Abstract: A method of forming a duct section from a web of material includes the steps of forming a series of perforations in a web of material, the series of perforations defining an outline of one of a hole or notch in a finished duct section, forming a male lock bend and a female lock seam in first opposed edges of the web of material, forming flanges in second opposed edges of the web of material, removing the portion of material interior to the series of perforations to form the hole or notch, and bending the web of material to form the finished duct section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strip consisting of an aluminium alloy for providing adhesive connections. In addition, the invention relates to a method for producing a strip having a one or two-sided surface structure which consists of an aluminium alloy, at least provided in certain areas and prepared for an adhesive connection, and also relates to a corresponding adhesive connection. The object of providing an aluminium alloy strip optimised for adhesive connections, which has optimised surface properties for ageing-resistant adhesive connections, on the one hand, and which can be cost-effectively produced in a way which is reliable in terms of the process, on the other hand, is achieved for a strip consisting of an aluminium alloy for providing adhesive connections by the strip at least in areas having a surface structure prepared for adhesive connections, wherein the surface structure has depressions which were produced using an electrochemical graining process.

Abstract: A bevel head assembly is shown capable of fine motor control of a cutting tool (for instance, a laser or plasma cutter) in three simultaneous dimensions of movement. A rack-and-pinion system moves the bevel head assembly and cutter up and down in the Z-axis while a rotational motor attached to the rack-and-pinion system moves the bevel head assembly in a first rotational (X) axis, and a linear actuator pivotally connected to the cutting tool is mounted to the rotational motor to move the bevel head assembly in a second (Y) rotational axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a plasma cutting system having a plasma cutting power supply. The plasma cutting power supply outputs a pierce current which is higher than a maximum operational current rating for a torch for the cutting operation for a determined duration. After the expiration of the duration the output current is reduced to a cutting current level. Embodiments allow for the cutting of thicker materials than known systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasma-generating device, comprising an anode, a cathode and at least one intermediate electrode, said intermediate electrode being arranged at least partly between said anode and said cathode, and said intermediate electrode and said anode forming at least a part of a plasma channel which has an opening in said anode. Further, the plasma-generating device comprises at least one coolant channel which is arranged with at least one outlet opening which is positioned beyond, in the direction from the cathode to the anode, said at least one intermediate electrode, and the channel direction of said coolant channel at said outlet opening has a directional component which is the same as that of the channel direction of the plasma channel at the opening thereof. The invention also concerns a plasma surgical device and use of such a plasma surgical device.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a gas stream. A plasma generator generates a plasma flare. A first inlet conveys the gas stream into the apparatus. A reaction chamber is located downstream of the plasma generator in which gas is treated. A second inlet receives a liquid into the apparatus for establishing a liquid weir over an interior surface of the reaction chamber for resisting accumulation of solid deposits on the interior surface. A weir guide has an outer annular surface for directing liquid over the interior surface and an inner annular surface in flow communication with the outer surface so that liquid flows form the outer surface to the inner surface to resist depositing on the inner surface.

Abstract: A consumable set is provided that is usable in a plasma arc torch to direct a plasma arc to a processing surface of a workpiece. The consumable set comprises a nozzle and an alignment surface. The nozzle includes: 1) a nozzle body defining a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, and 2) a nozzle exit orifice disposed in the nozzle body for constricting the plasma arc. The nozzle exit orifice defines an exit orifice axis oriented at a non-zero bevel angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The alignment surface is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and substantially planar. The alignment surface is dimensioned to orient the nozzle exit orifice such that the plasma arc impinges on the processing surface of the workpiece at the bevel angle while the plasma arc torch is substantially perpendicular to the processing surface.

Abstract: The invention features methods and apparatuses for establishing operational settings of a plasma arc cutting system. A plasma power supply includes a user selectable control. The user selectable control enables selection of a single cutting persona that establishes at least a current, a gas pressure or gas flow rate, and an operational mode of the plasma arc cutting system.

