Thermacut® has recently launched a new HD range of the EX-TRAFIRE® plasma cutting systems. What you can expect and where are they applicable? Read on to find out more.
These powerful plasma cutting systems are designed to meet the rigorous demands of continuous industrial use. The EX-TRAFIRE®HD plasma cutters have a 100% duty cycle for high-quality long cuts in thick sheet metal up to 50 mm and more. In addition to cutting, grid cutting and gouging, they also have an optional marking function. These reliable and durable machines have found a place in many different segments of the industry due to their versatility.
The heavy industry segment
Thanks to their high output power, these machines can deliver continuous top cutting performance and high-removal-rate gouging, which can be used, for example, in the maintenance and manufacture of excavators, tractors or mining machinery. The EX-TRAFIRE®HD range of plasma cutters offers plenty of power for sheets up to 50 mm thick, a wide range of applications, and interfaces for intelligent networking.
General fabrication
The EX-TRAFIRE®HD line of plasma systems can do a lot and withstand even more for your industrial production. They provide clean cuts without the need for subsequent work, helping you to achieve higher productivity.
Structural segment
On the shop floor there is often a need to manually cut large bridge sections or building components. Operators appreciate a flexible plasma cutter that is easy to use and can cut and gouge (weld edge preparation) all types of steel and aluminum.
Shipyards & Offshore
Typical application for the EX-TRAFIRE®HD plasma systems. The construction of ships or foundation structures for offshore wind turbines and drilling rigs requires precise cuts for high-quality components without delay. These new plasma systems are not only extremely robust, productive, and powerful, but also deliver extremely clean and accurate cutting results.
Automotive & Transport
EX-TRAFIRE®HD plasma systems are also ideal for the manufacture and repair of vehicles and their components. They are ideal for heavy cutting and gouging in production and are perfect for semi-finishing and repair work.
Steel Mills & Steel Service Centers
If you process coils and profiles after fabrication, or if you cut sheet metal for further processing, you need to achieve a high cutting rate and good edge quality at the same time. The powerful EX-TRAFIRE®HD plasma systems are ideal for strong, rapid cuts and a wide range of applications in steel mills and steel service centers.
The energy segment
The EX-TRAFIRE®HD plasma cutting systems are suitable for a wide variety of uses in the energy industry, from pipeline construction to wind power plants and right through to turbines and overhead power lines.
The HD range of the EX-TRAFIRE® plasma cutters offers plenty of power for cutting sheet metal up to 50 mm thick and a wide range of applications, including a handy sheet marking function. Make the most of 100% duty cycle for manual cutting up to 50 mm and above, and gouging when removing wear resistant coatings or preparing welds. They are also excellent for mechanized cutting of semi-finished products and are ideal for continuous cutting. All EX-TRAFIRE®HD systems have flexible interfaces that make it easy to implement automated 3Drobotic applications.
These plasma cutting systems are machines you can rely on for your daily work, and they improve your productivity. There is nothing more to say, just try it.
Are you interested in plasma cutters? Visit our websitewww.ex-trafire.com,where you can find the complete range of plasma power supplies by Thermacut®.
Not sure which one to choose? We are here for you! Contact us at extrafire@thermacut.cz.
Text: Thermacut, k.s. Photo: Archive of Thermacut, k.s.
EX-TRAFIRE® plasma cutters have been an important part of the Thermacut® portfolio for several years, and they are offered to our customers worldwide. A few years ago, one of them was purchased by the Czech Assembly Works company from Uhersky Brod. They got the EX-TRAFIRE®75SD plasma cutter.
The company operates worldwide in the field of steel construction for production sites for large wooden materials for the furniture industry, flooring products, or kitchen production. The basic equipment requirement is therefore the ability to thermally cut steel and thin plates up to 20 mm thick (mild steel, Hardox®, aluminum, stainless steel, tubes, sheets) and to cut different shapes at different angles for the creation of such structures.
