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Oxyfuel Cutting Robots
Oxyfuel cutting, also known as oxyacetylene cutting, is a thermal separation process in which fuel gases and oxygen are used to cut thick metals that usually contain iron. During this process a torch is used to heat the workpiece metal to its ignition temperature. When the metal reaches its ignition temperature it then burns into iron oxide, also called slag. The slag puddles on top of the heated area of the metal. A powerful jet of oxygen is then directed to the metal, pushing through the slag area and separating the metal to create a cut. Oxyfuel cutting applications can be fully automated with industrial robots, such as the ABB 2400L, to achieve precise, high quality cuts repeatedly.
Robotic oxyfuel cutting provides greater flexibility along production lines. They are equipped with longer and thinner designed torches, which combined with their reach allows them to be able to access and cut workpieces from difficult angles or distances. They also provide increased flexibility with the capability to perform secondary applications. Oxyfuel cutting robot torches can easily be interchanged with plasma cutting torches and vice versa. In fact, most arc welding robots are capable of completing oxyfuel cutting applications. Adopting a robot like the FANUC Arcmate 120ic provides manufacturers greater versatility with the ability to perform welding and cutting processes. Instead of multiple workers on a production line, there is just one robot. Companies can save on overhead costs as well as realize their return on investment (ROI) in a short period of time. Older robots such as the FANUC Arc Mate 120ib can be used as a more cost effective way to automate.
Many manufacturers have swapped out workers for robots to reduce the safety risks associated with oxyfuel cutting applications. Manual oxyfuel cutting exposes workers to UV, infrared, and blue lights which can cause eyestrain, along with eye damage. The metals and metal oxides can produce toxic fumes including carbon monoxide which can have devastating health effects when inhaled. There is also the risk of flashback occurring, which is when the flame burns backwards into the hose causing an explosion. Robots are not impacted by the hazards of oxyfuel cutting, many include safety measures to prevent any adverse accidents from ever happening. This is just another advantages of automating with robots. Oxyfuel robots contain automatic gas control systems that maintain the correct amount of gas throughout the cutting process. Over pressurization and flashback are protected against ensuring safety is never compromised on the production line.
Contact us by email mm@robotsdoneright.com or phone (440) 724-6568 today to discuss buying or selling a oxyfuel cutting robot.