Plasma Cutting Machine Manual

We are a professional plasma cutting machine manufacturer with over 10 years of industry experience. Today, we would like to introduce you to the components of a plasma cutting machine:

Plasma cutting machine is a kind of equipment that utilizes high temperature plasma arc to melt and cut metal, which is widely used in metal processing industry. Its core principle is to form plasma by ionized gas, and blow the melted metal away from the cut with the help of high-speed airflow, so as to realize efficient cutting. A complete plasma cutting machine is mainly composed of power supply system, control system, torch system, gas supply system, cooling system and other components. The structure and function of each component will be described in detail below.

1, Power Supply System

The power supply system is the core part of the plasma cutting machine, responsible for providing the high energy current required for cutting.

Main power supply

The main power supply usually adopts three-phase AC input, which is converted into stable DC after rectification and filtering to provide energy for the plasma arc. Some high-end models use inverter technology to make the power supply lighter and more efficient.

High Frequency Arc Circuit

At the beginning of cutting, high-frequency and high-voltage current is needed to break through the air to form the initial ionization channel, thus igniting the plasma arc. After the arc ignition is completed, the high frequency circuit is automatically shut down, and the main power supply maintains the stable burning of the arc.

Current Adjustment Device

According to the thickness of the cutting material, the size of output current can be adjusted to meet the needs of different working conditions.

2, Control system

The control system is responsible for coordinating the operation of each component to ensure cutting accuracy and stability.

CNC Unit (CNC)

In an automated plasma cutting machine, the CNC controls the cutting path through programming to achieve precise cutting of complex shapes. The operator can enter parameters and monitor the cutting process through the human-machine interface (HMI).

Motion Control Module

Includes servo motors or stepper motors that drive the cutting head along a preset trajectory to ensure cutting accuracy. Some machines are also equipped with a height adjustment system to automatically adjust the distance between the torch and the workpiece.

Protection and monitoring circuit

Real-time detection of current, voltage, gas pressure and other parameters, abnormal automatic shutdown and alarm to avoid equipment damage.

3, Torch system

Torch is the direct execution of cutting components, its structural design directly affects the cutting quality.

Electrode

Copper alloy inlaid with hafnium or tungsten material is usually used as the negative pole of the arc, which is subject to the erosion of high temperature plasma and needs to be replaced periodically.

Nozzle

Made of high thermal conductivity materials (such as copper), constraining the plasma arc and control the direction of the gas flow. The diameter of the nozzle aperture affects the cutting accuracy and speed, and it is necessary to choose the appropriate model according to the thickness of the material.

Protective Cap

Mounted on the outside of the nozzle to reduce damage to the nozzle from splash and to assist in stabilizing the air flow.

Gas distribution ring

Ensures that the plasma gas and auxiliary gas are uniformly ejected to create a stable cutting environment.

4, Gas supply system

Plasma cutting requires gas ionization and blowing away the slag, the role of the gas supply system is to provide a stable, pure gas flow.

Gas source

Usually use compressed air, but also according to the material selection of nitrogen, oxygen or argon hydrogen mixture.

Gas regulating device

Including pressure reducing valves, flow meters and solenoid valves to ensure that the gas pressure and flow meet the cutting requirements.

Filtering and drying device

Remove water and impurities in the gas to avoid affecting the arc stability or damaging the torch.

5, Cooling system

The high temperature of plasma arc easily leads to overheating of the torch, and the cooling system is used to maintain the normal working temperature of the equipment.

Water cooling system

High-end models use circulating water to cool the torch and power supply, and the constant temperature is maintained through the water pump and radiator, which is suitable for long-time high load work.

Air Cooling System

Small equipment often rely on fan cooling, simple structure but lower cooling efficiency, suitable for intermittent operation.

6, Auxiliary structure

In addition to the core components, the plasma cutting machine also includes the following auxiliary structures:

Machine frame and guide rail

Supports the cutting head movement and ensures the stability of the cutting path. Heavy equipment uses a steel frame, while light equipment may use aluminum alloy to reduce weight.

Fume extraction device

Fumes and metal vapors generated by cutting are discharged through an exhaust system to improve the working environment and comply with environmental requirements.

Workpiece support table

Usually a metal grill or roller structure to facilitate the placement of plates and reduce thermal deformation of the cut.

The systems of a plasma cutter work together to achieve efficient and accurate metal cutting. The power supply system provides the energy, the control system directs the operation, the torch system performs the cutting, and the air supply and cooling system ensures stability. Understanding its structural composition helps to operate and maintain the equipment correctly, prolonging the service life and improving the cutting quality. In daily use, you should check the wearing parts (such as electrodes and nozzles) regularly and keep the gas and electric circuits clean to ensure the long-term stable operation of the equipment.

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