Need to Increase Kerf Width

Post by **Stout** » Thu Nov 10, 2016 9:32 am

I have a job cutting 3/16" mild steel that requires 0.125" slots. From the PM105 cut chart, I see max kerf at 0.080". Has anyone experimented with slowing the machine speed and increasing arc volts to get a wider kerf? Maybe both and increasing amperage also.

The drawing shows open profiles. I don't think making them closed and a "loop" will work due to loss of arc voltage which might cause the torch to dive. It just doesn't look like enough material to keep the voltage up. But I'm not sure right now.

Gamelord · Post by **Gamelord** » Thu Nov 10, 2016 1:25 pm

I would make them a slot instead of a line. Shouldn't havce any problems with diving because the hole would still be very small. I wouldn't mess with the speed or you will end up with a massive dross issue and probably still not get the right width.

Post by **Bigrhamr** » Thu Nov 10, 2016 3:35 pm

Does your software/controller allow you to turn THC off for that specific cut path if you make it a slot? Or depending on how long the slot is turn THC off after it goes down one side and is ready to turn around?
I agree that trying to widen the kerf with a single cut will most likely make a mess, if you experiment and find differently please post up the results.

Post by **Stout** » Thu Nov 10, 2016 4:55 pm

Bigrhamr wrote:Does your software/controller allow you to turn THC off for that specific cut path if you make it a slot? Or depending on how long the slot is turn THC off after it goes down one side and is ready to turn around?
I agree that trying to widen the kerf with a single cut will most likely make a mess, if you experiment and find differently please post up the results.

My CAM software is ProNest and I don't think I can turn off THC on the return path. And there are hundreds of these lines.

little blue choo · Post by **little blue choo** » Thu Nov 10, 2016 6:24 pm

I cut very narrow slots with my Pm65 and have no problem. On the return pass the voltage goes up a few volts but nothing to worry about.

Rick

Post by **jimcolt** » Fri Nov 11, 2016 7:48 am

Narrow slots should be cut using the lowest powered consumables with the narrowest kerf. Use the Finecut consumables at book specs. The Hypertherm Micro-Edge cnc control should automatically defeat the arc voltage feedback height control......so there should not be a diving issue. You should be able to do a great job on .125" wide slots. Jim Colt Hypertherm

Need to Increase Kerf Width

Need to Increase Kerf Width

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