Watching a traditional plasma system cut reveals that a considerable percentage of the total cycle time is non-cutting time (time spent moving from one cut to the next cut – also known as cut-to-cut cycle time). Rapid Part technology is a system that delivers up to a 100% increase in productivity through cut-to-cut cycle time reductions.
Rapid Part is part of Hypertherm’s Integrated Plasma Cutting Solutions platform (a combination of Hypertherm hardware and MTC Software that provides revolutionary performance). With Rapid Part technology, these various components work together seamlessly to improve productivity without operator intervention.
Rapid Part works by targeting four processes that occur when the torch is not cutting, including: torch retract, table motion, initial height sensing, and gas pre-flow. These processes are optimized, which reduces cut-to-cut cycle time substantially.
Specific benefits include:
- Reduces arc-off time during the cutting process
- Increases the number of parts produced per hour by up to 100%
- Delivers cut-to-cut cycle time reduction automatically without operator intervention
The Rapid Part system is composed of four primary components:
- ProNest® nesting software
- EDGE CNC
- ArcGlide® THC
- HPRXD or XPR plasma system
ProNest makes a significant contribution to the Rapid Part system (estimated at 15% of overall Rapid Part capability).
The ProNest contribution is achieved in several ways:
Application of optimized lead locations minimizes the chance of torch collisions, and the distance between the end of one cut and the pierce of the next part.Application of optimized avoidance paths, including partial or full torch raises, minimizes the chance of torch collisions and unnecessary torch Z-axis motion.Intelligent retract to the next pierce height, based on material and part properties, provides a cycle time savings of approximately one second per pierce.
Whether you incorporate a fully integrated solution, or individual components of the Rapid Part system, at the end of the day there’s one thing you can count on – more parts.