cutting expanded metal

[macdarren]

I'm seriously considering a powerplasma 60/70/80 http://www.everlastgenerators.com/fo...s/rolleyes.gif

I am sorta waiting to see if the s45 or similar s75 torch will be available for the bigger cutters as I prefer that to the ones currently pictured with the units. (easier to get accessories and consumables) I notice the 80 also uses what looks to be a more common torch though I don't know the name nor have I seen them at the local shops.

Back to my question about expanded metal...can these new pilot arc models cut expanded metal in a reasonable way? I notice Miller makes a big deal about their 'auto-restart' feature (on the Spectrum 675 Xtreme, which is my current alternate cutter choice) and for sure that is what I need....I can't pause each time I loose the cutting arc and wait. I have seen pilot systems that require that (in fact I think it was an lesser miller spectrum)...you had to let the air pressure drop so the pilot can re-ignite or something but what ever it was it was not good from trying to cut a good line or arc.....

Also are the new powerplasma units pretty decent with the electrical interference? I have CNC equipment running pretty near by and can't have that messing up....and maybe someday if I get really energized I might like to run the cutter by CNC and it would be a bummer if it scrambled the PC. I have enough problems with that as it is, from the main drives on the mill.

Thanks

[performance]

MacDarren,

Welcome,

You have asked some good questions...Unfortunately, you are wanting the best of all worlds. I know exactly what you are wanting, and I want it too.

First, the units will cut expanded metal just fine. The Miller "autorestart" is a gimmick name for pilot arc. It may function slightly different than ours but the unit must still sense arc transfer or loss and trigger the pilot circuit on and off.

Our 60,70,80,100 units are HF start with pilot arc. Now, the problem is that the major issue you have cited is true...interference. Our units come with a High Frequency ground that helps drain off the HF emission. That should help. But a little shielding will help you a little more.

Eventually we will have the S75 style torch, but it will need to be a non high frequency unit that powers the torch, which they are in design stages, but don't expect them too soon. The PowerPlasma 50 is non highfrequency and is great for smaller CNC applications.