PL-1 Plasma Torch Lifter Enhances Height Control

Literature (PDF)

The MG PL-1 torch lifter combines plasma arc voltage monitoring with a CNC closed loop positioning axis to greatly enhance plasma height control. As accurate height control is very important in plasma cutting, this combination provides a higher duty cycle and better cut quality. The PL-1 torch lifter is available on all Precision and General Fabrication machine models.

Description

The PL-1 torch lifter height control is done through the CNC software, resulting in less hardware and more reliability. The system is flexible and allows the user to:

• Program pierce height, retract distance, IHS slowdown height, and conditional height freeze
• Set initial height sensing via ohmic position detection
• Set the arc voltage range (50-300 volts DC)
• Make servo loop adjustments for position and velocity gain
• Set semi or full automatic operation

The PL-1 uses a 200W AC digital brushless servo motor and twin steel guide ways with a precision ball screw to provide travel lengths of four or ten inches, depending on machine application. Moving elements are sealed with protective steel strips and combine for tracking accuracy of +/- 0.3 arc volts.