Editorials

Robotic Fabricating Changes Farm Equipment Repair and Customization

It might go against our preconceived idea of the hands-in-the-soil farm worker, but over the last decade, the American farmer has gone high-tech. GPS-unit-controlled tractors, computer-automated spraying, and CNC machine manufacturing are just three of the ways that farmers are squeezing out more productivity and increasing efficiencies by harnessing technology.

My expertise is with CNC (Computer-numeric-controlled) automation, and how it allows farms to repair, customize or fabricate the machinery they need to plow or harvest their crops quickly and efficiently on-site. Here are three ways a CNC machine can save farmers and farm repair shops time and money.

3 CNC Machine Mishap Prevention Tips for the New User

Most people do not buy personal CNC (computer numerical controlled) cutting centers every day. In fact, this technology used to be reserved for only the deep-pocketed machine shop elite. So, when I took the time to consider what most home shop machinists might go through when they set up their first system, I knew I would have to take into account the fact that there is a large variation in individuals’ experiences with CNC cutting machines.

CNC Cutting the Gateway to Robotics

Torchmate’s CNC Systems are Technical Training Tool for Next-Generation Manufacturing Workforce

It is no secret that manufacturing is rapidly transforming from a hands-on, drill-cut-and-weld field to an industry that is automated, technical and computerized. These new technical manufacturing techniques require a workforce that is highly trained on the computer systems and automated machinery that is now a part of fabrication at all levels — from airplane builders and off-shore oil rig manufacturers to mechanics and small shop hobbyists.

The CNC Plasma Process

The Torchmate CNC machine cuts out the entire 4' x 4' plate full of owl shapes automatically from 1/8" mild steel. The finished owls measure approximately 8" x 8", and sell wholesale to dealers for $20 each.  The entire run of 33 owls was completed in one hour, at a cost $1.75 each in steel and plasma torch consumables.  That comes to $602 profit for an hour's work.

Stepper Motors vs. Servo Motors vs. Intelligent Motors - The Facts

Depending on whose web site you visit, you will be offered a variety of reasons why their type of electronics and motors are better than the rest.  The purpose of this page is to give you the straight facts, without distorted torque figures or unrealistic cutting speed claims.

Designing the Torchmate

Purchasers of our Torchmate 2 gantry kits are supplied with a digital 3-D model of the completed machine.   They can rotate it, and zoom in to see the finest detail from any angle, helping to make the kit's completion easy and fun.  Full instructions are also provided.   Viewing the 3-D model requires the SolidWorks viewer, which can be downloaded free at: http://www.solidworks.com.

Torchmate Advantages

In the above photo, a 4 foot square table has been placed inside a 5' x 8' capacity Torchmate 2 machine.  The dramatic size difference illustrates the tremendous advantage of a full sized machine over a small 4' x 4' unit which requires you to constantly move and realign (index) your material.

The Inherent Accuracy of Plasma ARC

Plasma arc is a marvelous process, allowing you to cut non-ferrous metals as well as mild steel.   However it does have some limitations.  We believe that you should be aware of what is and what is not possible using plasma, regardless of whose CNC machine you purchase.   Plasma will produce good results for perhaps 95% of the applications out there, but you're not going to cut watch parts with it.

How Do We Compare

A pretty good indicator of the reliability of a company is how long it has been around!  The photo below shows a number of National magazines from 1980 - 1982 containing one to four page feature articles on our Torchmate cutting machines.  Our Torchmate pantograph flame cutting machine won the "Product of the Year" award in 1980 from Welding Design and Fabrication Magazine.

The Seven Deadly Sins in Selecting a CNC Cutting Machine

The most limiting factor of any CNC cutting machine is the size of the plate that can be cut without interruption.  Since most material comes in at least a 4' x 8' size, your cutting table should be at least that size.

Is Accuracy and Repeatability Important to You? It Should Be!

If you really want to know how accurate a CNC shape cutting machine is, test it with a laser. CNC plasma-arc cutting is great for most metal fabrication jobs.  It's fast, economical, and accurate enough for most metal cutting needs.

Early shape cutting machine patents

Mr. Bucknam, who had previous patents going back to 1916 designed this as a cutting machine for trimming the flanges on boilers.  It uses a pivoting column that supports a track extending outward from the column.  A carriage, mounted on the track, rolls in and out as a roller follows the profile of the flange.

Steps to fabricating frame and rails – approximately 16 hours

You will fabricate the frame out of 3" square x 1/4" wall tubing you purchase locally.  Full plans are included.

Plasma Cutter History

The plasma-arc process had its origin almost 50 years ago, during the height of World War II.  In an effort to improve the joining of aircraft materials, a method of welding was developed that used a protective barrier of inert gas around an electric arc to protect the weld from oxidation.

How a plasma cutter works

Plasma cutters work by sending an electric arc through a gas that is passing through a constricted opening.  The gas can be shop air, nitrogen, argon, oxygen. etc. This elevates the temperature of the gas to the point that it enters a 4th state of matter.  We all are familiar with the first three: i.e., solid, liquid, and gas.

Selecting a plasma cutter

So you want to purchase a plasma cutter!  It's kind of a bewildering prospect to select a piece of equipment that is new to you with so many manufacturers and models to choose from.

The Making of a Monster Torchmate CNC Plasma Cutting Machine

What does buying an industrial CNC plasma cutting system and riding the New York City subway have in common? The sheer size and complexity alone from a "newbie's" perspective could send anyone running in the opposite direction. However, if you are planning on walking the streets of NYC, it is going to take you a long time to get to where you are headed.

Torchmate CNC Robotic Cutting Machines Hit Classrooms

At the Academy of Arts, Careers and Technology in Reno, Nev., students are learning to fabricate and prototype on the same Torchmate robotic technology that is the preferred tool of aircraft engineers, ship builders and the U.S. military.

Torchmate CNC Cutting Systems Donates to Veteran Program Workshop for Warriors

Torchmate deeply discounted and shipped a Torchmate 3 CNC cutting system to Workshops for Warriors which helps teach military veterans technical job skills preparing returning soldiers for careers in manufacturing.

Torchmate’s robotic metal-cutting systems train the engineers, manufacturers of tomorrow

Torchmate CNC cutting systems is offering affordable cnc cutting machinery to shop classes in schools giving teachers and students hand on lessons to teach design and manufacturing skills to the next generation of airplane builders, automobile manufacturers, and engineers

Give the Gift of CNC Machining for Father’s Day