question on cut chart

[dhelfter]

I suppose this question is mainly directed for Jim Colt. I did call the tech line, and the gentleman was assuming it is a typo. In the powermax 65 and 85 manual, the cut chart for 16gauge mild steel is 260 IPM for 65 amp and 350IPM for 45 amp. These are both for best quality settings and shielded consumables. Is there some strange science at play? I would have guessed the lower amperage would have a lower cut speed. This is also present with stainless, albeit a smaller ratio, 345 IPM 65 amp and 350IPM 45 amp.

Thanks
Dan
LDR

[jimcolt]

Dan,

I checked with our process engineering group, the numbers on the chart are what their engineering notebooks show. Some of the tests were done on different machines that had different maximum speeds.....so that is why some are maxed out at 350 ipm. Grab a different sheet of 16 gauge and you will get different results based on the carbon and silicon content. They generally (on material thinner than 10 gauge) increase cut speeds until dross barely disappears, this is the best cut quality speed (less edge taper, right on the verge of low speed dross)

Personally I would cut the 16 gauge with Finecut consumables for best results. You will find that as you get into thicker materials the cut speeds will be more predictable and accurate.

Wish I had a better answer! Jim Colt

[dhelfter]

Jim,
Thanks. Really has not been an issue, just something I had noticed. I do use the fine cuts, and love them. I also cut less intricate items with 65 amp and book settings and cuts awesome. Thanks again for all the experience and expertise you provide everyone.

Dan
LDR

[jimcolt]

A lot of people do not realize that the hardest materials to cut with good, repeatable results...are thin materials. We are working on improving performance and repeatability on thin materials in our labs at Hypertherm..


Jim