Posted to News on 11th Sep 2017, 12:05
Plasma bevelling system increases productivity and reliability
ESAB Welding & Cutting Products is introducing the DMX Automated Plasma Beveller, a next-generation bevelling system delivering significant performance improvement through a simple, compact design. The DMX Beveller provides high reliability, enhanced safety and ease of use. It cuts the full range of weld preparations, including V, Y, X, and K bevels, with cut angles up to 45 degrees on materials up to 50mm (view DMX video).
The DMX Beveller is complemented by the release of ESAB's new SmartBevel Technology, for easier programming and accurate bevel cutting with minimal operator intervention. SmartBevel includes bevelling data and geometric compensations necessary to cut V, X, Y, and K bevels on mild steel from 6 to 50mm thick. Unlike competitive systems, SmartBevel integrates all bevel compensations into the CNC, so bevel programming is simplified, and any fine tuning of the cut is done quickly and easily at the machine.
ESAB uses a new approach to providing 5-Axis motion, utilising direct drive motors to radically reduce complexity, eliminate the need for breakaway crash protection, and deliver responsive, accurate positioning. The direct drive design eliminates gearboxes, belts, pulleys, limit switches and exposed cables. The resulting "compliant motion" lets the DMX Beveller absorb and detect a torch crash without any added components, as well as automatically reset after a collision without the operator touching the torch or climbing on the cutting table to do so. Faster resets result in higher productivity and eliminate dangerous operator tasks from the bevelling process.
The reduction in complexity afforded by direct drive technology enhances both performance and reliability, and enables a very compact design. Steve Zlotnicki, Global Product Manager, ESAB Cutting Systems says: "Direct drive motor technology provides extremely accurate positioning with zero backlash, and it handles fast direction changes. The design is so simple and robust that there is almost nothing that can go wrong."
Reducing the size and weight of the bevel head has additional advantages. The DMX Beveller is significantly smaller and lighter than traditional plasma bevel heads, so it can be mounted on smaller gantries, making quality plasma bevel cutting more affordable and saving valuable floor space. DMX is available on ESAB's Combirex DX and larger gantries.
The DMX Beveller also uses compound motion to provide bevelling in any direction. This type of motion system has no rotation limit and thus eliminates the need to unwind the torch leads or pre-position the head, which further improves cycle time and productivity. It also extends torch life by not twisting the torch leads, but does so without using an expensive torch bearing.
A Multi-Point Collision Protection System provides complete collision protection for the entire bevel head. Multiple sensors are used to protect parts of the bevel head that come in close proximity to the cutting table. The DMX Beveller also protects all hoses and cables from the harsh environment of plasma cutting. The head features a complete set of covers protecting all components, plus a fully enclosed cable chain to protect all hoses and cables. A robotic-style torch lead sheath protects the torch leads as well.
The DMX Beveller comes with a 2-year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship for all major electrical and mechanical parts of the bevel head itself, including lift motor, lifter screw, lifter bearings and rails, bevel axis motors, crash switches, cables and connectors. For more information about the DMX Automated Plasma Beveller, visit www.esab.com.