We have asked Mr. Martin Kočica, the founder and supervisor of the company, for a short interview. He briefly introduced his business, told us what demanding tasks the equipment must fulfill, and why he decided to purchase a plasma cutter by Thermacut®.
Mr. Kočica, tell us please, what is your business about?
Locksmith production, installation of air conditioning, and filtration equipment to achieve the lowest possible amount of production waste into the air.
What does your work involve in practice?
Our activities include building equipment, installation of piping, steel construction, etc.
Why did you decide to invest in a plasma cutter?
We decided to invest mainly for practical reasons. We often need to cut materials and to make irregular shapes, where the angle grinder isn´t a suitable tool to use because of difficult manipulation.
What are the main advantages you see in buying a plasma power supply?
The most important advantage we can see is a considerable decrease in consumption of grinder pads / discs for Hardox® and other steel sheets resistant to abrasion. Other benefits we can highlight are high cutting speed and perfect torch flexibility, even in narrow spaces that are difficult to reach.
How often do you use plasma cutting technology for metal cutting?
On a daily basis.
Why Thermacut®?
Because Thermacut® is a Czech company offering cost-effective machines. We also like the fast communication, availability of consumables, and technical service.
Would you recommend the investment in a plasma cutter?
Yes, I would.
Have you already experienced our after-sale service? What has it been like?
Yes, I have, and we have had no problem with that.
Thank you for the interview, your time and we wish you good luck in your business.
Are you interested in plasma cutters? Visit our websitewww.ex-trafire.com,where you can find the complete range of plasma power supplies by Thermacut®.
Not sure which one to choose? We are here for you! Contact us at extrafire@thermacut.cz.
Text: Thermacut, k.s. Photo: Archive of Thermacut, k.s.
Are you new to plasma cutting and uncertain about which gases to choose to achieve the best results? Although there is a lot of information everywhere, the average operater, especially a newbie, might get lost quickly. Let´s clear it up once and for all.
Depending on the metal that you´re cutting, you´ll require different types of gases, or a special mixture of gases. In this article we will focus on their main characteristics and recommend which metals various gases are suitable to cut.
The most common plasma cutting gases include compressed air, oxygen, nitrogen mixtures (N2/CO2; N2/H20; and (N2)2/air), and argon-hydrogen. All of them work relatively well on thinner sheets of metal, one-half inch or less (≤ 12 mm), but when the plate thickness increases, fabricators typically use a combination of these gases to improve production.
FOUR WIDELY USED PLASMA CUTTING GASES
1. COMPRESSED AIR
Compressed air is the most versatile plasma gas, providing good ratio of cut quality and speed on low alloyed steel (mild steel), stainless steel, and aluminum. The big advantage is lower operation cost because it´s not necessary to purchase it. On the other hand, it is necessary to maintain a compressor on a regular basis, and keep it free from any particles or oil mist and moisture. Using compressed air, some kind of oxidation and nitriding can occur on the cut surface, which can cause porosity with a negative impact on the following weldability. The issue is usually corrected by using high-quality weld wire with denitrifiers afterwards.
Suitable for metals:
Mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum
Recommended material thickness:
Up to 1 inch (≤ 25 mm)
Application
Cutting, gouging, marking (EX-TRAFIRE® HD line)
The best solution forEX-TRAFIRE® plasma cutting systems is a good-sized air compressor with a gas flow output more than 200 lpm (7.1 scf/m) depending on the type of power supply. The gas pressure value should be at least 0.8 bar (11 PSI) above the required dynamic cutting pressure, depending on the torch type. For example, the FHT-EX®105RTX torch at 105 A requires dynamic pressure of 5.2 bar (75 PSI) / 140 lpm (5 scf/m) for cutting applications. That means the input pressure into the power supply should be at least 6 bar (87 PSI) / 170 lpm (6 scf/min) – including a little buffer reserve. The more lpm the better.
2. OXYGEN
In industry, oxygen is the number one gas for cutting mild steel because of clean, good-quality cuts, leaving only a slight layer of dross (mineral waste formed on the surface of molten metal), that´s ease to remove from the kerf due to the low surface tension. In addition, cutting with oxygen increases cutting speed in comparison with other plasma gases. Oxygen works effectively in combination with other secondary fuels as well. Oxygen isn´t recommended for cutting stainless steel or aluminum.
