Beveling Automat ACU Cutter

CUTTER TOWER is a custom-built plasma cutting system designed for manufacturers of pressure vessels as a productive alternative to conventional machining of welded surfaces. Combined with an HQC plasma source and an air-recovery filtration unit, it forms a high-performance technological system.

Due to the complexity of the machine, it is supplied only as a bespoke project. The final technical configuration and feasibility are determined after detailed consultation based on the product parameters, application and customer production program.

The machine is designed for cutting weld preparations and concentric holes in pressure-vessel heads with diameters up to 5000 mm and wall thicknesses up to 30 mm. The maximum permissible weight depends on the selected product dimensions and thickness.

The robust machine body carries a pneumatically operated arm that rotates through 90°. A precision movement unit with the plasma torch is mounted on this arm. The main body is connected to the spindle unit by a torsion-reinforced frame.

The torch head moves in three controlled axes:

* X-axis – longitudinal movement, * Z-axis – vertical movement, * T-axis – torch inclination from −40° to +55°.

The X and Z axes use precision linear ball guides, servomotors and planetary gearboxes. The X-axis also includes a pneumatic copying system. The Z-axis consists of a lightweight, precisely manufactured aluminum beam.

The T-axis is driven by a stepper motor, planetary gearbox and toothed belt. Cables and hoses for gas and power are routed through the hollow shaft of the torch-head joint. A duralumin torch holder allows precise adjustment of the distance between the torch and the vessel-head surface.

The main rotary spindle consists of a hollow shaft mounted in precision bearings. It is driven by a high-performance stepper motor through a planetary gearbox and toothed-belt transmission.

A three-arm support structure is mounted on the spindle. It includes longitudinally adjustable self-supporting holders with integrated vacuum clamping. Measuring devices on linear guides enable precise centering of the vessel head.

The machine can be equipped with a two-channel extraction system connected to a central extraction unit through a spark separator.

The first extraction channel passes through the hollow spindle directly beneath the cutting area. The second uses an external adjustable tower with a steel pipe and heat-resistant extraction nozzle. Automatic switching between the channels and extraction-system control are managed by the machine control system.

The operator controls the machine from a separate panel connected to the main control system. Programming is visual and allows the entry and adjustment of key technological parameters.

Individual programs can be combined into sequences for automatic production of complex bevels, including X-type weld preparations.

Before cutting begins, the machine electrically measures the vessel-head surface and automatically compensates for production deviations. This enables a final dimensional accuracy of approximately 1.0 mm, regardless of initial shape variations.

The X, Z and T axes are interpolated by the control system. Their movement is continuous and automatically adapted to the geometry and position of the vessel head.

The machine can be equipped with plasma generators from reputable manufacturers, selected according to the customer’s production requirements. Oxygen plasma can be used for alloy steel, while HQC plasma provides the best cutting quality.

The HQC process is certified and allows immediate TIG or MAG welding without additional grinding or mechanical finishing of the cut surfaces.