How to setup, program, and operate a CNC plasma table

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Video Description:

Welcome to Dr. DFlo’s mega guide on how to setup, operate, and perfect cuts on a CNC plasma cutter. This video covers everything from the basic principles of plasma generation all the way to programming the toolpaths that control the position and speed of the torch. Perhaps, the most important topic is optimizing both cut speed and quality to produce parts quickly without having to spend time on the backend grinding off excess dross. Unfortunately, there is not a universal setting as the performance of the plasma cutter changes as the consumables (electrode and nozzle) wear. This video will show you have to read the clues (i.e., lag lines) hidden in the edge to tune the speed, height, and amperage of the cut.

If you are new to plasma cutting, then you might not be aware of some of the challenges associated with fabricating parts from large sheets of metal, namely the material handling aspect. In this guide within a guide, learn why a vacuum lifter is the best method for handling thin and thick sheet metal and how to build one. This is just one of several projects featured at the end of the video.

#PlasmaCutting #MasterClass #Fabrication

Table of Contents:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:01:02 – Workflow
00:06:07 – What is Plasma?
00:11:00 – Power Supply
00:17:51 – Torch Design
00:18:33 – Arc Ignition
00:20:22 – Pilot Arc
00:24:05 – Consumables
00:24:13 – Shield
00:24:53 – Nozzle
00:29:17 – Electrode
00:31:38 – Swirl Ring
00:34:32 – Retaining Cap
00:35:20 – SmartSYNC Cartridge
00:37:09 – FineCut Consumables
00:38:00 – Plasma Gas
00:47:42 – Plasma Shape
00:49:00 – Initial Height Sensing (IHC)
00:52:50 – Torch Height Control (THC)
00:55:17 – Plasma Cutting Sequence
00:57:28 – Minimizing Dross (Speed)
01:01:56 – CNC Table Design
01:07:57 – Material Handling
01:11:28 – Cutting Aluminum
01:14:06 – CAM/Toolpaths
01:26:12 – Nesting
01:31:32 – Vacuum Lifter
01:36:55 – Signage
01:37:38 – Fire Pit