Productivity options for plasma cutting machines

When choosing a plasma cutting machine there are many factors to consider, not least which options may be worth investigating further. While plasma cutting is the primary function, there are a number of options to consider which can allow you to get even more out of these machines. Cutting heavy plates, producing small holes in thick material and processing tubes are all possible while even more productivity can be achieved by adding an additional plasma cutting unit. 

So what are these options and what solutions do they offer?

Oxy-fuel Cutting Heads

Oxy-fuel cutting heads use a mix of oxygen with another fuel gas such as propane to cut materials like mild / low carbon steel, medium carbon steel and iron. While oxy-fuel cutting is slower than plasma cutting, it is capable of cutting much thicker material e.g. up to 300mm thick, with excellent edge straightness and high accuracy.

Multi-spindle Drilling Unit

A multi-spindle drilling unit is able to drill small holes in thicker material that wouldn’t be possible to plasma cut to an acceptable finish. With a plasma cutter you would typically not cut a hole smaller than the material thickness, so having the option to drill these brings additional flexibility. In addition to drilling, it is also possible to countersink and tap using the same head.

Rotary Cutting Attachment

Rotary cutting attachments allow the plasma machine to process round and square tubes in addition to cutting flat material on the machine bed. The material is secured between two rotating chucks and a variety of holes, shapes and cutouts can be cut utilising the plasma torch from the machine. 

Bevel Cutting

Upgrading to a 5-axis bevel cutting head allows the automatic cutting of bevelled parts, increasing efficiency by producing a weld preparation in one process. The bevel cutting head can produce top or bottom bevels - or both - with and without a root face. Sometimes these are referred to as V, Y, X and K style bevels.

Additional Plasma Cutting Units

For machines cutting large batches of the same parts, it is sometimes worth specifying a machine with more than one plasma unit. These can be fitted on the same bridge and work together in unison to double the output of the machine. 

Want to find out more or discuss in more detail? Please get in touch with our team on 01785 336732 or by email to sales@bisonmachinery.co.uk. Or simply get in touch via our contact page.