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Sunday, August 28, 2011

Plasma cutter reviews

There are many ways to cut metal. You might go in for a conventional welding torch but a better option would be to use a plasma cutter. These are tools specially designed for cutting metal, such as stainless steel and aluminum. It employs the latest technology to cut metals accurately. These machines do the tough job of cutting heavy metals effortlessly and within a short time. A few years ago, these tools were considered to be very expensive. But nowadays, plasma cutters can be purchased for approximately $1000, which is quite reasonable. One disadvantage of these tools, is that they make a lot of noise. So it is advised to wear hearing protection devices when these machines are operating.

Plasma cutter reviews are extremely important, especially when it comes to buying this machine. There are a number of websites that provide such reviews. Going through these reviews, you can educate yourself about the benefits and drawbacks of this tool. These reviews may also discuss the various issues associated with plasma cutters. Plasma cutter reviews provide additional knowledge about the machine and are written by people who are already using it. Thus plasma cutter reviews is a medium where people who have tried these machines, can share their experiences. You also get to know whether the user was satisfied with its performance or not. These reviews express what difficulties users may have faced initially. They give an overview of the product that can help you decide, whether it is feasible to purchase this product.

Plasma cutter
Plasma cutter reviews will point out where to find cutters of high quality and at affordable prices. People looking for inexpensive plasma cutters have found these reviews extremely beneficial. Many people are apprehensive about the usage and efficiency of plasma cutters. All these doubts can be cleared by reading these reviews. Some reviews also mention the precautions that should taken when using the machine. You would always like to buy plasma cutters from manufacturers who are well known for their superior quality. Miller plasma cutter, Esab plasma cutter and Hobart plasma cutter are some of the popular brands available in the market. These machines also come in different models. Some are light, while others bulky and heavy. Reading these reviews will help you figure out which is the one that suits your requirements.



Plasma cutter reviews is an easy way to educate yourself about the quality of the product. Buying plasma cutters requires a lot of homework. However, this can be reduced by simply reading these reviews. Most plasma cutters reviews mention that the cutter is efficient and easy to use. They also mention that the tool is a good investment. Many reviews have praised the plasma cutter's ability to cut thicker metals. They have even described it as a tool with unbelievable cutting power.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

What Is An Autocad DXF File? And Is It Useful?

DXF, or Drawing Interchange Format as it known as, is a CAD data file format. It may also be referred to as a Drawing Exchange Format as it does exactly this.

Originally created by Autodesk, the makers of Autocad, the DXF enables data exchange between Autocad programs and other similar programs in the industry. Drawing Interchange Format was created in 1982 for the original Autocad and was used to represent Autocads natural format.

Autocad DXF File
Since then, specifications have been made so that other CAD programs can correctly exchange data. Yet as Autodesk has upgraded Autocad, making it more complex and powerful, the DXF has not been as useful in exchanging and conveying data in other programs.

Since then Autocad has moved onto to the DWG (drawing) file, which stores 3 dimensional design data in a number of CAD programs, including Autocad, IntelliCAD and Caddie. It is also useful in CAD applications which support a variety of CAD files.

The DWG drawing file is likely to be the most popular file format for CAD programs you are likely to come across. Like DXF it was created and implemented by Autodesk, thus the file format is always up to date with AutoCAD technology.

Autocad DXF File
Currently Autodesk have a free DWG viewer, known as Autodesk DWG TrueView, which lets you view both DXF and DWG files without program bias. It enables you to see your 3 dimensional drawings just as you would in AutoCAD. To complement this, they have another program that is free, Design Review, which enables you to open DWG files and use the mark up measures of Autodesk software.



Both DXF and DWG files are in use within the design industry. Autodesk not forgetting this, has put great effort in to enable people to cross use these files in CAD programs and display them via the use of Autocad. Autodesks new freeware has enabled many to share with ease, older or different formats, enabling better communication of ideas within the design industry.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Laser cutting is a good idea

In the line of engineering, accuracy is of utmost importance. Laser cutting uses machines to help contour metal sheets to create complex looking exterior. The laser beam is around 2 mm in diameter and touches the surface to be cut at power ranging between 1000 to 2000 watts. The process is in fact complementary to the CNC cutting process. While the former is used for exterior molding, the latter is used for interiors.

Laser cutting depends extensively on data from CAD drawings. The inputs are taken directly from here and area used to create flat forms that are extremely complex. The laser cutting process has a 3-axis control which outlines each of the parts depending on the information it has got. Lasers are best used for materials such carbon steel as well as stainless steel.