The main disadvantage of oxygen is the high gas price, and in some cases slightly reduced consumable lifetime. It also doesn´t work on shiny surfaces.
Suitable for metals:
Mild steel
Recommended material thickness:
Up to 1 ¼ inches (≤ 32 mm)
Application
Cutting
Oxygen isn´t used and allowed for the EX-TRAFIRE® plasma cutting systems.
3. NITROGEN
Earlier, nitrogen was used in legacy plasma torches. Nowadays nitrogen is often used for higher current plasma systems, for cutting materials up to 3 inches (≤ 75 mm). The best results are achieved while cutting stainless steel and aluminum, but fair cut quality is achieved on mild steel too, although some dross may occur. By itself, it’s most effective on smooth and shiny thin sheets. A bit advantage of nitrogen is excellent cut quality and extended consumables lifetime. On the other hand, nitrogen is an expensive gas.
For thicker metals it´s better to use nitrogen in combination with carbon dioxide, with air, or with argon as a secondary gas.
CO2 slightly improves surface finish, increases cutting speed and extends consumables lifetime
Air is the best secondary gas when you´re using a nitrogen plasma system
Water as a secondary, if the system allows, must be used with a water table
Suitable for metals:
Stainless steel, aluminum
Recommended material thickness:
Up to 3 inches (≤ 75 mm)
Application
Cutting
Referring to the first paragraph, compressed air contains around 75% nitrogen, so nitrogen and its mixtures are also suitable gases for the EX-TRAFIRE® power supplies. They are recommended for stainless steel or aluminum cutting.
4. ARGON HYDROGEN*
Argon is a rare, therefore expensive, inert gas, unreactive with the metals being cut. Using argon while cutting is advantageous. It stabilizes the arc and prevents atmospheric contamination of welding pools, but it can´t work alone because of its low conductivity.
Hydrogen is a perfect thermal conductor and can quickly cool hot metal surfaces. For these reasons it is optimal for cutting aluminum and high alloyed steel (stainless steel). Although it has excellent conductivity, its low atomic weight prevents it from having high kinetic energy. Just like argon, it must be combined with other gases.
The standard argon-hydrogen mixture is 65% argon and 35% hydrogen. This argon-hydrogen mixture is the best for thick stainless steel and aluminum plates that exceed 3 inches. For cutting mild steel it isn´t recommended. In addition to cutting, the argon-hydrogen mixture is also suitable for plasma gouging on any materials. Argon-hydrogen provides a straight, very smooth cut, and an almost polished surface on high alloyed steel (stainless steels). The combination offers the maximum cutting capacities. Due to the high purchase price, operation with argon-hydrogen is less economical.
* Prior to use, ensure that your system is safe and compatible with argon-hydrogen gas.
Suitable for metals:
Stainless steel, aluminum
Recommended material thickness:
Up to 4 inches (≤ 100 mm)
Application
Cutting, gouging, marking
Argon and its mixtures are suitable for the EX-TRAFIRE® power supplies for marking application using the EX-TRAFIRE® HD line. Compared to compressed air, marking with argon will prevent grooves that are too deep and wide. In other words, you can achieve better results.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
Considering the most common materials you cut, their thickness, required cut quality and your financial requirements, here are some brief conclusions:
The most economical and versatile gas for plasma cutting is clean compressed air, which fits for mild and stainless steel, and aluminum as well
Oxygen is the best for mild steel cutting, where air is used as a shielding gas, with good cut quality, fast cutting speed and only a low, easily removable dross
When you need to cut mainly stainless steel and aluminum, use nitrogen plasma in combination with CO2 to reach the best cost-performance ratio
For very thick stainless steel and aluminum plates, argon-hydrogen in combination with nitrogen as a secondary gas is the best choice to get a perfect cut quality for the cost
The most suitable plasma gas for the EX-TRAFIRE® plasma cutting systems is clearly compressed air. The main benefits are reduced initial and operating cost, and easy accessibility (just a compressor with correctly set parameters).
