Hypertherm Powermax 600 plasma cutter

[Shield Arc]

I don't seem to have any pictures of 1/4-inch. I'd have to go to the shop and look through the scrap pile.
But here is one on 1/2-inch.

 

[Shield Arc]

I am having difficulty getting good quality cuts. Cleaning up plasma cut edges because they harden up from the heat is a real PIA.

Have you tried cutting over water?

 

[Shield Arc]

There is some videos on you tube about cutting over water. Really cuts down on the dross, and smoke in the shop! :thumbsup:
Check it out.

YouTube - Torchmate 2x2 CNC Plasma Cutter cutting sample over water table / bed

 

[jimcolt]

Here are some 1/4" parts cut on my home shop 4 x 4 cnc (PlasmaCam) with a Hypertherm Powermax45 plasma. The parts are pretty much dross free. Dross free cuts are not done by the plasma alone...it needs good motion control, even more important, a good torch height control system. My machine uses a downdraft table with a Torit weld fume extractor filter, that way the heat stays in my shop in the winter. Water table cutting works well, but splashes water on the plate. Cutting over water is the best way to keep smoke production down.

Jim Colt

 

[slowzuki]

You're using fine cut consumables aren't you!

 

[jimcolt]

No, Fine cut consumables are for cutting materials below 3/16" thickness. These cuts are done with the standard 45 Amp consumables on a Powermax45. The PlasmaCam machine has very good machine motion, and a very good torch height control......which in combination with the plasma produce very sqyare, smooth edges, virtually no dross, as well as incredible consumable parts life.

Jim

 

[evo803]

Here are some 1/4" parts cut on my home shop 4 x 4 cnc (PlasmaCam) with a Hypertherm Powermax45 plasma. The parts are pretty much dross free. Dross free cuts are not done by the plasma alone...it needs good motion control, even more important, a good torch height control system. My machine uses a downdraft table with a Torit weld fume extractor filter, that way the heat stays in my shop in the winter. Water table cutting works well, but splashes water on the plate. Cutting over water is the best way to keep smoke production down.

Jim Colt

Very very nice cuts !!!! What is the optimum height of the workpiece in relation to thickness ? What was your set height for 1/4" and IPM speed ? I am very impressed with your setup.

 

[jimcolt]

Each plasma system will have different optimum cut and pierce heights. For my system, which is a Hypertherm Powermax45, I follow the specs in the operators manual almost exactly, as all of the cut quality development is done at the Hypertherm factory.

For 1/4"....Pierce height is .15", pierce delay time is .6 seconds (time to pierce through the plate), the cut height is .06" (1/16"), and the cut speed is 60 inches per minute at 45 Amps.

Jim