Plasma-arc cutting system deemed value for money

As part of a recent new facilities investment, NC Engineering has purchased an ESAB Suprarex SXE-P1 high-precision cutting system with plasma-arc unit, fume extraction table and Columbus software.

This is providing many benefits in terms of improved product quality, higher productivity and less rework.

NC Engineering was drawn to the advantage of modern plasma-arc that now rivals lasers in terms of quality of cut and surface finish, precision cutting and minimal dross.

It also has the advantage of lower investment costs.

Most plates processed by NC Engineering are 5m long and range in thickness from 2-30mm.

The Suprarex machine was therefore specified with a cutting capability of 32mm and a bed size of 12 x 3m, which enables a plate to be cut on one end of the machine at the same time as profiled components are being unloaded from the other end.

While the vast majority of plates are mild steel, small quantities of galvanised plates are also processed.

To minimise the risk of dust and to comply with all current legislation, NC Engineering specified a filter bed as an alternative to a more costly water table.

As part of the package, ESAB also supplied a copy of its Columbus part processing software, which works well in combination with NC Engineering's existing 2D/3D CAD software.

The Columbus Data Manager readily imported the 5-6000 standard part files and 5-600 standard nests that NC Engineering has developed over a number of years for its products.

When remnants are being used, the auto-nesting facility within Columbus is useful for maximising material utilisation and minimising waste.

Gordon Moffitt, the assistant works manager, said: 'The Suprarex has given us a step-change in quality and speed in comparison with the older machine.

'The software is also significantly better in terms of managing the database of parts and nests.

'Currently the machine is operating 12-13 hours per day and is proving to be extremely reliable and making a major contribution to our productivity.

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