Abstract: A system for thermally working a workpiece has a torch body having a first axial end positionable near the workpiece and a torch receptacle coupled to a second axial end of the torch body. A plurality of ports extend axially through the torch receptacle from a first axial end of the torch receptacle to a second axial end of the torch receptacle. A plurality of fittings provided at the second axial end of the torch body for communication with a subset of the plurality of ports. The torch body comprises one of a plasma torch body and an oxy-fuel torch body that is exchangeably coupled to the torch receptacle. The subset of the plurality of ports is a plasma subset when the plasma torch body is coupled to the torch receptacle and an oxy-fuel subset when the oxy-fuel torch body is coupled to the torch receptacle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods of using a plasma arc torch to cut holes and contours in workpieces having varying thickness and material properties. The systems and methods of the present invention allow for the cutting of holes and contours without the need for using secondary processing by using particular overburn, tail out and/or cutting parameters.

Abstract: An opening radial dimension is set as a radial direction permissible dimension K of the metal coil as expressed by the following equation or lower. K = Yp × Z 2 ? EI ? R 2 ? ( ? - sin ? ? ? ? ? cos ? ? ? ) Wherein: K is a radial direction permissible dimension at the load action point position in mm; Yp is a yield stress of the metal sheet, in kgf/mm2; Z is a section modulus of the metal sheet, in mm3; R=(a metal coil radius r)?½(the plate thickness t of the metal sheet), in mm; E is a Young's modulus of the metal sheet, in kgf/mm2; I is a second moment of area of the metal sheet in mm4; and ? is an angle in radians about the axis of the metal coil from the load action point to the nearest restraining roll along a rewind direction of the metal coil.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for laser-supported plasma cutting or plasma welding of a workpiece. In one aspect, a method includes producing a plasma beam which extends in an expansion direction between an electrode and a processing location on the workpiece, the plasma beam having, with respect to a center axis of the plasma beam that extends in the expansion direction, an inner central region and an outer edge region, and supplying laser radiation to the outer edge region of the plasma beam. The laser radiation supplied to the outer edge region extends parallel with the center axis of the plasma beam.

Abstract: A method of controlling a position of a plasma arc torch relative to a workpiece for a bevel cutting operation is provided that includes: calculating a bevel pivot length, which is a function of a torch height; piercing the workpiece with the plasma arc torch; rotating the plasma arc torch about its center of rotation to a desired cutting angle; translating the plasma arc torch along at least one of X, Y, and Z axes to maintain a torch center point; and translating the plasma arc torch along at least one of the X, Y and Z axes to achieve a resultant displacement along a longitudinal axis of the plasma arc torch to maintain a desired torch height.

Abstract: A method of controlling the position of a tilt/tilt style plasma arc torch relative to a workpiece for a bevel cutting operation is provided that includes: calculating a bevel pivot length, wherein the bevel pivot length is a function of a torch height; piercing the workpiece with the plasma arc torch; adjusting a position of the plasma arc torch by at least one linear offset value based on the bevel pivot length; rotating the plasma arc torch about its center of rotation to the desired cutting angle and maintaining a torch center point; and translating the plasma arc along its longitudinal axis to maintain a desired arc voltage between the plasma arc torch and the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of cutting a cut member out of an original sheet by means of thermal cutting and machining, and includes a hole-cutting process, a finishing process, and an outer periphery-cutting process. During the hole-cutting process, a hole is created in the original sheet by means of thermal cutting while leaving a machining allowance in addition to the finished size of the hole. During the finishing process, a cutting tool is inserted into the hole which has been created through the hole-cutting process, and the cutting tool is guided along the inner circumference of the hole so as to cut the thermally-cut end surface in order to machine the hole to the finished size. During the outer periphery-cutting process, the outer periphery of the cut member is cut by means of thermal cutting to take the cut member out of the original sheet.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a torch power system using a multi-stage compressor. In one embodiment, a system includes a torch power unit that includes a compressor having multiple compression stages. A method of operation is provided that includes compressing a gas via a multi-stage compressor in a torch power unit. A method of manufacturing a torch power unit is provided that includes providing a multi-stage compressor for a torch power unit and mounting the multi-stage compressor inside an enclosure of the torch power unit. Another system is provided that includes a plasma cutting circuit, a multi-stage compressor, a motor coupled to the compressor, and a compressor controller.

