Keywords
Citation
(2001), "Torch-sure device", Industrial Robot, Vol. 28 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2001.04928aaf.012
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited
Torch-sure device
Torch-sure device
Keywords Cutting, Accuracy
By monitoring the arc voltage of its plasma torch, a gantry-style shape-cutting machine holds the torch at a constant distance from the work and so cuts steel plate to fairly accurate dimensions.
When a bevel cut is ordered, however, merely monitoring the arc-voltage is less apt to produce accurate cuts because an electrode wears during cutting. As the torch moves closer to the work to maintain a steady voltage, the spot shifts where the plasma strikes the plate. The result is a finished piece that is either too small or too large.
Esab Cutting Systems of Florence has a new plasma cutting head that promises to eliminate the meandering inherent in bevel cutting. The company's new head combines a tactile sensor with a CNC controller that has been programmed to compensate for variation in the cut.
The tactile sensor, mounted just behind the plasma torch, rides on the plate and electronically measures the distance from the workpiece to the electrode as it is consumed. The sensor updates the CNC controller, which stores a data bank of particulars for every possible combination of material, thickness, and bevel angle.