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CNC PLASMA CUTTING GLOSSARY OF TERMS
ARC Voltage
Arc Voltage is the voltage of the arc between the electrode and the workpiece being cut. This is used to control the height of the Torch.
Higher Arc Voltage means greater height between the Torch and the workpiece. Lower Arc Voltage means a closer gap between the
Torch and the workpiece.
CAM
Computer-Aided Machining. Software that takes a drawing file and turns it into a machine path that can be post processed into a
G-code file for CNC machine usage is referred to as CAM software.
CCW
Acronym for Counterclockwise when referencing a rotational direction.
CNC
Acronym for Computer Numerical Control, this means that a machine is primarily controlled by a computer.
Cut Controller
Main Control Unit on the CNC Plasma Table. It controls all cutting actions and, on this table, features an integrated Torch Height Controller.
Cut Speed
Horizontal movement speed of the Torch head during cutting. It is important to change according to material thickness.
CW
Acronym for Clockwise when referencing a rotational direction.
Drag Chain
Moving cable sheath attached to the X-axis that guards and guides the Torch cables.
Dross
This is the plasma cutting slag left behind after a cut which builds up on the bottom of the cut. Dross is typically knocked off or
ground away if necessary.
Electrode
Component of the Plasma Cutting Torch Head that emits the plasma arc. This wears the fastest when cutting thicker materials.
Gantry
X-axis and Y-axis travel assembly that allows the Torch head to move around the plate. Comprised of the extruded aluminum tracks
with stepper motor driven rack and pinion system.
G-code
The Program Code Language that CNC machines understand. Typically, movement commands start with a "G", hence the name
G-code. Miscellaneous commands, in the case of the CNC table, these typically relate to Torch control, start with "M".
IHS
Acronym for Initial Height Setting. This parameter is set by the Torch Height Controller and dictates the height of the Plasma Torch
above the workpiece when the pierce is initiated.
Kerf
Kerf is the width of the cut left by the Plasma Torch. This is useful for an accurate cut, because if we know how much material the
Plasma Torch removes, we can compensate for that in the cut path. This width varies depending on material, cutting amperage,
nozzle diameter, consumable wear state, and Torch height.
Lead-In & Lead- Out Lead-In and Lead-Out is the path that extends before and after the desired cut path, respectively. The plasma arc is unstable when
starting and stopping which can leave a rough edge or inaccurate cut. The lead is used to smooth this by starting/ending the cut away
from the cut path and smoothly transitioning it in/out while the arc is stable.
Main Cut Screen
The home screen displayed when the CNC table is started up. From here all actions in the Cut Controller are taken.
Nozzle
This component of the Plasma Torch funnels the plasma arc down to an effective size. It wears slightly slower than the electrode.
Pierce
Operation of the Plasma Torch starting a cut in the metal. It must first melt a hole through the sheet which is referred to as the Pierce.
Post Processor
The Post Processor takes a path created in a Computer-Aided Machining software and converts it into the G-code file that the
machine understands.
Slats
The metal supports in the Waterbed that the workpiece rests on.
Stepper Motor
This is a type of motor commonly used on CNC machines. It has discrete phase positions, known as steps, that translate into accurate,
fully controlled movement. The X-axis is controlled by one Stepper Motor and the Y-axis is controlled by two Stepper Motors on this table.
THC
Acronym for Torch Height Controller. On this Plasma Table it is integrated with the Cut Controller and is capable of automatically
controlling Torch height. It will maintain good distance between the workpiece and the Torch.
Torch
The Plasma Cutting Torch Head is often described as "Torch" or "Plasma Torch" for simplification. This is the component that receives
the power supplied by the Plasma Cutter and uses it to cut metal. It does this by creating an electric arc and releasing a high pressure
air stream which is forced through the nozzle to create a focused jet of plasma. This extremely hot plasma jet conducts to the metal and
melts it away upon contact.
To order parts and supplies: 800.343.9353 >> eastwood.com
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