Tom writes for AKS Cutting Systems who designs and manufactures CNC Plasma Cutters. AKS's plasma cutters produce high-precision, high-quality metal cutting for a fraction of the price of purchasing and operating a laser cutter. Built on a very strong, very robust, fully welded machine base, our CNC Plasma Cutters will outlast the competition. From the ground up, AKS' precision CNC plasma cutters are designed and built for accuracy, speed, durability, and profitability. Every accu-kut, dura-kut and tru-kut plasma cutter we manufacture is proudly BUILT IN THE USA, BUILT TO LAST, and BUILT TO BE THE BEST!
Plasma exists only at very high temperatures and is used by plasma cutting systems to cut electrically-conductive metals very neatly and very quickly. A CNC Plasma Cutter adds specialized software that controls and directs the plasma cutting torch with speed, accuracy, efficiency and repeatability.
Put simply, plasma is a gas that has been compressed and energized to the point that some of the electrons break free from and travel with their nucleus. A nozzle at the cutter's tip concentrates the gas and introduces a spark, and turns the gas stream into plasma. Inert or semi-inert gases are used to shield the area where the plasma touches the metal. The force of the plasma is strong enough to blow the molten metal out of the work piece, creating a thin (less than a 1/16" wide), clean cut with little or no slag. The plasma itself reaches temperatures as high as 30,000 degrees Fahrenheit and easily cuts through 2" inches of metal.
The part of a CNC plasma cutter that makes it so incredible efficient is the Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) software. The CNC software, with the help of the computer, controls and directs the plasma cutting torch with speed, accuracy and efficiency. Computer-based software programs like CAD/CAM are an integral part of each CNC machine tool. The CNC software also assures precise handling of the machine and exacting distances between the plasma nozzle and metal sheet. CNC software ususlly includes nesting capabilities, making the plasma cutter even more efficient.
Plasma cutters come in all shapes and sizes. What makes the difference between them, is their construction and their components. High quality units feature solid, heavy-duty, fully welded, unitized construction. Less expensive units use a less stable, bolt together construction or don't come with a table at all. A less stable cutting table leads to less accurate plasma cutting and a less efficient machine.
A word of caution should be mentioned about any tool. Although an incredible powerful cutting machine, a plasma cutter can also do terrible damage to the human body. Besides working smart, an operator should wear goggles (shade #5), gloves and protective clothing.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Introduction to Plasma Cutters
- IGBT Plasma Cutters
- How Does a CNC Plasma Cutter Work?
- All Plasma Cutters Are Not the Same
- Design Software For CNC
- Cnc Laser Cutting Machine- an Overview
- CNC Plasma Cutters - Buying Wisely in Today's Marketplace
- Types & Characteristics of Arc Welders, TIG Welders, MIG Welders, & Plasma Cutters
Steel Buildings For An Eco-Friendly World
By: Tariq Ghazi | 02/01/2010Planning to build a warehouse, school, church or something else? Steelsmith is the best in this market. Read the article and visit their website!
Electric Pallet Jacks-Safe Operation and Accident Prevention
By: Manuel R Martinez | 31/12/2009Electric Pallet Jacks help reduce back injuries by keeping employees from lifting heavy loads. However, not training your personnel on the proper use of the pallet jack could result in injuries.
Reasons for Recycling Precious Metals
By: Nancy Hardy | 31/12/2009There are financial and environmental reasons for recycling precious metals. The materials retrieved from jewelry, electronics, dental products, and more are valuable, and can be sold for extra income; and precious metal recycling in NJ is a socially responsible practice.
Grip Tape v Non Slip Tape
By: Jenny Andrew | 30/12/2009Grip tape and non slip tape are often thought as exactly the same product but there are differences.
The Impact of 2010 on Security
By: Johan Botes | 30/12/2009There is no doubt that this question has been raised over and over again – can South Africa deal with an event of this magnitude? Do we have the infrastructure and resources to cope with just short of half a million visitors to our country?
Enhance The Interior Decor Of Your Homes With Frosted Glass
By: Paul Johnson | 30/12/2009Laminated glass edges over the other forms of glasses and renders better safety and security to the people and their properties. The brawniness and the outstanding benefits offered by such glasses make them truly unique with qualitative standard features.
Ensure Total Safety Features With Toughened Glass
By: Paul Johnson | 30/12/2009Double glazed units carry significant use in windows and doors and offers perfect transparency, lower energy consumption, condensation reduction on the warm air side.
Appliance Hand Trucks - Do They Work?
By: Mike Smith | 29/12/2009Mike has a small problem. Actually it is not small at all and it is not a single problem but a matching pair. He needs to move his old washing machine and his old dryer. He just bought a new set because his old set was outdated and not very efficient. He has got to move them before the delivery driver shows up.
Plasma Bevel Cutting - Getting The Most From Your Beveling Head
By: Tom Cartwright | 21/12/2009 | IndustrialAre you looking to improve the quality, speed and accuracy of your plasma bevel cutting? The key is choosing the correct beveling head. There are several on the market today, so how can you ensure you make the right choice? Read More >>
All Plasma Cutters Are Not the Same
By: Tom Cartwright | 02/11/2009 | IndustrialAll Plasma Cutters are not the same. If you want a fast, accurate, and durable plasma cutter, then you will need to evaluate the different ones on the market today. You will need to look for a plasma cutter that is stable, fast, accurate, and durable. Plasma cutting machines need to hold their advertised tolerances today and, more importantly, for many years to come.
The Parts of a Basic Ultrasound Machine
By: Tom Cartwright | 30/07/2009 | HealthAn ultrasound machine creates images that allow various organs in the body to be examined. It is becoming common place in many doctor's offices. But, is it more than just a computer on wheels? What are parts of an ultrasound machine?
Purchasing A Used Ultrasound Machine
By: Tom Cartwright | 13/07/2009 | MedicineWhile buying a used ultrasound machine can be a good way to save money, buying a refurbished ultrasound machine from an OEM certified company is a great way to save money. You can completely reduce your risk when buying pre-owned ultrasound equipment by buying from a company that provides OEM certified service.
CNC Plasma Cutters - Buying Wisely in Today's Marketplace
By: Tom Cartwright | 10/07/2009 | Ask an ExpertToday, businesses are looking to stretch every dollar and get the most from their employees. This is true for their equipment and machinery as well. When it comes time to make the investment in new plasma cutting equipment, quality, durability, versatility and cost are items that must be carefully considered.