1" Aluminum w Powermax 65.

[icmplasma85]

I have a customer that wants some 1" aluminum plate cut. I'm pretty sure I can cut this with an edge start even though the book specs don't show that you can. My only issue is he needs slotted holes cut into it. I don't really have a way of testing this as I don't have any 1" aluminum. Piercing the slots, I feel, may be an issue. Does anyone have any experience or opinions on this?

Thanks

Mark

[TWSalaska]

I have drilled holes and used those for my pierce. works fine for me but I do not know how well it would for aluminum although I would think it will be fine.

[jimcolt]

Drill holes and edge start. To edge start, ensure that the nozzle orifice is centered on the edge, set a pierce delay time that is about 1/2 of what you would need to pierce (if you could pierce 1"!), set the torch to the cut height (don't need pierce height for edge starting.

I would start at: Pierce delay: 1 second, Cut height: .06", Cut speed 10-11 ipm, 65 amps, shielded consumables.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

[icmplasma85]

Thanks Jim and TW. Makes me feel a little better when others tell me it is possible!

If customer accepts my quote and I get the job I'll post some pics. Pretty excited to try cutting 1" anything, I've only cut 1/2" mild steel with my 65, but it cut beautifully. Just hope I don't exceed the duty cycle.

Thanks again guys!

Mark

[TWSalaska]

No problem glad I could help next time ill try to be more descriptive...

[icmplasma85]

Not at all, I understood what you were saying. More or less I just wanted a few confirmations that it was even possible before I spent all that money on 1" aluminum. Stuff is not cheap!

[TWSalaska]

yea I cut a lot of thicker material on my table we are a fabrication shop for oilfield and pipeline in Alaska.