Thermal Dynamics Automation's QuickPierce function reduces piercing time on 400-amp systems by up to 40% on mild steel thicknesses ranging from 1.25" to 2.0" (30 mm to 50 mm). The company also made several improvements that extend the life of its 400 amp consumables.
Thermal Dynamics Automation has upgraded its 400-amp cutting system-featuring Ultra-Cut 400 XT high-precision power source, XT torch with QuickPierce consumables and iCNC Performance Controller-to reduce piercing time by up to 40% on mild steel thicknesses ranging from 1.25" to 2.0" (30 mm to 50 mm). Faster piercing time reduces cycle time, especially for plates with a complex parts nest.
Thermal Dynamics also improved the front-end components on its 400-amp consumables and made several other arc starting enhancements to increase parts life, cut longer between consumable changes and lower total cut cost.
New Routines
Thermal Dynamics further improved consumables life by adding pierce-on-the-fly and pierce-puddle-avoidance routines within its iCNC Performance Control. "Traditional piercing routines keep the torch positioned over one spot until the plasma jet pierces completely through the plate; once the controller senses the pierce, it then moves the torch along the cut path. This routine inherently exposes the consumables to more molten metal," said a company spokesperson.
"Pierce-on-the-fly starts moving the torch after about one-third of the total pierce time," said Dirk Ott, VP-Global Mechanized Plasma Systems. "The groove behind the torch provides an evacuation path for the molten metal, reducing its impact on the consumables. Also, you do not have to cut through slag puddle at the end of the cut, which promotes a cleaner cut."
Pierce-puddle-avoidance also extends consumables life by preventing the front end of the torch from touching the puddle during arc start. During arc start, the torch touches the plate, moves to an arc initiation height (which is relatively low) and starts the arc. After a split second, the controller raises the torch to a higher level, holds it there until the arc penetrates the plate, then lowers the torch to cutting height.
"Pierce-puddle-avoidance keeps the torch at a higher level for a second or two longer to minimize the impact of spatter and the chance of touching the puddle," said Ott.
For more information contact:
Thermal Dynamics Automation
82 Benning Street
West Lebanon, NH 03784
866-279-2628
www.thermal-dymamics.com