Bevel head produces precise 3D plasma-arc cuts

A bevel head serving as a carrier and guide of the plasma-arc torch is used for precise and variable bevel and section cutting of three-dimensional parts.

Visitors of the recent EuroBLECH 2006 exhibition stand of ESAB Cutting Systems were given the opportunity of convincing themselves of the impressive flexibility of the innovative VBA-Wrist bevel head.

It serves as a carrier and guide of the plasma-arc torch and is used for precise and variable bevel and section cutting of three-dimensional parts.

Typical applications include arc cuts in tank and boiler construction (dished boiler ends), tube cutting as well as all common contour cuts.

With the VBA-Wrist, the plasma cutter can be moved, fully automatically and program-controlled via AC servo motors, in five axes and positioned exactly.

When combined with the ESAB Vision controller, even the tightest bevel tolerances can be realized according to the manufacturer.

Thanks to its compact designs and low weight, the VBA-Wrist can be used with almost any machine size The function of VBA-Wrist follows a completely new, patented principle.

In contrast to conventional systems, the tool centre point (TCP) remains fixed in space during swivelling.

The integration of VBA-Wrist into a CNC machine system allows for an uncomplicated control all cutting tasks, including bevel cutting.

The cutting parameters are automatically set for various material thicknesses and bevel angles.

Completely integrated process parameters ensure a smooth cutting process.

Exactly repeated cycles in bevel cutting for Y- and X-cuts provide highest cutting quality, even for complex geometries.

With the software packages specially developed by ESAB, it is even possible to create complex and individual NC cutting programs quickly and easily.

The anti-collision plasma torch system and the integrated tactile height setting system of VBA-Wrist reduce maintenance requirements and adjustment work to a minimum.

Now, ESAB Cutting Systems also offers the system in combination with a cameral-based plate position monitoring system.

Visual control via the control panel display makes tedious adjustment at the workpiece unnecessary and the user is always kept updated on the current state of the wearing parts at the torch.

With the VBA-Wrist, ESAB has developed a marketable and practical solution for industrial cutting tasks which, so far, mostly required the use of expensive robots.

In combination with the efficient plasma technology, the new system will produce results which will convince the users in particular with an excellent cost-performance ratio.

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