Abstract: The invention features methods and apparatuses for establishing operational settings of a plasma arc cutting system. A plasma power supply includes a user selectable control. The user selectable control enables selection of a single cutting persona that establishes at least a current, a gas pressure or gas flow rate, and an operational mode of the plasma arc cutting system.

Abstract: A plurality of cutout members are cut out from a plate blank by a plasma arc generated from a plasma torch by a method including a piercing step and a cutting step. In the piercing step, an aperture is formed on an outer peripheral side of a cutout member by maintaining the plasma torch at a first height from the plate blank on the outer peripheral side of the cutout member while the plasma arc is generated from the plasma torch and by moving the plasma torch relative to the plate blank in a horizontal direction. In the cutting step, a continuous cutting groove is formed along an outer contour of the cutout member by setting the plasma torch at a second height lower than the first height and by moving the plasma torch in the horizontal direction along an incision part and a processing line continuing to the incision part.

Abstract: In a method for controlling pulse arc welding where an arc is created between a wire and a base material, a pulse waveform different from the pulse waveform for steady-state welding is outputted when a predetermined time has passed since short-circuit welding control was started at arc start, and after a sufficiently large melt pool is formed, the pulse waveform for the steady-state welding is outputted. This reduces the generation of spatters after an arc is created and until the arc is stabilized.

Abstract: A plasma cutting or welding system includes a power input. The power input is configured to be coupled to a plurality of multipronged input plugs. Each of the multipronged input plugs corresponds to an input voltage. The power supply also includes a user input device for selecting an operating current. The user input device is subdivided into a plurality of current ranges. Each of the current ranges includes an iconic representation of at least one multipronged input plug.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an undercarriage track shoe is provided. The method includes positioning a track shoe longbar at a workstation. The track shoe longbar has a sectional profile for a plurality of track shoes thereon. The method also includes engaging one end of the track shoe longbar in a first chuck and a second end of the track shoe longbar in a second chuck. The method also includes cutting at least one of a hole and a notch into the track shoe longbar using a laser cutter. The method includes cutting a single track shoe from the track shoe longbar using a plasma cutter.

Abstract: A method of operating a plasma arc torch system includes placing a work piece to be cut on a table of the plasma arc torch system, wherein at least a portion of the work piece has a planer surface facing away from the table. A plasma arc torch is positioned adjacent the planer surface of the work piece using a positioning apparatus, wherein the positioning apparatus has at least five degrees of freedom about which it can move the plasma arc torch relative the work piece for cutting the work piece on the table. The method further includes angling the torch relative the planer surface of the work piece such that the torch is held at an angle of between about 1 and about 4 degrees from perpendicular with the planer surface to back burn a produced kerf such that a kerf edge is perpendicular relative the planer surface of the work piece. Additionally, the planer surface of the work piece is calculated by contacting the work piece with the torch at least three times.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to extend and concentrate a plasma from one or more plasma sources through at least one RF grounded pathway. A first embodiment of the invention involves a method to extend and concentrate a plasma. A second embodiment of the invention involves an apparatus to extend and concentrate a plasma. In some embodiments, an electrostatic rod inserted inside a RF grounded pathway assists the extension and concentration of a plasma that can treat one or more articles.

Abstract: Methods and systems for housing a consumable storage bin in addition to structural, thermal management, pneumatic, and/or electronic system components in a single multifunctional component within a plasma cutting power supply are provided. One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a consumable storage bin, which fits into a consumable storage area in the power supply unit and is accessible to a user. In one embodiment, the consumable storage bin may be eliminated, leaving only the consumable storage area in which racks, snaps, friction-fit retention features, and so forth, may be placed to hold the consumables and ensure easy user access.

Abstract: Rapid thermal processing systems and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for heating a microelectronic substrate include generating a plasma, applying the generated plasma to a surface of the microelectronic substrate, and raising a temperature of the microelectronic substrate with the generated plasma applied to the surface of the microelectronic substrate. The method further includes continuing to apply the generated plasma until the microelectronic substrate reaches a desired temperature.

