TPT September 2021

T E CHNOLOG Y

ESAB launches 600- and 800-amp options for iSeries

ESAB has launched enhanced versions of its 200-, 300- and 400-amp versions iSeries high- precision plasma power sources to double cutting output to 400, 600 or 800 amps, respectively for increased productivity when automated plasma cutting.

Users can ‘parallel’ two iSeries power sources to cut non- ferrous metal up to 160mm; system offers flexibility to use two units together or operate them independently. The new capability, standard on iSeries systems, requires using matching consumables, a connection kit with cabling and associated software for the controller. “The concept is similar to paralleling two welding power sources to use larger diameter electrodes for increased productivity,” explained Dirk Ott, VP, global plasma automation. “This new capability features some modest software and hardware enhancements, but the challenge was developing the new 600- and 800-amp consumables for stainless steel and aluminium.” Mr Ott noted that consumables are the most highly engineered components in an automated plasma cutting system, and that achieving optimal cut quality and speed requires changing consumables to match the application. ESAB now offers consumables for automated plasma cutting outputs from 15 to 800 amps. Target applications include fabricators and steel services centres that use two torches on the same gantry and those cutting sections of stainless steel and aluminium material up to 160mm (6.25"), which are primarily in the power generation, pressure vessel, chemical and petrochemical processing industries. Users of 600- and 800-amp systems primarily want faster cutting speeds on non-ferrous material that ranges from 50mm to 100mm (2 to 4"). As an example, the 600-amp system cuts 75mm stainless steel at 330mm/minute using H35 (the H35 process uses 35 per cent hydrogen/65 per cent nitrogen for the plasma gas and nitrogen for the shielding gas). With the new capabilities, users of iSeries 200, iSeries 300 and iSeries 400 systems have the flexibility to operate two systems of the same output independently or together. “Putting two plasma torches on the same gantry to cut identical shapes is a common strategy to increase productivity in high-volume applications,” added Mr Ott. “When fabricators want to double output to cut thicker materials or increase cutting, all they need to do is switch consumables. “We made this easy because our 400- 600- and 800-consumables all use the same torch. With the quick-change consumables cartridge, users can change consumables in less than 30 seconds.”

ESAB www.esab-cutting.com

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SEPTEMBER 2021