Cutting thin aluminum

[neonguy]

I am trying my hand at cutting 0.05” aluminum. I’m using a Powermax 600 and FineCut consumables with THC. I have tried a number of cut speeds and cut heights with no real success. I’m finding it is almost impossible to hold the Al down; it begins to warp almost immediately.

I have the torch referencing Z at every pierce, but it seems like the torch head is pushing down the Al and then it springs back up, thus I never get a proper cut height.

I get the best results using these settings:
Pierce height = 0.2”
Cut Height = 0.03”
Cut speed = 120ipm
Current = 40amps
Torch/arc voltage = 65V



On my last attempt the plasma arc seemed to surge/pulse in and out, I have never encountered this before?


Thanks for any and all help you might be able to give!
Marc Harmon

[CNCRim]

I don't you will have problem holding it by use vacumm fixture, it should eliminate the warp.

[Torchhead]

If you build in a counterbalance spring in the floating head so very little force is needed to push the tip up for surface sensing you can cut thin material easier. Just put in something that you can adjust and where you can set almost netural "boyancy". I had to do this on 16Ga. My down force is adjustable on the torch so I can set it. You DO need to keep the rails and slide on the floating head very clean and lubricated or it will hang and cause problems on the touch-off.