Getting your Plasma Cutting Starts Right, Pierce v.s. Edge Start

Getting your Plasma Cutting Starts Right

Starting a cut at the edge of your working material while cutting inwards is referred to as an Edge start. http://am.co.za/ In contrast, a Pierce start involves the Plasma Cutter's torch piercing the metal material. http://am.co.za/ Using an Edge start is generally preferred.

Because the starting position of the Plasma Cutter has an impact on the quality of the finished work piece, http://am.co.za/ the edge finish of that piece and the lifespan of the associated consumables, http://am.co.za/ it is always important to consider which of the two different types of starts you will be employing during your cutting process. http://am.co.za/ The two types of starts from which you can chose are Edge starts and Pierce starts.

Starting a cut at the edge of your working material while cutting inwards is referred to as an Edge start. http://am.co.za/ What distinguishes this type of start from the Pierce start is that it has a lead in and a lead out of the work piece. Lead ins and outs are strategies which you can apply to the tool path to get the torch to start and stop the cut off of the finished work piece. http://am.co.za/ A lead in is the beginning of the cut (i.e. is the tool path where the Plasma Cutter's torch started cutting the work piece) whilst the lead out is the cut made by the Plasma Cutter's torch exiting the work piece (i.e. the end of the cut piece). Because there are two types of lead ins and lead outs (called "arc" and "line"), http://am.co.za/ you will be able to select which type you would like to apply in your CAM software.

Edge starts involve the CNC Plasma Cutter http://am.co.za/ moving from one completely cut work piece to the next in a chain or sequential manner which results in a more continuous cut and improves your production cuts' efficacy.

In contrast, a Pierce start involves the Plasma Cutter's torch piercing the metal material. http://am.co.za/ In other words, with a Pierce start the torch nozzle is aimed directly at a specific starting point on the work piece. http://am.co.za/ This often means that the cut cannot be done in such a sequential manner as with an Edge start.

General Cutting Thickness Calculation ^#

Recommended Max Cutting Thickness ＝ 80% × Severance Thickness http://am.co.za/

Pierce Capacity ＝ 50% × Severance Thickness http://am.co.za/

Virtually Dross-free Cutting Capacity ＝ 30% × Severance Thickness http://am.co.za/

When you purchase plasma cutter, use Pierce Capacity to match you required cutting thickness. You will use Pierce Start at some stage (for example, cutting a hole), http://am.co.za/ if you cannot pierce through the metal plate, you cannot cut through the metal place. http://am.co.za/ This will also insure you will have the plasma cutter capable of give you optimal cutting result every time.

# Read operation manual for the data if possible; use above equation if not.

Whilst a Pierce start is employed for specific cutting requirements, using an Edge start is generally preferred. http://am.co.za/ This is due to the fact that a Pierce start is often detrimental to your Plasma consumables' lifespan as it tends to be done at a straight-on angle which may cause the metal to backlash at the Cutter's torch leading to damage.

Deciding on which start will best suit your specific cut is integral as it can assist you in optimizing your cutting production http://am.co.za/ while simultaneously leveraging your consumables' lifespan efficiently.

Plasma Cutting - Pierce Start vs Edge Start