Laser Cutting
The process is pretty simple and the laser beams are what cut everything in its path. For materials that can be treated with heat, the edges automatically harden around the edges that have been cut. This is especially important if the hardened edges are essential from the functional point of view. But in case threading is also needed, then the hardening process is not really a good thing to happen.

What you should know that if any hole is cut with a laser, the entry point is larger than the exit point in terms of the diameter. The result is always a tapered hole. When it comes to slot corners you are looking at sizes like .75 mm. In the case of laser beam cutting basic concepts of construction such as minimum wall thicknesses as well as hole sizes are not applicable here. Hole sizes here are based on stock thicknesses and can go down to as low as 20% of the thickness desired.

Laser Cutting Machine
The resultant burrs are always smaller when you compare it to the processes of blanking as well as shearing. In fact with the use of 3D lasers the burrs can be completely eliminated removing the need for any additional deburring applications.

What laser cutting essentially does it help you retain accuracy in your work. This allows work to go on smoothly and the end result faultless. It gives customer satisfaction and also improves the efficiency of your agency. Working with laser cutting is ideal for all those in the construction as well as its associated fields. Its creates a win win situation for all.



Monday, August 15, 2011

CNC Cutting

As with traditional cutting services, CNC machines may utilize knife, laser, water jet, plasma or flame methods depending upon the advantages and disadvantages they offer in specific applications. Machine shops and mass production facilities in a broad range of industrial and commercial settings including aerospace, avionics, automotive, agriculture, food and chemical processing, pharmaceutical, military and defense utilize this particular type of machining in daily operations. An acronym for computer numerical control, CNC machining offers quick, precise and accurate cutting with little interference from the workforce, which all but eliminates human error. The depth and location of each cut is the result of encoded computer instructions fed into the machine. Cutters are capable of operating on up to six different axes of motion for increased access and opportunity to perform operations along the entirety of the object or material. CNC cutting can be performed alone or in conjunction with various other tooling processes depending on the machine or cell configuration. While some machines can perform up to 400 individual operations, others contain more limited tooling apparatus. It is important to consider the broader operations available at a specific CNC machine shop as well as material, dimensional and maximum volume and speed capabilities.

CNC Cutting Machine
Once an accommodating facility is chosen, all CNC work begins with the product design or concept. Highly trained machinists and engineers assist clients in creating a specific schematic. Often computer assisted design (CAD), computer aided manufacturing (CAM) and other software such as photo imaging are used to develop the design, complete with measurements and specifications. These data are then converted into a specific computer language or code that will be read by CNC software. This standardized code directs the actions of the cutting device. Before the automated sequence is activated, however, the raw material or semi-finished product must be loaded into the machine. Either the tooling or the material will be affixed to a rotating spindle with the other component being clamped or vacuumed to a secure surface. In applications where a change of tool is needed, CNC tool changers can be automatically adjusted in as little as two seconds. The final product is a high precision easily reproducible part made in a fraction of the time it would take to manually cut it. The CNC process does not completely eliminate human personnel since the machines require careful supervision and maintenance to ensure continued accuracy. All operations should comply with the regulations set forth by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), specifically ordinances ISO 9001:2000, ISO 13485:2003, ISO 14001 and ISO/TS 16848:2002 which relate to and define industry specific quality standards.


Wednesday, August 10, 2011

What is Mach3?

What is Mach3 and why do I need it?
Mach3 is basically a operating system for your CNC, kind of like windows is to a computer. Mach3 is only a G-code reader and not to be looked at as a G-code processor (CAM software).

Mach3 does have some wizards that will generate G-code, but does not have design capabilities, it can not render (CAD) drawings. Its strict function is to read the G-code and translate it into movement.

General Features
The Mach series of software was originally developed for the home hobbyist, but has quickly turned into one of the most versatile control packages for industrial use as well.

Here are some of the basic features and functions provided by Mach3:

Mach - Program
- Converts a standard PC to a fully featured, 6-axis CNC controller
- Allows direct import of DXF, BMP, JPG, and HPGL files through LazyCam
- Visual Gcode display
- Generates Gcode via LazyCam or Wizards
- Fully customizable interface
- Customizable M-Codes and Macros using VBscript


Mach - Offsets

- Spindle Speed control
- Multiple relay control
- Manual pulse generation
- Video display of machine
- Touch screen ability
- Full screen eligibility




Mach - mdi
- Lathes
- Mills
- Routers
- Lasers
- Plasma
- Engravers
- Gear cutting


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