A possible alternative for cutting stainless steel or aluminum is nitrogen. Using nitrogen requires only slight adjustment of cutting parameters compared to the compressed air.
For the purpose of marking plates with the EX-TRAFIRE® HD line, the best choice is clearly argon. Using a special range of consumables for marking applications, you can achieve nice, smooth, mild, and narrow grooves.
We hope you found this article useful. If you need any advice in this area, do not hesitate to contact us. You can contact us at this email address: extrafire@thermacut.cz
Text: Thermacut, k.s. Photo: Archive of Thermacut, k.s.
In many areas of industry, heavily stressed functional surfaces are reinforced by deposition welding protective coatings. During the service life of a component, it often makes sense to remove worn protective layers and to apply new protective coatings to the heavily stressed areas. Here, the plasma gouging process offers an economical and ecologically responsible alternative to the conventional removal process with carbon rod electrodes.
In cooperation with a German specialist for the production and regeneration of complex wear protection systems, Thermacut® has qualified plasma gouging as a process suitable for the thermal removal of worn wear protection layers on tool joints and stabilizers on components from the offshore industry.
In preliminary tests with Thermacut®FHT-EX® plasma gouging torches, the suitability of the process for the common iron- and nickel-based wear protection alloys was first demonstrated. Furthermore, the specific advantages of the plasma gouging process were shown, especially in comparison to the conventional process with carbon electrodes.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PLASMA GOUGING PROCESS FOR REMOVAL OF WORN PROTECTIVE LAYERS
higher material removal rate,
lower noise emissions,
easier handling,
smoother and cleaner surfaces
no rework
more targeted process control
Due to the high thermal effect (22 kW electric arc power) of the plasma jet, coating thicknesses between 1 and 8 mm can be removed in a single operation. Although the PGP (plasma gouging process) can be used effectively with flat and irregular surfaces, it reveals its full advantages in automated use with rotationally symmetrical components such as tool joints and stabilizers. Through continuous movement of the Thermacut® FHT-EX® plasma torch, old wear protection coatings are removed evenly with constant surface quality. The component surfaces can thus be protected for renewed use with new welds after removal by PGP without further post-processing.
Check out both videos showing FHT-EX® torches used for gouging
Are you interested in the modern and capable FHT-EX® plasma cutting and gouging torch made by Thermacut®? Visit the web site www.ex-trafire.com, download a catalogue and contact your local Thermacut® office.
Text: Thermacut, k.s. Photos: archive of Thermacut, k. s.
Most producers are facing strong competition, and to be successful they must earn a customer’s trust. A good, long-term relationship is usually based on stable product quality, high-level customer support, and finally on the availability of technical support. As Thermacut® has evolved over the 30 years of its existence, from an aftermarket producer to an OEM and solutions provider, it can afford a comparison.
PERMANENT ENHANCEMENT OF CURRENT TECHNOLOGIES
Today there is an increased emphasis on product quality. First, the quality is determined by materials used, and that is the same for all producers. What makes the difference is the level of processing technology and construction properties.
The more modern machine facilities the company has at its disposal, the more perfect and precise processing can be achieved. Consistency in quality control is important, of course.
Construction properties
An experienced development team is dedicated to parts enhancement, focusing on the improvement of their useful properties. Suggested solutions are subsequently evaluated in the test laboratory, where parts are proven with demanding lifetime and cut quality tests.
PRICE AFFORDIBILITY
Since the goal is not to lower the parts quality, which is usually the same or even better than OEM, affordability must be achieved other way. For example, better affordability can be realized through high volume production or simply by a lower trading margin than OEMs to remain competitive.
CUSTOMER AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT
In addition to price, the friendly, personal approach of the Sales Department and good after-sales service are often crucial from the customer´s point of view. Selecting a suitable supplier involves more than price comparison and product quality. The selection process must also consider the existence of skilled and competent staff that can provide a variety of services.
