The Techserv Spark plasma cutting machine is manufactured in England and designed with ease of operation in mind.
The plasma process differs from conventional machine tools as there is no reaction force from the plasma jet as would be seen with, for example, a milling cutter. With that in mind we designed our Spark machine to be very stiff but with a low mass to improve the cutting of intricate profile features such as small holes. The result is a wholly aluminium chassis with hardened and ground linear slide ways, economically sized motors combined with planetary gearboxes. The resultant machine not only looks elegant, but performs well and is easy to maintain.
Where possible we source parts from global suppliers, such as RS Components, to reduce the ongoing maintenance costs when the comprehensive 12 month warranty has expired.
The Techserv CNC system is packed with features and very easy to use via the intuitive touch screen interface. Powered by a conventional Windows 10 PC the need for expensive future upgrades are eliminated, all software is available from our download site with only six small files containing the machines set-up data. Remote assistance is available free of charge, even when out of the warranty period.
The Techserv CNC system is a multi process controller designed for gas, water-jet and a multiplicity of plasma systems. We have built in several features to produce excellent quality cuts with minimal operator training :-
Techserv Advanced Hole System automatically identifies suitable holes in the incoming CAD geometry and sets the parameters for the lead in, lead out, plasma off, height sense freeze, speed and kerf values to give ‘bolt ready’ holes with minimal taper and minimal start / stop marking. As we do not alter the gas during the cut, our algorithms can also be used with conventional plasma systems with exceptional results.
Fast Part Pierce, this user selectable algorithm reduces the time to cut parts by assessing when the machine needs to perform a full Initial Height Sense cycle or a reduced quick pierce.
Automatic Wear Compensating Height Sense,
again built in to the controller, our height sense system operates in a number of modes:
Conventional – the height sense follows the arc voltage automatically set via the look up tables, useful for thin materials that may deflect during the initial height sense cycle.
Measured – the height sense measures the arc voltage after the arc has stabilised and the optimum cutting height is reached, this height is then maintained, thus compensating for electrode wear.
Camera Scanning,(optional) this clip on scanner follows a black line drawn on white paper and is similar to the traditional ‘magic eye’ scanners. It is useful for one off jobs or for converting cardboard templates into parts. The scanner software produces both a ready to cut CNC file and a DXF that can be uploaded and edited in most CAD programmes.
Data Logging, the CNC system monitors the cutting process and produces a daily cutting log accurate to 1 second. The log includes the job name, start time , stop time, cut time and total job time. Breaks in production can easily be identified with the daily view utilisation chart and the numerical data can be used to corroborate manufacturing / costing estimates. The free viewer programme can be installed on multiple pc systems and when networked to the machine can display live cutting data.
Cut One Part, single parts can be cut from a nest by simply touching the part required, the system then removes that part from the nest for cutting. This is a useful feature to replace parts that have been damaged by subsequent processing or lost.
Machine Details
The machine is designed to give the best possible cut quality for light sheet metal and ducting. Generally steel frame machines cannot accelerate quickly, causing small holes to become oval and corners burnt away.
By using high quality aluminium components the machines moving mass is kept to a minimum giving excellent cutting performance.
Track
A linear bearing is mounted on one side of the cutting bed along with a length of drive rack.
Hose/cable supply
Via drag chain conveyor, capable of carrying the supply hoses, mounted to the side of the machine.
Frame
The main beam is supported on 10mm water jet cut aluminium slide plates these carry the main bearings and are fitted with the drive motors. The precision aluminium extrusion main beam has an integral hardened & ground linear slide bar and drive rack for the top carriage drive.
Cutter carriage
This of manufactured from mild steel for extra strength, it is fitted with four sealed bearings and the drive belt clamp.
Fume extraction cutting table
The down draught fume extraction table, is integral within the frame of the machine.
Controller
The Techserv CNC is a PC based shape cutting controller, suitable for gas, plasma, water jet, laser and other applications.
The controller is based on a PC system running Windows 10
The software is designed to be easy to learn and use with many built in features and is operated using a 15” LCD touch screen.
Start, Stop, Go To and Reverse.
Eight Direction Jog
Graphic display of nest to be cut, with zoom
Real-time Graphics a cursor and path line change shows progress on job
Download files from USB memory stick or network
Touch screen file selection
Select job preview, touch the file name and the part programme is displayed.
Alpha Numeric file name capability
Pre Programmed Standard Shapes with graphical display
Row and Column Nesting
Chain Cutting, Common side Cutting.
Program Rotate, Mirror and Scale
Graphical ‘Touch screen’ Plate Alignment
Status displays for Speed , X & Y position, Program name & status, Messages Etc.
Auto or Manual cutting Mode
Pre heat and pierce times can be taught via the screen
Job interrupt and return, permits move off to replace consumables, with return.
Full reverse along cut
Off path lead in Allows easy restart anywhere along the programme.
Test run facility with joy stick repositioning.
Feed rate override 5 – 200% of set speed
Lost cut recovery
Drive system
Three stepper motor control with rack and pinion drive throughout .
Specification
Plate width 1 metre
Plate length 1 or 2 metres
Cutting speed 50 to 15,000 mm/min
Single plasma head upto 105 amps