Displaying items by tag: Thermal Dynamics

June 8, 2020 - Thermal Dynamics Automation has upgraded its 400-amp cutting system — featuring Ultra-Cut 400 XT high-precision power source, XT torch with QuickPierce consumables and iCNC Performance Controller — to reduce piercing time by up to 40 percent on mild steel thicknesses ranging from 1.25 to 2.0 (30 to 50 mm). Faster piercing time reduces cycle time, especially for plates with a complex parts nest.

Thermal Dynamics also improved the front-end components on its 400-amp consumables and made several other arc starting enhancements to increase parts life, cut longer between consumable changes and lower total cut cost.

“We improved the gas flow routine within the Ultra-Cut® 400 XT high-precision power source and the 400-amp QuickPierce consumables feature more shielding gas ports on the shield cap,” explains Dirk Ott, VP - Global Mechanized Plasma Systems, Thermal Dynamics Automation. “By increasing gas pressure during arc start, we reduce pierce time. Combined with the additional shielding gas ports, we deflect more molten metal away from the consumables. Thermal Dynamics offers a robust solution for cutting steel up to 2 inches thick.”

New Routines

Thermal Dynamics further improved consumables life by adding pierce-on-the-fly and pierce-puddle-avoidance routines within its iCNC Performance Control. Traditional piercing routines keep the torch positioned over one spot until the plasma jet pierces completely through the plate; once the controller senses the pierce, it then moves the torch along the cut path. This routine inherently exposes the consumables to more molten metal.

“Pierce-on-the-fly starts moving the torch after about one-third of the total pierce time,” says Ott. “The groove behind the torch provides an evacuation path for the molten metal, reducing its impact on the consumables. Also, you don’t have to cut through slag puddle at the end of the cut, which promotes a cleaner cut.”

Pierce-puddle-avoidance also extends consumables life by preventing the front end of the torch from touching the puddle during arc start. During arc start, the torch touches the plate, moves to an arc initiation height (which is relatively low) and starts the arc. After a split second, the controller raises the torch to a higher level, holds it there until the arc penetrates the plate, then lowers the torch to cutting height.

“Pierce-puddle-avoidance keeps the torch at a higher level for a second or two longer to minimize the impact of spatter and the chance of touching the puddle,” says Ott.

An integrated Thermal Dynamics system offers industry-best combinations of performance, cut quality and lowest total cost of ownership, especially through improved consumables life. The company offers a cost savings calculator that enables fabricators to see how much they can save by upgrading to a Thermal Dynamics system.

Thermal Dynamics brings intelligence to the automated plasma table with a suite of fully-integrated components that enable users to orchestrate the fastest cut, best cut and lowest cost per cut regardless of operator experience. Visit www.thermal-dynamics.com to learn more.

July 10, 2019 - Thermal Dynamics, an ESAB brand, has launched its new Cutmaster Black Series of enhanced performance plasma cutting consumables, which extend operating life by 60 percent compared to standard life electrodes. They are featured on the SL60QD™ 1Torch®, which comes with the Cutmaster® 60i handheld air plasma cutting system. Coupled with internal enhancements on the Cutmaster 60i, the new electrode design increases the unit’s rated cut and piercing capacity to 3/4 in., a 16.6 percent improvement. The Cutmaster® 60i can sever metal up to 1-1/2 in.

“At 37 lbs., the Cutmaster 60i already offered the best power-to-weight ratio on the market. With the Cutmaster Black Series consumables, this 60-amp unit is even more of a cutting beast,” says Kris Scherm, Global Manual Plasma Business & Product Director, ESAB. “With Cutmaster Black Series consumables, users will enjoy lower overall operating costs through extended electrode life and obtain more quality cuts per electrode.”

The SL60QD™ 1Torch® with Cutmaster Black Series consumables is also available as an option for the Cutmaster 58 handheld air plasma cutting system. This unit can pierce and cut 5/8 in. metal, has a maximum sever capacity of 1 in. and features the classic Cutmaster design.

Mechanized Torch Option

For users who want the flexibility to connect a Cutmaster 60i to a cutting table for semiautomated air plasma cutting, Thermal Dynamics now offers the MechPak mechanized package. MechPak comes with everything users need to get started, including an SL100 mechanized 1Torch with 25 ft. or 50 ft. cable, remote pendant, lead with ATC® Torch Connection and consumables.

“The MechPak features a power connector for a start/stop trigger integrated with the ATC Torch Connection,” says Scherm. “Typically applications would include pairing the Cutmaster 60i and MechPak with an ESAB Miggytrac™ or Railtrac™ tractor for semiautomatic cutting, beveling or plasma gouging.”

The Cutmaster 60i and 58 are covered by ESAB’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, which provides purchase protection any time with the first 100 days of purchase. The units include an industry leading 4-year warranty on the power supply and a 1-year warranty on the 1Torch.