Cutting Plate Machine Technical Data
Cutting plate machines come in many different forms, from small hand-held machines to large industrial-grade machines, but the essential elements remain the same: power, accuracy, speed, and ease of use. As manufacturers and fabricators strive to maximize production and efficiency, they look to their cutting plate machines to provide the highest levels of performance in minimum amount of time.
Type and Power Source:
Cutting plate machines are either pneumatically operated or electrically operated. Pneumatic machines use compressed air as a power source and are often used in light industrial and small manufacturing settings, while electric machines require an electrical power source and are suitable for large scale industrial applications.
Motor Type:
Cutting plate machines are powered by two different types of motors: direct drive and belt drive. Each type offers different advantages, such as higher speed and greater accuracy from direct drive, or ease of use and lower cost from belt drive.
Accuracy:
Cutting plate machines are typically accurate to within a few thousandths of an inch. This level of accuracy is essential for cutting plate parts for precision machining projects and for creating smooth, uniform cuts. Some cutters offer higher levels of accuracy, with resolution as small as 0.0005 in.
Speed:
The speed at which a cutting plate machine operates depends primarily on the type of motor and the type of cutting tool used. Direct drive motors offer higher cutting speeds than belt drive motors and are used mainly for high-volume production. Some cutters are designed to cut at very high speeds, up to 15,000 cuts per minute.
Safety:
Used properly, cutting plate machines have no known health hazards. However, any time a machine is operating there is potential for danger, and it pays to exercise caution. Safety features such as shielded cutting edges, protective covers, and emergency stop switches help protect operators and minimize risk.
Cost and Maintenance:
The cost of cutting plate machines is determined by the motor type, the size and quality of the machine, and any additional features it includes. Generally speaking, pneumatically operated machines are less expensive than their electric counterparts, and belt drive machines are less expensive than direct drive models. Maintenance requirements for cutting plate machines vary greatly with the type and size of the machine, but all machines should be regularly cleaned and lubricated to ensure peak performance.
Cutting plate machines are essential tools in many industrial and manufacturing operations, and the right machine for a particular job depends on the required accuracy and speed. Pneumatic and electric-powered machines are equal in their ability to cut accurately, but electric machines offer higher speeds, while pneumatically-powered machines are less expensive and require less maintenance. Regardless of the type of machine purchased, all cutting plate machines require regular maintenance and safety precautions to ensure peak performance and operator safety.