Abstract: A system for providing a dynamically controlled plasma cutting system. The plasma cutting system includes a proportional valve and a sensing device arrangement and a controller connected to this arrangement. The system is configured to dynamically control gas flow in a plasma torch. The system measures gas pressure at a proportional valve and makes necessary gas pressure adjustments in the system by way of controlling a drive signal sent to the proportional valve to control gas flow.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically controlling gas pressure for a plasma cutter includes a plasma torch, a gas supply system to provide a pressurized gas to the plasma torch, and a proportional valve configured to regulate the pressurized gas. The proportional valve includes a body, a valve seat positioned therein and defining a valve orifice, and a plunger having a mating surface on one end that mates with the valve seat and the orifice and a pressure receiving surface on an opposite end. The proportional valve also includes an inlet to receive the pressurized gas and distribute the pressurized gas to the valve orifice and the pressure receiving surface of the plunger, an electrical solenoid having a chamber to electro-magnetically translate the plunger therein, and a bias urging the plunger toward the valve orifice in conjunction with the pressurized gas when electrical power is reduced to the electrical solenoid.

Abstract: A method of operating a plasma arc torch system includes placing a work piece to be cut on a table of the plasma arc torch system, wherein at least a portion of the work piece has a planer surface facing away from the table. A plasma arc torch is positioned adjacent the planer surface of the work piece using a positioning apparatus, wherein the positioning apparatus has at least five degrees of freedom about which it can move the plasma arc torch relative the work piece for cutting the work piece on the table. The method further includes angling the torch relative the planer surface of the work piece such that the torch is held at an angle of between about 1 and about 4 degrees from perpendicular with the planer surface to back burn a produced kerf such that a kerf edge is perpendicular relative the planer surface of the work piece. Additionally, the planer surface of the work piece is calculated by contacting the work piece with the torch at least three times.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the plasma cutting of workpieces. It is the object of the invention to provide possibilities with which improved cutting surfaces can be achieved in plasma cutting which do not require any reworking, or at least only a reduced reworking. In the method in accordance with the invention, a plasma cutting torch having at least one torch body, an electrode and a nozzle is used and the plasma jet is inclined or deflected at least before the traveling over of a workpiece edge at an angle ? with respect to the axis aligned perpendicular to the workpiece surface such that the emission position of the plasma jet from the workpiece is arranged at a spacing in the feed movement direction which is at most half the amount than is the case with a plasma jet incident perpendicular on the workpiece surface.

Abstract: In some aspects, a plasma processing torch can include an end portion that receives at least one gas and at least one power input; a first joint coupled to the end portion, the first joint conveying the gas and power through the first joint; a middle portion coupled to the first joint, the middle portion conveying the gas and power through the middle portion; a second joint coupled to the middle portion at an end opposite the first joint, the pivot joint conveying the gas and power through the pivot joint; and a head portion coupled to the second joint, the head portion conveying the gas and power to a torch tip to generate a plasma arc.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a plasma arc torch system having a power supply and a plasma arc torch. The method includes supplying power to the power supply from a battery. The battery provides at least a portion of the power to generate a plasma arc by the plasma arc torch. The method also includes communicating a first signal, indicating at least one parameter of the battery, between the battery and a control unit of the power supply, generating a second signal, by the control unit, based on the at least one parameter of the battery, and controlling, using the control circuit, operation of the plasma arc torch based on the second signal.

Abstract: An automated method for cutting a plurality of hole features using a plasma arc torch system can be implemented on a computer numerical controller. The automated method can include the steps of: a) cutting a lead-in for a hole feature using a lead-in command speed based on a diameter of that hole feature and b) cutting a perimeter for the hole feature using a perimeter command speed greater than the corresponding lead-in command speed for the hole feature. The automated method can also include the step c) of repeating steps a) and b) for each additional hole feature having a same diameter or a different diameter.