FROM AN AFTERMARKET MANUFACTURER TO THE OEM SOLUTIONS PROVIDER
From the very beginning, the Thermacut® company put an emphasis on high quality and product innovations, whose design construction was often patent protected. The Thermacut® R&D Department is dedicated to enhancement of existing technologies in the field of plasma, laser and oxy-fuel cutting. The test laboratory has been founded for evaluating new parts, and it serves as a training centre as well. The effort and energy invested are worth it in the long term. Basically, we can say that the elementary capabilities of the Thermacut® company and OEM producers don´t differ.
ADDED VALUE OF INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS AND SMART SOLUTION PRODUCT
Thermacut® Smart Solution replacement parts suitable for Hypertherm® Powermax® 65,85,105 and Duramax® hand/machine torch
How do these parts differ from originals? They differ in a unique solution using a two-piece swirl ring, patented elliptical nozzle shape, and unique design of the shield and retaining cap. Using these parts in a set, they can also be assembled into the OEM torch. These innovative products provide consumers lots of benefits such as enhanced lifetime of the replacement parts, better cooling, and high cut quality.
Elliptical nozzles suitable for Hypertherm®
The patented elliptical shape of the nozzle combined with shield and retaining cup use a modified gas flow design, which offers improved consumable cooling and focusing of the plasma arc with a strong gas shielding barrier. This results in improved consumable lifetime and cut quality and resistance against the blowback of melted metal.
SilverEX-®electrodes
The fact is, silver conducts electricity better than copper. So Thermacut® engineered an electrode from end to end using solid, pure silver and combined it with special alloys to increase overall durability. Because more power is delivered directly to the cut, you can dramatically increase your cutting speed up to 40%. But silver has another unique property. It transfers heat better than copper, which means your torch with a SilverEX-® Electrode will run cooler. The cooler your torch operates, the longer all your consumables will last.
SilverPRO electrodes
Thermacut’s new SilverPRO electrodes are the optimal combination of a copper electrode body and silver-pro insert. Our solid silver insert conducts the flow of electricity extremely well and simultaneously dissipates the heat of the plasma arc better than standard electrodes, resulting in longer electrode life. All this for lower costs compared to electrodes made entirely from silver.
Patent protected design of Thermacut replacement parts suitable forESAB® IPQ
Using a unique design solution, this set of consumables for oxy-fuel cutting offers a proven positive effect on the parts lifetime thanks to the layout of the sealing elements on the outer and inner diameters of parts.
In the end, the final decision of which supplier to choose is up to the customer. Should he trust the OEM manufacturer or decide to build a relationship with an alternative supplier? Both try to maximize customer satisfaction. Indeed, with the same level of material inputs and using the same production technology, very similar results and cut quality are achieved. There are other crucial factors that matter, such as price policy, availability of the parts, and customer and technical support. That´s why getting Original doesn´t always mean getting the best.
Learn more about whole Thermacut® assortment and visit the official web site www.thermacut.com
*Thermacut® is no way affiliated with Hypertherm®, Kjellberg® and Esab®.
Text: Thermacut, k.s. Photos: archive of Thermacut, k. s.
Cutting small holes with an air plasma system is a challenging task. It usually requires advanced professional skills and work experience. Deep knowledge of the plasma technology, material characteristics and proper setting of the machine are the key factors for great cutting performance.
One of the most frequently asked questions from our customers at professional training sessions and meetings is how to cut the best small circle holes. In the previous published article “Make your tinsmithing work easier with a small yet powerful plasma cutter” we described cutting small holes with a handheld plasma cutter. This time let´s focus on how to cut small holes with a mechanized air plasma system. For metal sheets with a thickness of minimum of 5mm, we speak of a small hole with a diameter equal to or less than twice the thickness of the metal being cut.
The machine operators often face a challenge to achieve good cut quality. The top of the cut piece is more or less satisfactory, but the hole cross-section tapers towards the bottom side and thus the cut surface is not square.
