Why do we need profile cutting?
Profile cutters are used to cut metal, often sheet metal, into the right shape before welding. The profiler cuts the shape required into the metal with ease. Manual and automatic solutions are available, with CNC automation ideal for industrial use. Without profiling, cutting metal parts can be difficult and time consuming. As well as a speed advantage, cutting is easy to to carry out and offers accurate results. Particularly when using gas or oxy-acetylene methods.
Types of metal profile cutting machines.
There are various types of profile cutting machines, such as portal type and gantry type. Some use scanning systems which can follow and cut along a drawn line on the metal. Whereas others need a template to cut along. Most machines are customisable with more cutting torches, increasing the cutting volume capabilities. Portal profile cutting machines for gas cutting are ideal for smaller workshops. They are designed for a steady amount of plate cutting, and can be an introduction to CNC plasma and water jet cutting etc.
Oxy-fuel profile cutting systems.
The oxyfuel process is the most versatile industrial thermal cutting process, cutting thicknesses from 0.5mm to 250mm. The equipment is low cost, and offers solutions for both manual and mechanised cutting. There are several fuel gas and nozzle design options that can enhance cut quality and speed. The cutting process takes place in an oxyfuel torch. A mixture of oxygen and fuel gas preheats the metal to its 'ignition' temperature. For steel, this is 700°C - 900°C (bright red heat) but well below its melting point. A jet of pure oxygen is then directed into the preheated area. Which instigates an exothermic chemical reaction between the oxygen and the metal. Forming what we know as iron oxide or slag. The oxygen blows away the slag, enabling the jet to pierce and cut through the material.
Profile cutting machine costs.
Initial outlay costs for profile cutting equipment can vary depending on the application. Manual oxy-acetylene or arc-air equipment is the cheapest, starting at £1k for a manual cutter or £9000 for a basic flame cutting table. Whereas sophisticated laser cutting systems need considerable capital expenditure, from £100k to £500k.
Simple scanner profile cutters.
Scanning systems, also known as magic eye, are the simplest choice for basic applications. Set up with oxy-acetylene or plasma, these machines are ideal for sheets of around 8x4. The photoelectric control offers high accuracy without the need for templates. The magic eye tracer (ratio 1:1) can follow template silhouettes or line drawings with ease. For those who want more out of the profile cutter, we can sell a machine that comes with both scanner and a CNC system. Machines can be equipped with up to 6 manual or motorised gas cutting torches. Thus making it suitable for either one-off batch production, or mass production. There are many small, cantilever types of profile cutting machine. These are ideal for smaller workshops and for those who want an easy to use, template-type cutting machine. We stock machines in a variety of cutting widths, starting at around 1.5 meters. Cutting lengths are modifiable to suit by extending the machine.
Portal and gantry CNC profile cutting machines.
The portal and gantry type profile cutting machines are a versatile, popular choice. We can supply bespoke solutions to suit your cutting needs. These dual-driven cutting tables are suitable for oxy-acetylene or plasma cutting applications. They can also be easily automated by adding CNC controls. Taking up less space than the cantilever machine, this type of sheet metal cutter comes in all sizes.
Advantages of CNC profile cutting tables.
The CNC profile cutting tables we sell are normally fitted with a Burny Etek control system. Models include Burny 2.5, Burny 5, Burny 10 and Burny Replicators. These are reliable and easy to use units, with 50 standards shapes contained in the memory. Alternatively, they can receive the information from an office PC with CAD software. This makes the cutting process much easier, saving time for busy workshops. We can supply CAD drawing packages to suit the Burny systems and provide tuition and training to any number of workshop staff.
Plasma profile cutting tables.
Our plasma profile cutting machines can often be modified to meet your cutting needs. New and used plasma sources can be fitted, with price dependent on the cutting thickness and material. Talk to us about your requirements, and we will offer free advice and extensive knowledge.
Why choose Westermans?
Our excellent service starts from the moment you share your sheet metal cutting needs with us. Your present and future manufacturing plans are considered when making our recommendation. Whilst formulated to match the challenges of your engineering, manufacturing and purchasing budget. Our customers consist of small engineering firms, right through to oil and gas manufacturing plants. Over the years, we have built a reputation for supplying unrivalled quality at unbeatable value. Enabling our clients to avoid lengthy downtime, whilst making significant cost savings. Take a look at some of our recent Trustpilot reviews!
Why pay the new price tag? Buy a refurbished machine with warranty at a fraction of the cost of the original new price. With our experience of sourcing used machinery, we stock many machines to suit all budgets.
Do you need to cut one or hundreds of shapes out of a piece of metal plate? Not sure how to do it? Are you confused by the variety, cost and availability? Want to avoid costs and prolong the life of your consumables ? These are all very common questions that we are more than happy to answer.
Call us today for impartial advice on all the leading brands of profile and plasma cutting tables and associated equipment.
ESAB, Messer, Hypertherm, Esprit, ACS, Techserv, Burny, Westinghouse, Farley, Koike plus many more.
