Bellows are designed for industrial machines and equipment. Some machines such as plasma cutting equipment require special types of bellows because of their functionality or certain environmental exposure. Plasma cutting is a process wherein ionized gas is jetted at extremely high temperatures to melt the required portions from the cut or formed workpiece. Usually, this is done on electrically conductive materials such as metals. Considering the sensitivity of this process in terms of the flow of gases or elevated temperatures, a robust protective cover is a must. Hence, durable rail covers are often used for these systems to protect them from chemical reactions, spillages, corrosion, and other environmental parameters.
More About Plasma Cutting Systems Bellows
Plasma cutting machines are used for cutting and processing in fabrication and manufacturing segments across industries. Plasma cutting has gained prominence in the last few years because of several benefits the process offers. However, when using plasma cutting systems, the bellows should never be ignored as they protect the system from dirt, particulate matter, and spillage of liquids, reactivity with conductor metals, and more. The bellows also safeguard the operators using this system. Here are some useful pointers which may help you select the right type of bellows for your plasma cutting systems.
- Plasma cutting is a sensitive process and may be flammable due to hot plasma involved. This whole process generates heat, toxic fumes, moisture, and so on. Hence, a material that is resistant to all of these parameters is used to make the plasma cutting systems bellows.
- This process involves an electric arc that divides the cathode and anode, and this arc is constricted through a cool air or water nozzle. This helps form the plasma jet with high temperature and velocity.
- There is a lot of heat emitted in the process as the plasma jet hits the work object, which is mostly metal. This heat melts the metal to form the required shape and the extra portions which need to be removed are cut off with the help of the released gas.
- Such a process certainly requires bellows that are resistant to gases such as argon, hydrogen, and nitrogen aside from extreme heat and other parameters.
- The material must be non-combustible as well as flameproof. Aluminized Kevlar, polyurethane-coated polyester, polyurethane-coated nylon, preoxydized Kevlar, silicone fiberglass cloth polyurethane-coated Nomex, PVC coated polyester, and so on are some of the commonly used materials to make these bellows.
- The chosen material undergoes thermal welding. Thermal welding is performed at high temperatures and this helps produce more robust bellows.
- The type, size, and shape of the bellows, along with the material, must be carefully chosen as it can impact or rather hinder the gas nozzle, cutting speed and precision, and so on.
The side or direction of the workpiece is important and must be on the appropriate side of the plasma jet. This is also an important factor when deciding upon the bellows. Do you need a bellow to protect your plasma cutting system? If yes, ensure you partner with an experienced bellows manufacturer who can customize the same for you. Sturdy yet flexible bellows are used for such systems since it is non-reactive and resistant to spillages, gases, and corrosion, among other factors. So, it is important that the manufacturer understands your requirements and delivers accordingly. Nabell USA Corp is a well-known manufacturer specializing in bellows for plasma cutting, laser cutting, and water jet cutting machines. The company offers customized bellows for many different applications and industries.