Abstract: In some aspects, methods of initiating a plasma arc in a plasma cutting system can include providing a plasma gas supply lead line extending between a power supply and a plasma arc cutting torch, where the lead line has a first segment proximate to the power supply and a second segment proximate to the torch, and an in-line valve within the lead line between the first segment and the second segment; selectively closing the in-line valve to capture a static volume of gas in the first segment; establishing a decayable volume of gas in the second segment; and initiating the plasma arc when a pressure of the decayable volume reaches a pressure value within a predetermined range.

Abstract: The invention features methods and apparatuses for cutting a section of a pipe having a non-linear longitudinal axis. A mounting structure attaches to a first portion of the pipe. A track is connected to the mounting structure and defines a drive plane. A moveable structure is coupled to the track and configured to move circumferentially along the track. A tool holder is connected to the moveable structure and positions a cutting tool relative to a cutting plane in a second portion of the section of pipe, the cutting plane substantially perpendicular to the non-linear longitudinal axis at a cutting location on the pipe. The mounting structure adjusts to position the track such that the drive plane is parallel to the cutting plane, separated from the cutting plane, substantially non-perpendicular to the non-linear longitudinal axis at the first portion on the pipe.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a helical bar concave from a flat, rolled laser cut arrangement that provides a net helical concave functionality. Laser cutting a flat metal sheet to form helical cutouts defining a percent open area having a helical geometry in combination with configurable rub bars mounted in a helical fashion results in a configurable helical bar concave in which the number or aggressiveness of the threshing surface on the inside radius of the grate may be changed and/or the rub bars may be moved to the outside of the grate to change the percent open area and hence the separation characteristics of the concave.

Abstract: The invention features methods and apparatuses for establishing operational settings of a plasma arc cutting system automatically using replaceable cartridges. A replaceable cartridge for use with a plasma arc cutting system includes a housing, a connection mechanism for coupling the housing to a plasma arc torch, an arc constrictor connected to the housing, an arc emitter connected to the housing, and an identification mechanism disposed relative to the housing and configured to communicate information to a reader of the plasma arc cutting system and automatically set at least one operating parameter of the plasma arc cutting system.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for adjusting the composition of plasmas used in plasma doping, plasma deposition and plasma etching techniques. The disclosed method enables the plasma composition to be controlled by modifying the energy distribution of the electrons present in the plasma. Energetic electrons are produced in the plasma by accelerating electrons in the plasma using very fast voltage pulses. The pulses are long enough to influence the electrons, but too fast to affect the ions significantly. Collisions between the energetic electrons and the constituents of the plasma result in changes in the plasma composition. The plasma composition can then be optimized to meet the requirements of the specific process being used. This can entail changing the ratio of ion species in the plasma, changing the ratio of ionization to dissociation, or changing the excited state population of the plasma.

Abstract: Plasma devices and methods for using such plasma devices in analytical measurements are disclosed. In certain examples, a low flow plasma may be operative using a total argon gas flow of less than about five liters per minute, and in some embodiments, a plasma argon gas flow of less than about four liter per minute. In other examples, a plasma produced using inductive and capacitive coupling is disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal processing torch can include a torch housing having a head portion pivotally coupled relative to a body portion with a joint portion. The torch also can include a pivotal connector simultaneously pivoting about a common axis with the joint portion of the torch housing. The pivotal connector can include an electrically conductive wall conducting an electrical current between the body portion of the torch housing and the head portion of the torch housing. The pivotal connector can also include a passage provide a processing gas between the body portion of the torch housing and the head portion of the torch housing.

Abstract: A plasma cutting system for measuring or monitoring the voltage between a plasma torch and the material being cut to determine a voltage or voltage signature and comparing that measurement against predetermined values to indicate that an initial pierce of the material is complete, and based on the measurement, moving the torch or the material to a different location for additional cutting.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To reduce the generation of fume in cutting a material to be cut typified by a steel plate with plasma.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to securing a torch assembly and a work lead assembly to a plasma cutting power supply are provided. The present disclosure relates to a system and method that allows the torch assembly and the work lead assembly to be readily replaced by the user since the power supply unit need not be opened or disassembled for removal. The present disclosure provides methods and systems for removably securing both the torch assembly and the work lead assembly to the plasma cutting power supply. In one embodiment, the torch assembly and the work lead assembly may be communicatively coupled to the plasma cutting power supply unit via a single cable and a single connector. The connection between the first connector and the first port may be of the quick disconnectable type. The connection between the second connector and the second port may be of the twist lock type, such as a dinse style connector.

