When determining the size of the kerf compensation, it's essential to take into account both the width of the cut and the material reserve needed for further processing. The choice of cutting method, material thickness, and cutting speed all play a critical role in this decision. Typically, for flame cutting on materials thicker than 10mm, and for CNC plasma cutting on materials around 6mm, selecting an appropriate speed is key. The cutting width is generally about 2mm, and the offset amount should be set between 1mm and 2mm to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
The sequence in which the parts are cut also matters significantly. The order of the cutting paths and their orientation should be planned first. There’s a difference in the cutting pattern between inner and outer contours compared to only cutting the outer contour, mainly in the direction of the path. This direction is usually determined by the layout of the material on the cutting table. If multiple parts are being cut from the same sheet, the cutting order should follow a logical sequence—starting with smaller parts before larger ones, and cutting from the inside out. This helps minimize the effects of thermal deformation and improves overall cutting quality.
All line segments represent the actual outlines of the parts being cut, but they are also part of the cutting auxiliary design. The original graphics of the part are typically taken directly from the cutting angle. To ensure that the final cut parts match the design specifications, additional auxiliary lines must be added. These may include the starting point of the cut, the cutting order, or other process-related details. As a result, when designing auxiliary lines such as cutting leads, the arrangement often depends on the specific requirements of the part being cut.
The internal and external cutting contours have a direct impact on the final quality of the cut. Therefore, the operation mode of the CNC plasma cutting machine must be carefully considered. The cutting process is based on the optimal path set by the CNC torch, ensuring precision, efficiency, and minimal material waste. By optimizing these factors, the cutting process becomes more reliable and consistent, leading to better results in the final product.