Skeleton cutting and removal after mechanized cutting processes

Cutting up and removing the remnants of a metal plate, or the “skeleton”, after mechanized cutting is typically slow and labor-intensive. It can also pose many safety risks to the operator, including handling of awkward, heavy pieces with sharp edges. Almost any operation cutting on plasma or oxyfuel CNC tables can benefit from plasma skeleton removal.

Want to discuss your skeleton cutting and removal needs and learn more about our solutions? Talk to one of our experts.

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Benefits of skeleton cutting with plasma

Productivity increase of up to 75% or greater (Calculations based on 12 mm (1/2″) mild steel thickness and standard industry data).
Quicker cutting and unloading of the skeleton means more CNC table utilization and increased throughput.
Reduced training time; operator certification in 4 hours vs. up to 40 hours for oxyfuel.

The Duramax Hyamp Long torch lets the operator stand next to the table in a natural position, preventing ergonomic issues and minimizing the likelihood of mishap; no bending over, and no need to risk injury by kneeling or standing on the table.
Choosing plasma over oxyfuel makes the workplace safer by eliminating gas cylinders that can be difficult and dangerous to handle.

Hypertherm’s Powermax^® air plasma systems and Duramax^® Hyamp™ Long torches are the perfect combination to make clean-up after mechanized cutting easier and faster – resulting in a safer and more profitable workflow. Hypertherm’s Long torch is ideal for tables 1.2 x 2.5 m (4 x 8 ft) or larger; our skeleton sled makes this process even easier for the operator by allowing the long torch to rest on the skeleton and glide smoothly over it.

If you're already cutting plate on a mechanized plasma table, Hypertherm's ProNest^® or ProNest LT software can be used to program the cut-up into pre-defined segments as an integrated part of the overall cutting process.