What are the most important factors affecting the circle cut quality?
1. THC (Torch Height Control) ensuring the automatic control of torch to workpiece distance.
2. The top-quality plasma system with a reliable torch. The plasma system needs to operate with the highest accuracy, no vibration, ensuring smooth torch movement on the CNC gantry cutting machine.
3. Offline programming software supporting the adjustment of cutting parameters suitable for small circle cutting, such as cutting speed setup, auto speed reduction, pierce position, torch height, kerf width, lead in and lead outs.
The system should be able to recognize a small circle and automatically apply adjusted parameters, which is usually the same as the contour cuts, in order to achieve the best results and to avoid possible mistakes. The pierce itself should start on the piercing height in the middle of the circle. Afterwards the THC moves the torch into the correct cutting height, leads in and starts cutting the circle.
The CNC control system should be able to distinguish the material thickness and be able to decrease the cutting speed in comparison with the straight edge cutting speed at a given material thickness. What is also very important is finishing the cut. Try to overburn the trajectory leading into the kerf where the start-cut was, with the torch remaining at the same height. That way the starting point will be less visible. This all is automatically set by the smart software blocking the THC control during the circle cutting operation.
Remember that good cut quality is often the combination and seamless interaction of a high-quality torch, programming software, CNC machine accuracy, condition of the consumables, and THC system.
Complementary information
Check out the video’s series with the correct settings of
In this second part of our miniseries about a maintenance, the focus is on a caring for EX-TRACK®CNC portable cutting system. In this article there are tips and advice on how best to maintain the machine to keep it fully workable and safe.
Only regular maintenance helps to prevent unexpected machine failures. These failures are unnecessary and, above all, have a negative economic impact, especially if you don’t expect them. They lead to production stoppages, delayed delivery times, loss of customer trust, profit loss and higher repair costs.
EX-TRACK®CNC PORTABLE CUTTING SYSTEM
There is a minimum requirement for maintaining the EX-TRACK®CNC system and keeping it in optimum and safe condition. The frequency at which the maintenance schedule is applied is often based on workload and jobsite conditions.
Cleaning the system Running checks of the systems cleanliness during and after the cutting process is a fundamental requirement. Prior to any cleaning, disconnect the electrical power supply to the system. Check the drive mechanisms for any build-up of debris, dust, scale, or slag. Use a clean cloth or soft brush, clean down the area. Do not use abrasive cleaning tools such as a steel wire brush. This can damage the material surface, making it more prone to contaminants sticking and building up. The track and rack should be constantly monitored for debris build-up. Use a soft brush such as a brass wire, cotton cloth, or clean dry compressed air to remove any contaminants.Lubricants can also be used on the rack, but sparingly as excessive lubricant will attract a contaminant build-up. Keep the system main unit clean, use a soft cotton cloth to wipe down the CNC/operator panel. Ensure that the USB port cover is fully closed when not in use and keep the surrounding area clean.
System lubrication Before each use of the system, check the lubrication of the drive mechanisms. An indication of excessive wear to the drive mechanism or rack is noted when cut parts display an irregular edge surface.
Drive motor adjustment After a period of use, it is normal for working parts of the system to show varying degrees of wear. A suitably qualified person can perform adjustments to the drive motors to realign the system and maintain cutting accuracy.
Oxy-fuel nozzle maintenance It is generally known that the condition of the nozzle affects the cut quality. To clean and maintain the nozzle correctly, remove the nozzle from the torch. Inspect the nozzle for wear, remove any spatter, dross, slag, or soot build-ups. Do not use a steel wire brush and use the supplied nozzle kit to clean the nozzle. Re-fit the nozzle after cleaning, check for leaks and make a short test cut to ensure that the nozzle is cutting true.
*As for all maintenance work, please use the PPE required by local law.
(Personal Protective Equipment)
Was the article interesting for you? For more information please do not hesitate to contact us at the following email: extrack@thermacut.cz
Text: Thermacut, k. s., Photo: archive of Thermacut, k. s.
