Page 32 - MetalForming September 2014

Plasma-Cutting
For cutting the same shape multiple times, using an automated plasma table saves hours of post-cut grinding, which enables Cornfield Customs to maintain price competitiveness.
cutting speeds, it is difficult, if not impossible, for a small fabricator to justify such an investment.
Best-fitting Wagner’s needs: an air- shielded single-gas plasma system, which carries a price tag in the $3000 to $6000 range, depending on capacity.
“There’s no sense in buying a $40,000 machine to make parts if you can buy the parts for 10 cents more than it costs you to make them,” says Wagner.
Wagner’s PAC machine of choice: a Victor Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster A60 power supply. To accompany his Cutmaster PAC unit, Wagner selected a 4- by 4-ft. cutting table from Baileigh Industrial.
In addition to offering a cutting
capacity of 18-gauge to 3⁄8-in. steel plate, the 60-A system can tackle 1⁄2-in. aluminum.
“On 1⁄8- or 1⁄4-in. material, the cut quality has been great, and I can cut superfast,” says Wagner at speeds to 110 in./min. The move to an automat- ed system has increased productivity, and the machine produces good, clean cuts.”
Further, Wagner notes a dramatic reduction in the amount of cut-edge
finishing. “I usually can just knock the dross off the back and then take parts to the grinder to clean everything else off,” he says.
“I didn’t decide to automate just to reduce costs,” says Wagner. “I knew it would make life easier around the shop. Now I can make my own brackets rather than outsource. Once I design a new bracket, 20 min. later I have the parts in my hand ready to deliver to the customer. There’s no need to call a
Software
S
Visit us at Fabtech Canada MARCH 18-20 2014 Booth #132
30 MetalForming/September 2014
www.metalformingmagazine.com