Initial position finding when cutting with plasma

Modern systems for cutting thin sheet metal are normally equipped with a tactile position sensor for establishing the initial position by physically making contact with the sheet.

Major manufacturers of plasma systems equip their cutting torches with what is known as a contact sensor and the IHT M 400 PCS Height Control system has a compatible input that accepts this signal.

For those cutting systems that do not have a built in contact sensor, IHT Automation has now developed its own contact sensor that can be fitted to any plasma cutting torch.

Comparison of cutting processes

These days many machine manufacturers try to explain the different cutting methods that exist in such a way that presents their method (and by inference their product) as being the best.
Being independent, we know that choosing the right cutting machine equipped with the best cutting process is very difficult as there are many different systems on the market and many factors to consider when making your choice.

Plasma cutting promises high productivity and high quality water jet systems are able to cope with a wider range of materials. Laser wins when talking about cutting thin materials, and because of its high speed, oxy-fuel cutting has a great advantage when it comes to cutting thick plates.

However other factors such as the useful life of the cutting machine or the reduction of the amount of material which is wasted during cutting are seldom considered despite being highly important.

To help you make your choice, IHT's Telma Keppler has recently written a technical paper that reviews the current state of different cutting processes outlining their advantages and disadvantages, and it also covers several recent innovations in the oxy-fuel cutting industry. Copies of the paper can be obtained free of charge by emailing us at sales@iht-automation.com.