The Thermacut Smart Solution label signifies a wide range of cost effective, evaluated, high-quality products that are manufactured in the EU and comply with existing quality and work-place safety regulation standards. THERMACUT® replacement filter cartridges are suitable for KEMPER® fume extraction systems. They improve performance, extend the service life, and deliver filtration efficiency values that are considerably better than the permitted threshold limit.
Filter cartridges are a part of a large filtration system used during cutting and welding applications. After the fume extraction, smaller or larger particles settle on the surface of the cartridge elements.
The filter´s material can separate ultrafine dust particles down to 0.1µm or even smaller. Compare that to commonly used filters.
RESULT? Efficient filtration and longer filter lifetime!
While cleaning, you reverse the process and the coated filter surface is easier to clean.
Work-place safety regulation compliant.
Minimizes the amount of particles that stick to the filter after cleaning.
Less pressure is needed for cleaning.
Less energy
Less noise radiation
Increased filter service life.
THREE MAIN BENEFITS
High Performance
IFA filter class “M” for high levels of dust & smoke contaminants (in accordance with the standard DIN EN60335-2-69, annex AA)
Large filter surface area reduces the filter load and extends its service life.
Designed for continuous industrial operation.
Versatility
Long-life blended filter material for capture of dust and fumes
IFA-certified filter materials
For indoor and outdoor use in fume extraction systems
For plasma, laser and oxyfuel cutting and welding.
Easy to use
242 g/m2 high-quality ePTFE filter material
Compact, extremely stable cartridge filters
Quick and easy installation
Reduced service and maintenance costs
The replacement filter cartridges are available in various lengths, diameters, and filtration surfaces.
400 mm length – 4 m2 filter size
600 mm length – 10 m2 filter size
1200 mm length – 20 m2 filter size
Ordering information
Click and download the plasma catalogue right here: http://www.thermacut.net/ The replacement filter cartridges ca be found under the ACCESSORIES section.
Thank you for reading this article. If you need any further assistance with choosing the right filter cartridge, pleasecontact us. We are fully at your service at the following email address: sales@thermacut.cz.
The filter cartridges shown above are not original cartridges, but high-quality replacement filters in OEM quality, which are made from certified filter media.
Text: Thermacut, k.s. Photos: archive of Thermacut, k. s.
*THERMACUT® is registered trademark of THERMACUT, K.S. and may be registered in Czech Republic and/or other countries. All other brand names and trademarks are properties of their respective owners. THERMACUT® is no way affiliated with KEMPER®.
The potential uses of plasma cutters are vast. The cutting technology is well-known and widely used in industrial plants processing flat metallic materials, such as sheet steel of various thicknesses. However, plasma cutters will also find use in smaller companies that focus on cutting, bending or otherwise shaping thin metal sheets. A typical example of such use is tinsmithing. Here the small yet powerful plasma cutter becomes an invaluable assistant.
Tinsmithing has become a traditional craft that is indispensable to construction of new buildings or renovation of older houses, apartments and other buildings. It is the last step of the construction process, ensuring that the structure is leak-proof and that the roof fulfills its protective function. Tinsmithing does not involve just the construction of eaves as many might imagine, but also includes metal plating the chimney, valley, and windowsills, and installing drainpipes, gable trim etc.
It is often necessary to make cut outs in metal or saw a hole into it, sometimes repeatedly — for example, when connecting or anchoring eaves. Thermacut’s EX-TRAFIRE®30H plasma cutter is ideal for these purposes due to its favorable price-to-power ratio.
Let’s take a look at what to do step by step.
CUTTING SMALL HOLES STEP BY STEP
1. Step
First, we prepare the table for cutting (the table differs from the classic workshop table). Place the template and draw the openings onto the metal sheet. You can also use a pair of compasses to achieve perfectly round circles. Secure the template with clamps.
2. Step
To cut the holes, we will use handheld plasma cutter EX-TRAFIRE®30H. Set the power supply to the appropriate cutting parameters according to the instruction manual. In our example, we cut a 1 mm thick sheet using consumables from the 30 A series.
