Plasma cutting questions?

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1: Can you cut metals in multiple passes with plasma? Like, if you had an underpowered machine, can you cut things in multiple passes? 2: If not multiple passes, could you just go really slow and still get away with using an underpowered machine? What would happen if you tried this?3: In general, what happens when you try to cut past a machine's rated capacity? I am building a CNC plasma cutter and am trying to decide if I should just get one of the larger 40A 2XX volt cutters, or use a smaller (say, 15-25A) one and just use it longer. Being that the machine is CNC and is being built to cut flanges out of large sheets, time isn't really a big deal. However, I am concerned about my total current capacity with the plasma cutter going, if I were to try to do other stuff (weld, for instance) while the plasma cutter is going. So basically, if I can use half the current and take twice the time, I think I might be better off. Or, I could just buy the bigger one and only use it when I am not getting after it with other equipment. Or I could just get another mill and use that for the flanges, being that it would use like, 20% (or less) of the power that the plasma cutter uses. Thanks!Last edited by JMcDonald; 06-14-2007 at 12:08 AM.
Reply:The smaller the cutter, the shorter the duty cycle, too.  May not be a problem for YOU to take longer, but it sure will for the cutter, esp. on a CNC table that can start each cut more often than a manual operator.Multiple passes are pretty much not possible, unless the second pass were from the backside.  And let's not even talk about the quality of the cut!
Reply:With a CNC machine you want the ability to cut in one pass. Multiple passes will cause distortion, ugly cuts and a wider kerf.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:That makes sense about the duty cycle! I suppose with long operation times it would overheat and cause damage to the cutter? So, it's either a larger mill or just bite the bullet and deal with the greater power requirements of a good sized plasma cutter.
Reply:I would say a Spectrum 625 would be minimum equipment on a CNC table.
Reply:Thermal Dynamics 51...ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!