Building on the success of its DMX automated plasma beveller, Esab has launched SquareCut technology to further improve the productivity of automated plasma cutting operations by tilting the torch to compensate for the 1-3deg edge angle inherent in high-precision plasma cutting.

SquareCut provides the benefits of: a ‘High-speed’ mode that allows cutting up to two-times faster without increasing the bevel angle; a ‘Quality mode’ that produces a cut surface with a 0-1deg bevel; and ‘Enhanced hole’ technology that allows the cutting of ‘smaller holes’ with better cylindricity.

SquareCut Technology works with Esab’s Columbus CAD/CAM software, Vision T5 CNC, the DMX five-axis beveller and iSeries high-precision power source. It works at cutting outputs from 100 to 400A when cutting mild steel plate from 6 to 40mm thick.

Furthermore, SquareCut integrates all bevel compensations into the CNC system and allows any fine tuning to be done quickly and easily at the machine.

Esab says standard-precision technology cuts 12mm steel at maximum of 200A and at speeds of about 2,690mm/min. “Even if a user had a 400A system, trying to cut at higher outputs to improve travel speed would increase edge angle to 4-6deg, meaning that the cut surface could then require an unacceptable amount of grinding or milling for a flush fit.

“However, SquareCut technology allows 12mm steel to be cut at up to 400A and 4,700mm/min — some 75% faster than usual — while maintaining an acceptable bevel angle.”

In applications where achieving the squarest edge possible takes precedence over cutting speed, users can select the Quality mode. Meanwhile, Enhanced hole technology uses the tilting capability of the DMX to improve hole cylindricity and produce ‘bolt-ready’ holes that can eliminate post-cut drilling or reaming — and some holes can be cut even smaller than a 1:1 diameter-to-thickness ratio.

SquareCut technology is complemented by Esab’s SmartBevel technology, which includes bevelling data and all geometric compensations necessary to cut V, X, Y, and K bevels on mild steel from 6 to 50mm thick.