Thinking about adding height control to my table. What can I expect besides just "better cuts" which is all i read about Can I cut some 1/2" steel with the PM45 with really really good results? Can I cut 14g steel dross free?
The ability to cut thicker material, especially going to 1/2" like your asking, would require an upgrade of the plasma unit. 45 amps wont do well. Lots of bevel, super slow cut speeds, and shorter consumable life. Height control will help you control bevel on cuts and because you will have better torch to work distance control you will get better wear on consumables.
Actually...the Powermax45 will cut 1/2" steel with very little bevel.....assuming it pierces at the correct height, then as soon as the pierce is complete.....indexes down to the cut height of .08". The 45 is factory rated to pierce 1/2" if you have a full function height control......3/8" without height control. This pic is of parts cut with a Powermax45 on 1/2" steel, the 1/2" diameter holes were cut as well. Taper in the holes is about .035" (smaller on the bottom) taper on edges is about 1.5 to 2.5 degrees. If I wanted best cuts on 3/8" and 1/2" (minimal bevel) I would use the 45 amp process even on the larger Powermax65 through 105 systems. If I could live with more bevel but needed faster speeds then I would use either 65 or 85 amp consumables. The 45 amp process on 1/2" often (depending on plate chemistry) will have dross.....but it is very easy to remove dross. I used book cutting specs from the Powermax45 operators manual for these cuts. Keep in mind that this is an air plasma cutter! There will be taper.....but to minimize the taper you use the lowest powered consumables that the plasma cutter manufacturer says will cut the thickness you need to cut. Taper in the holes: if non critical bolt holes.....increase the size of the hole so a bolt will drop through (on these you would need to make the hole about .540 or so). If you need "drilled holes"...then I suggest cutting them about .030" undersized....then drill with a cobalt drill from the smaller bottom side. A high speed steel drill will need sharpening often if you are drilling air plasma cut holes (nitride case hardened edge caused by the nitrogen content in air). Jim Colt Hypertherm
The greatest benefits I see is not having to worry about the torch head getting caught on the material or previously cut pieces as it moves from cut to cut and not having to worry about warped or otherwise uneven material. Those are huge headaches for me anyway. But I haven't convinced myself THC is worth the expense, at least on a small table.
