Maintenance of Plasma Cutting Machine Parts

Ⅰ. Main cutting methods of CNC plasma cutting machine

It is divided into contact arc cutting and non-contact arc cutting. However, when cutting, these two cutting methods have their own merits for different plates, and the scope of application is different. First, let's take a look at the difference between these two cutting methods.

The contact cutting of the plasma cutting machines can directly contact the steel plate and ignite the arc. When cutting plates less than 2mm, the deformation is small, the cutting seam is narrow, and it can be cut randomly. Non-contact cutting generally needs to start cutting at a distance of 5-8mm from the spacer plate. Its advantage is that it can cut thick plates, and the cooling effect is better than that of the contact type.

The disadvantages of these two cutting methods are also obvious. In the contact type, the heat source cut by the steel plate rebounds to the cutting nozzle, the service life is short, and the thick plate cannot be cut. The non-contact kerf width is not suitable for cutting thin plates due to the distance from the base metal.

To sum up, when we buy a CNC plasma cutting machine or a manual plasma cutting machine, we must first have a clear understanding of the characteristics of the plate we want to cut. Then we can choose the cut that suits us.

Generally speaking, plasma cutting machines in the CNC cutting machine industry are all contact cutting and water-cooled cutting. For thicker carbon steel plate cutting, the power supply of CNC plasma cutting machine adopts non-contact plasma cutting machine, which can effectively prevent the loss of cutting nozzle and electrode during the perforation process of cutting nozzle.

Ⅱ. How to maintain the cutting nozzle of plasma cutting machines

1. The interval between the cutting nozzle and the steel plate should be kept as constant as possible, generally around 3-8mm. Too far not only consumes too much power, the cutting penetration ability will decrease, but also consumes the electrode relatively, which reduces the service life of the electrode. Too close to the nozzle is very expensive, and the service life of the nozzle will be doubled, and even if it goes up, it will be burned. Of course, the service life of the plasma electrode nozzle is also related to some other factors, such as: the level of input voltage, the quality of the electrode itself, the quality of the plasma cutting machines and the integrity of the equipment, the quality of the plasma cutting gun, the user experience, etc. But the main points are the above three points. If you pay attention to these three points, the service life of the electrode nozzle will be greatly improved.

2. Try to cut within the normal cutting thickness range rated by the cutting machine, and try not to cut at the limit cutting thickness. The normal cutting thickness of Chinese cutting machines is generally 60% of the maximum cutting thickness marked by the manufacturer. We try to cut within this thickness range to best protect the cutting nozzle.

3. Minimize perforation and cutting. When perforating, the splash of molten steel will damage the nozzle, which is one of the main reasons for the damage to the cutting nozzle. If you must cut through the holes, it is best to use a drill to pre-drill holes at the perforation, and then start cutting from the pre-drilled holes.

Since plasma cutting is a new technology, most employees will not use the new equipment. In order to let all employees in the maintenance workshop master the use of the plasma cutting machines as soon as possible, we can carry out the operation skills training of the plasma cutting machine in the workshop, so that the employees can master and consolidate the practical skills of the plasma cutting machine. The full use of plasma cutting technology in the workshop can effectively improve work efficiency and save costs for the company.