ESAB Cutting Systems updates its line of CNC Plasma Bevel Cutting Systems with the new VBA Global PRO bevel head for high accuracy plasma bevel cutting on steel plate.
The Global PRO is one of the new global modules for use by ESAB Cutting Systems factories worldwide, ensuring a common feature set and consistent, reliable performance for all ESAB customers. The Global PRO features a high-accuracy positioning system with dual linear rail lifter, digital AC drives and heavy-duty gearboxes. The rugged system carries the PT-36 plasma torch which delivers precision plasma cut quality and plasma marking with the same consumables. The station features pneumatically balanced tool-tip sensing, encoder height for optimizing hole quality, and magnetic breakaway crash protection.
Designed for heavy-duty precision plasma bevel cutting, the Global PRO features a precision rotation and tilt system to deliver torch positioning accuracy and repeatability where it matters the most. As with all ESAB plasma bevel systems, the Global PRO includes a tactile sensor which can be used during bevel cutting to accurately maintain the precise cutting height above the plate, regardless of electrode wear, plate warping, scrap position, or table condition. Bevel cuts can also be made with arc voltage height control when desirable.
The Global PRO features ESAB’s exclusive Pneumatically Balanced Magnetic Breakaway torch holder, which allows accurate initial height sensing while providing a sturdy torch mount during cutting. It also offers breakaway crash protection in case of a tipped part. This special torch holder, coupled with the Global PRO’s encoder equipped lifter, allows the bevel head to achieve accurate small hole cutting using ESAB’s Precision Hole Technology™.
The Pneumatically Balanced Magnetic Breakaway torch holder also allows the Global PRO to perform initial height sensing without using the tactile sensor, for faster cycle times and reduced machine motion. The accuracy allowed by this torch holder also allows the Global PRO to use ESAB’s Smart Voltage Height Control system, which automatically compensates for consumable wear over the life of an electrode. Smart Voltage Height Control keeps the torch at the correct cutting height as the electrode wears, which ensures more consistent cut quality while achievingcthe longest possible life from an electrode.
The Global PRO bevel head can be used with ESAB’s m3 Plasma™ systems featuring 200 Amp, 360 Amp, or 450 Amp power supplies. Each of these rugged power supplies is capable of 100% duty cycle and features CNC- controlled output current for improved starting and extended consumable life. Depending on the configuration, the system can cut mild steel up to 2” thick at 45 degrees when using ESAB’s XR Series Nozzles for the PT-36 torch. The system can accurately cut “Y”, “X”, and “V” bevels on almost any shape, and its tactile sensor ensures the most accurate beveled part dimensions on even the largest bevel cut parts. This makes it the best solution for companies cutting tank shells, wind-towers, power poles, or ship plates. ESAB’s plasma bevel systems are widely used throughout these industries due to their accuracy on large parts.
The Global PRO’s tilt axis positions the torch at up to +/-52 degrees, achieving cut part bevels at up to +/-45 degrees. The rotation axis features +/-540 degrees of motion, allowing automated cutting of bevels all the way around a part. The vertical axis features 13 inches of travel. Controlling the bevel system is simplified by ESAB’s Vision T5 touch-screen based CNC.
This control is easy to learn, easy to use, and features a built-in process database that simplifies plasma torch setup by automatically setting all parameters through a simple touch-screen process selector. This integrates perfectly with ESAB’s m3 plasma system, which features the most advanced gas control system in the industry. The operator simply selects the material type and thickness, and the Vision T5 CNC automatically selects and mixes the optimal start, cut and shield gas combination. The operator sees a picture and part number for the torch parts that are needed for both plasma and oxy-fuel torches.
Bevel programming is also made easier by ESAB’s Columbus III™ programming and nesting software system, which automatically integrates plasma bevel programming and plasma process control into the nesting layouts. Only ESAB offers fully integrated bevel cutting and process control all operated through the Vision T5. As the technology leader in machine and process automation and the only total system supplier, ESAB is uniquely qualified to integrate the entire cutting and beveling process. By integrating bevel programming, bevel station motion control, and complete plasma process control, ESAB leads the way to higher productivity and lower overall cost-per-part.