perform with a laser, there are several procedures, including fusion, oxidation, and scribing, each of which has advantages.

Do you discover it challenging to maintain your equipment operational because your provider is unresponsive? Amada lasers consumables can avoid frustration, obstacles, and lost revenue. Here are some lists of an excellent engineer's guide to laser cutting:

What is the process of laser cutting?

Laser cutting is the procedure in which a high-powered laser beam is used to cut or etch goods. Typically, the laser is beamed through high-fidelity optics, where it slices some items. Different cutting systems are used depending on the project's required performance and material type.

A laser beam is produced when electromagnetic radiation pulses are arranged laterally inside a closed container. These pulses are generated using electrical discharges or lamps by the excitation of a material.

When the light's energy exceeds the threshold required to leave the laser in a single, well-focused pulse from one end of the tube, it is amplified as it alternates between two mirrors.

How to create the most of the Machine with Laser Cutting:

The properties of your material and its intended application play a significant role in determining the ideal laser for cutting it.

When selecting the design of your laser for this application from the best Amada replacement parts, there are other elements to take, such as how powerful it needs to be, what kind of wavelength you need, and perhaps its temporal mode and spatial mode capabilities.

These factors can influence whether or not a laser with an experienced focus or one that offers different types of beam outputs will be the better choice.

• Wavelength:

The amount of heating required to melt or cut through an object depends on the wavelength of the laser beam because it affects how the material absorbs light.

• Beam Strength:

The size of the focusing spot a laser beam produces and, consequently, the effectiveness of the cut across a material are governed by its modal distribution. A beam is typically thought to be most effective when it produces Gaussian data.

• Focus Point:

The beam is assisted in focusing to a small, highly concentrated point using a lens or a specialized mirror. The focal spot, also known as the focus, is where the beam's diameter is most minor.

The optimum focus for your laser cutter depends on a number of elements, such as the material's qualities, thickness, beam's shape, mode, etc.

• Power:

Getting stronger laser Amada replacement parts is the best option if you cut many things. On the other hand, you can get away with employing a machine with a weaker laser if your applications don't call for a lot of cutting.

 Remember that greater intensity levels always result in faster burning and more expensive each cut. Again, flexibility is essential since it depends on how much work needs to be done.

Types of laser cutting:

• Fusion cutting provides a cutting edge almost entirely free of oxide because it uses reaction-inhibiting nitrogen or argon as the cutting gas.
• Utilizing oxygen as an aid gas during oxidative cutting raises the temperature and reaction rate at the cutting interface, allowing for the quicker removal of thicker materials with a lower-quality surface finish.
• The electronics industry mainly uses laser scribing to process thin sheets of material.

Many kinds of lasers can be used in these three laser cutting methods, including fiber, solid-state, and gas, like the CO2 emission gas laser.

Benefits of using a laser cutting over other cutting methods:

Laser cutting has many advantages compared to other cutting methods, including mechanical die punching, sawing, plasma cutting, and waterjet. The following list and analysis highlight some of the main benefits:

• Reduced heat impacted zone and reduced material deformation
• Greater cutting accuracy
• High rates of repetition
• Less contamination of the materials
• Improved operational personnel safety conditions
• Better cutting edges and less additional polishing needed after the cut
• Decreased material waste because of improved sheet use

Final Thoughts:

Finally, Innovative businesses can create new and complicated products more rapidly and affordably thanks to Amada laser consumables. Laser cutting provides exceptional precision and reproducibility and can produce parts in days instead of weeks.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/an-excellent-engineer-s-guide-to-laser-cutting

7 Points to Consider for Laser Cutting Maintenance

Maintenance is not about fixing things but about not having to fix things. A lot of fabricators do not understand it. They usually do not like interrupting their production, thinking it will affect the total outcome.

When the proper maintenance is ignored, the equipment can stop working anytime if pushed beyond limits. So, having a maintenance schedule is better and saving your business from unplanned costs. Regular maintenance can lower the failure of a machine. Regular replacements of spare parts and cleaning can take you a long way.

Here are some points you need to take care of to maintain the laser machine:

1. Daily Maintenance

• Always check the pressure of laser gas and cutting gas before turning on the machine. You must replace it if the gas pressure is not enough.
• Check the alignment of the X, Y, and Z-axis, and none of the screws should be loose.
• Check the water level in the chiller. You should refill it if it is not sufficient.
• After the end of the day, check the focus lens for damage. If you find any, replace them with new ones. You can easily find Amanda parts and trumpf parts online. Their spare parts must be of good quality so that you never have to compromise with the quality of cuts.
• Clean the waste on the machine after completing daily work and also clean the surroundings. None of the parts of the machine should have any debris, or else it can damage the machine in the long run.

2. Maintenance of Optical Path Lens

• You should not touch the surface of the optical lens directly with bare hands. It can cause scratches on the surface of the lens.
• You must not clean the lens with water or detergent. It can damage the film on its surface.
• Clean with rubbing alcohol and muslin cloth. If your lens is damaged, you can contact the service department to repair it. Using damaged lenses can accelerate the damage to the repairable lens.

3. Proper Installation of Optical Lens

• Before installing the lens, you must ensure that you are wearing clean clothes, that your hands are properly sanitized, and you are wearing clean gloves.
• Lenses shouldn't be touched with bare hands.
• While removing the lens, hold it from the side so that you do not touch its surface.
• While mounting the lens to the holder, extreme force should not be applied as it might deform the lens and affect the quality of the laser beam.
• Use a spray gun to remove dust on the mirror surface.
• Lastly, use an air spray gun to clean the lens and free it from dust or foreign particles.

4. Maintenance of Water Chiller

• It is important for the chiller to work properly to ensure the laser machine is working in good condition.
• You must clean the heat sink and condenser regularly.
• Check the water levels in the tank regularly. If the water levels are low, you can add deionized water to it.
• Check the electrical terminals and remove the dust.
• Clean the impurities in the filter regularly. If there is any damage to the filter, it should be replaced immediately.

5. Maintenance of Air Compressor

• Before you start the maintenance process, the compressed air in the storage tank must be drained.
• Clean the air filters every 15 days.
• You can replace the filters every 1200 hours of operation.
• Replace the valve disc if necessary.

6. Maintenance of Air Dryer

• Depending on the air's humidity, you must drain the air and water 3 to 7 times in the refrigeration dryer.
• Clean the air filters every month.
• You must remove and clean the cooling fins of the air condenser once a month.
• Every six months, replace the air filters.

7. Maintenance of Regulated Power Supply

• Every month all the connection terminals in the regulator and the main circuit must be tightened.
• You must check the elasticity of the sliding carbon brush every three months. Use the dry compressed air to blow dust adhered to the components in the regulator.

Conclusion

It is important to keep maintenance as a priority and not compromise. Not all the steps discussed above will fit all metal fabricators, but they will help you maintain your laser machine. If you do not have any maintenance plans, this article will help you make one. Along with maintenance, if you ever change the spare parts, ensure the brand; generally Amada parts are of good quality. Using good quality spare parts will last longer and provide good quality laser cuts. You can buy good quality Amada laser parts, trumpf laser parts, etc. online.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/7-points-to-consider-for-laser-cutting-maintenance