Plasma Torch collision protector

[big iron]

Is there any one out there that makes a Plasma torch holder with collision protection that does not brake away from the holder and swing from a cable?
Why can't there be a holder with some kind of flex unit built into the mount that trips a switch to freeze the drive motors at the first sign of a collision or torch drag.

[jimcolt]

Virtually all industrial cnc plasma manufacturers offer a variety of collision sensor designs that allow the torch to swing out of the way when a collision occurs and instantly stop the machines motion. These have ben available for over 20 years. Her is a link to one of the more popular pneumatic designs from a company called Applied Robotics....thes have been used by many cnc manufacturers.
Applied Robotics: Solutions in reach | QS-AW

There also are a variety of magnetic breakaways that have a built in proximity switch to stop machine motion in the event of a breakaway....Hypertherm has used these for years on its height control systems.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

Originally Posted by big iron Is there any one out there that makes a Plasma torch holder with collision protection that does not brake away from the holder and swing from a cable? Why can't there be a holder with some kind of flex unit built into the mount that trips a switch to freeze the drive motors at the first sign of a collision or torch drag.

[adscnc]

Can these systems be used to act as a guard against industrial accidents. I.e. Someone putting their hand in the way of the torch during cutting?

[jimcolt]

No....these devices are designed to protect the torch and machine from collision damage.

Jim

[Danno]

Slightly off topic, but you mentioned a "magnetic" breakaway.
Wouldn't placing magnets near the plasma source cause problems with the arc, much like TIG welding near a magnet ?

[jimcolt]

No.....the magnets would have to be very powerful to affect the plasma arc....and they would have to be near the arc. The magnetic mounting devices are up the torch barrell a few inches.

Once the plasma gas is ionized in the torch...it is magnetic......befor it is ionized it is simply air. The ionization occurs inside the nozzle orifice.If you are cutting right next to powerful magnets...or on plate that has highly magnetic areas (which we run into with certain types of plate....especially when it is handled by lifting magnets) the arc can be affected.


Jim Colt

[Danno]

Thanks for clearing that up !!