3. Step
And done! Quick and simple!
Sometimes an inspiring video can say more than a thousand words. And we made one for you! Just click the link below: https://youtu.be/5GotIppQhGM
We can use the same process to cut circular holes to create a drip edge. You can see the end result in the pictures below.
The EX-TRAFIRE®30H single-phase plasma cutter, which we are presenting here, is a handheld cutting system with non-detachable FHT-EX®30H torch with a 4 meter length and a non-detachable work conductor with a 6 meter length. It also features an ergonomic torch handle which reduces fatigue during long-term use. The system is compact and highly flexible for cutting in hard-to-reach places. It is particularly suitable for cutting sheet metal up to a thickness of 10 mm while providing sufficient power reserve.
You can find more information at www.ex-trafire.comor scan the QR code below to take a look at videos on the Thermacut YouTube channel.
We hope you liked the article. If you need additional information or advice, do not hesitate to ask. You can contact us at:ex-trafire@thermacut.cz
Text: Thermacut k.s Photos: Thermacut, k. s. archive
Thermacut®, The Cutting Company®, EX-TRAFIRE®30H, FHT-EX®30H, EX-TRAFIRE®SD are registered trademarks of Thermacut, k.s. and may be registered in the Czech Republic or other countries.
Introducing the EX-TRACK® CNC, a compact track-mounted oxy-fuel or plasma CNC Profile Cutting System that´s lightweight, portable, and economical.
The EX-TRACK®CNC is the first motor driven model in THERMACUT’S brand new “Value Series” of CNC Profile Cutting Systems, offering affordable profile cutting solutions. The size and weight of the EX-TRACK®CNC make it easy to transport and set up anywhere. This user friendly, oxy-fuel or plasma automated CNC profile cutting system offers complete versatility and represents an outstanding “value for costs” package.
The EX-TRACK®CNC is equipped with a built-in Color screen, eliminating the need to integrate an external controller to the system. Simple, menu-driven operation is easy to learn and use. The library of 24 common shapes minimizes programming and setup time. Dimensions are easily editable to create custom shapes without any actual programming.
The CNC system recognizes basic M- and G-Code programming; off-line programmed NC files can easily be transferred to the system using a standard USB connection. THERMACUT´S versatile Profile Cutting System is well-suited for both oxy-fuel and plasma cutting processes. A motorized lifter is fitted as standard feature and can carry an oxy-fuel or plasma torch. Arc Voltage Height Control (AVC) automatically maintains a consistent cutting height for the plasma torch. The Tip- touch IHS feature locates the plate surface and sets the correct pierce height during the automated plasma cutting process. It also detects torch crashes by sensing the plate during cutting, and activating the auto shut-off to protect the plasma system. A Cutting Oxygen solenoid valve provides automatic cutting when using an oxy-fuel torch.
The EX-TRACK®CNC delivers accurate, reliable performance. A precision-built, heavy duty guide rail ensures stable motion of the crossbeam, and full support for the cutting torch. Precision linear rails minimize vibration, ensuring accurate cutting throughout the entire job.
The EX-TRACK®CNC can be easily outfitted with an optional THERMACUT® EX-TRAFIRE® plasma package. Using the EX-TRAFIRE® Plasma range, the EX-TRACK®CNC can rapidly cut mild steel and aluminum up to 35 mm thick, or stainless steel up to 25 mm thick (piercing).
The EX-TRACK®CNC is ideal for technical colleges, small fab shops, boat yards, maintenance and repair shops, or for portable use within larger facilities or construction sites.
The EX-TRACK® is available for cutting sizes up to 3050 × 1525 mm (10 × 5 Ft), with a position speed of up to 3.000 mm/min.
For more information please see our websites www.ex-track.com, where you can also download all the needed documents. In case you needed any other help, please do not hesitate to contact us at the following email: extrack@thermacut.cz
Text: Thermacut, k. s. Photos: archive of Thermacut, k. s.