Abstract: Provided is a heat treatment apparatus in which a heat treatment apparatus in which the thermal efficiency is high, the maintenance expense is low, the throughput is high, the surface roughness of a sample can be reduced, and the discharge uniformity is excellent, although the heat treatment is performed at 1200 ° C. or more. A heat treatment apparatus includes: parallel planar electrodes; a radio-frequency power supply generating plasma by applying radio-frequency power between the parallel planar electrodes; a temperature measuring section measuring the temperature of a heated sample; and a control unit controlling an output of the radio-frequency power supply, wherein at least one of the parallel planar electrodes has a space where the heated sample is installed, therein, and heats the sample in the electrode by the plasma generated between the parallel planar electrodes.

Abstract: A circuit protection device includes a plasma gun configured to generate a plasma plume, at least one capacitor configured to store electrical energy, and a trigger circuit communicatively coupled to the plasma gun and the capacitor. The trigger circuit is configured to transmit a first signal to the capacitor to cause the capacitor to transmit a first portion of the electrical energy to the plasma gun. The trigger circuit is also configured to transmit a second signal to the plasma gun to cause the plasma gun to generate the plasma plume using the first portion of the electrical energy.

Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrode body is movable relative to the torch. A resilient element, contacting a proximal end of the electrode body, is used for imparting a separation force to the electrode body. The electrode body is adapted to overcome the separation force and engage a contact element of the torch when the torch is operated in a transferred arc mode.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch both cutting and marking of metal workpieces includes a plasma nozzle having a plasma nozzle orifice through which an electric arc from an electrode and a stream of plasma gas are emitted toward a workpiece, and a liquid-injection shield cup that injects liquid tangentially inwardly to the arc and stream of plasma gas. A power supply is operable to selectively deliver electrical power to the electrode at either a low power level suitable for marking of a workpiece or a high power level suitable for workpiece cutting. The torch may be selectively operated to mark at the low power level, with a plasma marking gas being delivered to the plasma gas passage, or to cut at the high power level, with a plasma cutting gas being delivered to the plasma gas passage, and liquid being delivered to the liquid injection passage for both cutting and marking.

Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrode body is movable relative to the torch. The electrode and torch can include a contact element having a first surface in electrical communication with the power contact and a second surface characterized by (i) physical contact with the electrode body during transferred arc mode and (ii) absence of physical contact with the electrode body during initiation of a pilot arc.

Abstract: A method for cutting an internal feature in a workpiece using a plasma cutting system can include cutting in a first zone using at least one cutting parameter from a first cutting parameter set, which can include a first cutting current and/or a first speed. The method can include cutting in a second zone using at least one cutting parameter from a second cutting parameter set that can be different from the first cutting parameter set. The second cutting parameter set can include a second cutting current and/or a second speed. The method can also include cutting in a third zone using at least one cutting parameter from a third cutting parameter set, which can be different from the first cutting parameter set or the second cutting parameter set. The third cutting parameter set can include a third cutting current and/or a third speed.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein provide a device suitable for assisting cutting and/or marking metal, such as sheet metal, comprising a template member, and optionally, an attachment component such as a magnetic component. The template member may further comprises a solid substrate material or a solid component and an outer edge and/or a window component. The device is configured so that the magnetic component allows the template member to be affixed to a metal object so that the outer edge and/or the window component may be used as a guide for cutting the metal, and allows the component to be removed from the metal when it is no longer needed for cutting.

Abstract: A process for the jet cutting of arcuate openings in a metal workpiece such as steel, by means of creating a jet along a predetermined axis, applying the jet to the workpiece, with the axis of the jet offset from the perpendicular, and rotating the jet around to describe the arc desired while maintaining the non perpendicular axis and terminating the cutting path just prior to completion of the opening.