CNC PLASMA

INTRODUCTION

Plasma cutting is a process that is used to cut material such as steel, copper, brass and other type
of material with varies dimension using a plasma torch. The cutting process that is automatically
done is called CNC (computer numerically controlled) plasma cutting process. CNC Plasma
cutting will allow computer to control the torch head in the cutting process thus can create a clean
sharp cuts based on the dimension that had been set. Besides, cutting process will be easier since
the CNC Plasma capable of multi-axis cutting besides their ability to cut in faster operation. In the
process, the constricting orifice will provide high velocity of ionized gas out of a nozzle that is
called plasma which conduct electricity from the torch of the plasma cutter to the work piece. The
heat from the plasma is enough to melt the work piece. The material that need to be cut is melted
by the heat of the arc and then blown away from the cut. Plasma cutting can improve productivity
and lower cutting cost. This is because plasma cutting does not need a preheat cycle and can cut
any metal that can conduct electricity. Besides, plasma cutting also capable to cut holes, trace
shape, bevel, pierce and gauge.

Diagram 1: Theory operation of plasma cutting process

In plasma cutting process, cool gas that can be used such as nitrogen will enter the zone B, where
the pilot arc between the electrode and the torch tip heat up and will ionize the gas. The main
cutting arc will be transfer to the workpiece through the column of plasma gas in zone C. High
concentration of heat will be applied on the workpiece when the plasma gas and electric arc are
forced through a small orifice of the nozzle. At zone A, secondary gas is used to assist the high
velocity plasma gas in blowing the molten metal out of the cut and allowing a fast, slag-free cut.
The secondary gas also help to cool down the torch when passing through zone C. Compressed
air, supplied by either a cylinder or plant air system, or CO2 is normally used as the secondary gas.
The plasma gas flows into the torch through the positive lead, around the electrode, and out through
the tip orifice. The secondary gas flows into the torch through the negative lead, down around the
outside of the torch liner, and out between the tip and shield cup around the plasma arc. When the
torch is started a pilot arc is established between the electrode and cutting tip.
OBJECTIVES

The objective of the experiment are to demonstrate the CNC plasma cutting process and design
the product to be produce through plasma cutting process.