CNC PLASMA CUTTING

CNC (computer numerical control) plasma cutting has been around for 30 years, but only in the past decade has it become affordable enough for the small shop.
 
The plasma cutting process, itself, is capable of almost surgical precision.  It is the human hand that guides a manual plasma cutting torch that is responsible for the roughness sometimes seen in plasma cut pieces.
 
Today's CNC plasma cutting systems typically use the operator's personal computer to create the shapes to be cut and control the cutting machine.  The resulting shapes are smoother than would be possible with a bandsaw, and can include intricate curves, inside cuts, and sharp corners.

Above photo courtesy of Hypertherm, Inc.

This photo (right) shows an entry level CNC cutting system.  It is similar in operation to a plotter, in that it has two motorized axes (X and Y) that work together, going forward and backing up in perfect synchronization to produce shapes of virtually any design.
 
The computer also controls the actuation of the torch, turning it on slightly before beginning the cut, to permit it to burn through the material first.