Plasma Cutting Perforated metal??

[DJC]

Anybody draw a design for perforated metal? I am thinking of making some with 1/2" holes to be cut out of 18 gauge - not sure how I would cut it without it warping and twisting beyond recognition?? Thanks-

[djreiswig]

You would have to move around a lot to keep from warping.

[DJC]

Yeah I was thinking cutting one hole at a time with a period of cool down in between each - would take forever...

[weldguy]

I think all you can do is get your speed tweaked so your going as quickly as you can and move around a lot as djreiswig says to spread the heat out more evenly. It may be worth trying a higher amperage at faster cut speeds on the 18g as it may actually put less heat into the material than lower amps and slower speeds.

[djreiswig]

Does plasmacam have a setting to reduce heat input into the material?

[Francisco]

djreiswig:

"Does plasmacam have a setting to reduce heat input into the material?"

Yes, it does. You can configure path conversion to minimize either heat input or cutting time - it will establish the cutting sequence accordingly.

I've made a few parts with many perforations (drain covers, a plate for a vacuformer, ember trays..), it works fine. Also for groups of parts.

[sonbakler]

djreiswig:

"Does plasmacam have a setting to reduce heat input into the material?"

Yes, it does. You can configure path conversion to minimize either heat input or cutting time - it will establish the cutting sequence accordingly.

I've made a few parts with many perforations (drain covers, a plate for a vacuformer, ember trays..), it works fine. Also for groups of parts.

I had no idea that feature was built in! Thanks for mentioning this