CNC laser (plasma) high speed die cutting combined processing

CNC laser (plasma) high-speed die-cutting composite processing has become increasingly essential in the sheet metal industry. It integrates traditional blanking processes or replaces conventional angular die blanking, which often leads to edge deformation and excessive mold wear, with high-quality cutting methods like laser or plasma. This advanced technique ensures no edge deformation and eliminates mold loss, significantly improving production efficiency, product quality, and cost reduction, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 Parts of the die-cutting machine

The control system of CNC laser (plasma) high-speed die-cutting composite machines is not just a simple combination of punching and cutting functions. Instead, it requires an optimized integration of punching movements and cutting processes, along with mechanical clamping and support systems. The cutting head design typically comes in two forms: fixed or mobile. Fixed designs rely on the movement of the plate for processing, offering a simpler structure and easier control without the need for repositioning the workpiece. However, this approach may not be practical for large or medium-sized plates. On the other hand, mobile cutting heads provide better flexibility, especially for large door cutting, although they introduce more complexity in terms of positioning and table interaction. This article explores the key control features of a CNC die-cutting composite machining center: (1) Integrated control of punch dies, punching operations, and cutting processes, including automatic switching. In a typical process, the clamp moves the sheet to be punched first, then transfers it to the cutting torch. During punching, the CNC must handle positioning blocks, die selection, punch adjustment, speed control, and detection of upper and lower dead points. For cutting, the system needs to confirm the relative position of the cut and the hole, track the cutting height, and adjust speed, tool compensation, power, and other parameters based on material characteristics. (2) A critical aspect is the transition control between punching and cutting. This includes workbench exchange, workpiece repositioning, and error prevention during the switch. In machines with a moving cutting head, the punched sheet must be transferred from the punch table to the cutting table. The CNC controls this based on the design of the exchange system, calculating the starting point for cutting after the sheet is placed on the cutting table. For high-precision applications, the system may also use reference holes or scan the plate’s flatness for accurate alignment. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate different types of punching and laminating machines.

Figure 2 Die-cutting compound machine from foreign manufacturers (MURATEC)

Figure 3 Punching machine using the TNC2000D CNC system

The main performance indicators of typical composite machines suitable for medium and heavy plate processing are listed in Table 1. Key performance metrics of a standard CNC system for such machines are shown in Table 2.

Note: The stationary cutting table is used for the static cutting table or the special punch table with the workpiece repositioning function.

Aluminum Steel Pipe

Aluminum Steel Pipe,Round Aluminum Tube,Aluminum Pipes Foil,Aluminum Steel Coil

Shandong Xinsuju Steel Co.,Ltd. , https://www.suscoil.com