4 Tips to Begin your Fabrication Project

Fabrication projects like railroad tracks, power plant facilities require heavy metal cutting. So, fabricators opt for laser technology as it provides precise, accurate, and clear cuts. Also, it has an unmatched speed compared to other cutting technologies available in the market. 

In addition, what makes laser technology different is its adaptable nature. You can adjust it according to your project requirements – resolution, sharpness, depth, and whatnot. In addition to this, brand parts like Hypertherm PowerMax 45xp fine cut consumables and Hypertherm HPR 130 consumables enhance efficiency.

Here are the other things that help you improve your laser cutting for fabrication projects. 

1. Consider Material Thickness and Type

When you plan your next fabrication project, choose the material type and thickness. Every material has different thicknesses and properties. For instance, a thin metal would burn faster than a thick metal. Moreover, it won’t take lasers long to cut through the thin material. So, make sure to check the type of metal you want to use. 

After all, you’re using laser technology for its quality and speed. And choosing the perfect material or working on finding the optimal thickness of the material can considerably cut laser costs. Imagine you cut a heavy metal, and the laser technology is not compatible with it. It may wear out the consumables. 

Finding it won’t be easy if you have a complex project. However, you must consider it, or you may end up with average results.

2. Simplify the Design Elements

Try to implement minimal designs that would reduce the laser cutting usage or time. Because when you use laser cutting, every action counts. You pay for every movement the laser cutter makes. Be it cutting, engraving, or passing between cuts, your consumables and parts wear out with usage. Also, the less time the laser takes to cut, the less it would cost. 

So, keep your designs simple. Tracing minute details will take up a lot of time rather than large designs. For instance, cutting a straight line will take less time than a circle. 

3. Add Complimentary Services

Having a fabrication company that can help you build a main enclosure part or custom part is beneficial. However, look for a company that also provides services like power coating, spot welding, finishing metals, and other techniques that turn a planned component into a finished project. 

If you’re thinking about contracting low bidders for different parts of the job, then don’t. No matter how cheap the services are, it would add up the logistics of working with different companies. Besides, managing work could be challenging. It may create over-head and even increase costly mistakes.

So, hire a qualified vendor that provides complementary services.

4. Find the Appropriate Partner 

To accomplish projects successfully, you need advanced technology like laser cutting. But for quality products, having a skilled vendor is crucial. Here are the questions you must ask:

• Does it have technical capabilities?

Fabrication and laser cutting processes need accuracy, detailed inspections. So, make sure the team can conduct tests and offer feedback.

• Is it easy to work with a particular company? 

To finish projects on time, you need a company that will provide better services and speeds up production. It can be sending designs electronically or communicating on time. 

• Does the company have a stellar record? 

Look for a company that has a record of quality services and on-time delivery. A reputed company can help you manage your supply chains effectively. So, while partnering, check their clients’ testimonials, reviews, ratings, and work portfolio. 

Overall, these three questions will give you an impression of the company you plan to partner with.

Conclusion

Follow these four tips. It will help you get the best of laser cutting for your fabrication project. Also, for consumables prefer Hypertherm PowerMax 45xp fine cut consumables and Hypertherm HPR 130 consumables.

Source: https://altparts.mystrikingly.com/blog/4-tips-to-begin-your-fabrication-project

Plasma Cutter Consumables: A Mini Guide

Today almost every industry requires a type of plasma cutter for a successful cut. It usually involves having high-quality parts for cutting edge marks. Behind the scenes, it requires a quality plasma cutter, proper handling methods, timely maintenance, and other motion control tools.

Often neglected are the consumables, i.e., plasma cutter components that wear over time and usage. You often forget to replace them, unaware that a faulty part can disrupt other components' progress too. What should you do to avoid it? 

 

Maintain the torch. It can ensure that Kaliburn plasma components are working correctly. But for that, you need to maintain all consumable parts in the plasma torch. 

 

What are those main components of a plasma torch? What is its durability? How to increase their shelf life? 

 

Let's find answers to these questions. But first, a layman introduction of Plasma cutter consumables. 

 

What is Plasma Cutter Consumable?

 

In simple terms, plasma cutter consumables are the components of a plasma cutter. This machine uses an accelerated jet of hot plasma to cut electrically conductive materials like steel, aluminum, brass, and others.

 

Components of Kaliburn Plasma Consumables

 

The torch and consumable parts together yield the plasma cutting arc. The main components include swirl ring, electrode, nozzle, shield cap, and retaining cap. 

 

They remain the same for all the consumables, including Hypertherm Powermax 45xp fine cut consumables and Kaliburn plasma consumables.

 

Swirl Ring

 

It is a small component in the torch. It channelizes the gas coming from the machine in different directions and temperatures. Additionally, it balances the flow of gas inward and outward. 

 

Swirl Ring acts as a protective layer and prevents the nozzle from burning or degrading rapidly. 

 

Electrode

 

The electrode is a slender, narrow piece of copper or silver and contains hafnium or tungsten. Its purpose is to carry current from the torch to the plate, which arcs the plate after passing through the stages.

 

Nozzle

 

The nozzle focuses the arc on the plate and cuts. As it remains in the middle of superheated gas, it may wear out sooner. Thus, the electrode's backend has a cooling device that helps in transferring the heat. 

 

FYI, a large opening nozzle is used for gouging and a small one for fine detailed work.

 

Retaining Cap

 

The role of the retaining cap is to hold all the consumable parts of a torch together. It is a component that wears out soon because of the heat on the ends. 

 

Shield Cap

 

As the name says, the shield protects the torch and other components from the molten metal or sparks. It takes over the brunt of fallout so that other components don't wear early. 

 

Durability of Plasma Cutter Consumable

 

Now that we know about the different components let's see how long they can last. 

 

The most affected are nozzle and electrode because of direct involvement with cuts and arcs. You should replace them simultaneously in a defined time frame. The other components, such as a swirl ring and retaining cap, are vulnerable to dropping and breaking. Replace them when any cracks appear. You don't need to replace the shield cap as long as you can clean the slag and ensure consistent airflow. Once the slag build-up is too large to remove, remember it's time to replace it. 

 

Tips to Prolong Life of Consumables 

 

Replacing consumables at the right time is essential. However, here are the three ways you can extend your plasma consumables' life. 

 

1. Cutting: Fine cutting requires a lot of focus work. A quick or slow cut from a wrong distance can not only make the work wrong; it can also wear your parts quickly. 

2. Installing: Ensure that the installation of components is proper as it would affect the functioning. See to it that tolerance matches the amperages and is well assembled. 

3. Monitoring: Keep track of the components and their wearing. If a part wears, immediately replace it with a new one so that other parts are unaffected. Try to change the nozzle and electrode frequently so that they don't hamper the cut quality. 

 Conclusion

 

Keeping a check on plasma cutter consumables and torch is essential. Besides, you should also maintain and replace them routinely. If not, they may cause a catastrophic failure.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/plasma-cutter-consumables-a-mini-guide