Use a "Leadin Type" of Arc in your operation settings. This provides a smoother transition for the plasma arc, reducing the sudden thermal shock to the boundary layer of the part. 2. Path Rules and "Overburn"
In plasma cutting, this usually happens in the . Factors like high-carbon content, impurities in the metal (like sulfur or phosphorus), and extreme thermal stress contribute to the problem. How SheetCam Helps Prevent Hot Cracking
Hot cracking (also known as solidification cracking) occurs when the metal reaches its melting point and begins to cool. If the metal is under high tension while it is in a "mushy" state (partially solid, partially liquid), the grains of the metal pull apart, creating a fracture. sheetcam hot crack
Understanding and Preventing "Hot Cracking" in SheetCam: A Guide for CNC Plasma Cutting
While often associated with the welding process, hot cracking in the context of SheetCam and CNC plasma cutting refers to the structural failure or "tearing" of the metal during or immediately after the thermal cycle of the cut. Use a "Leadin Type" of Arc in your operation settings
Ensure your Pierce Delay is perfect. A delay that is too short causes the torch to move before the metal is molten, creating mechanical stress; a delay too long creates a massive heat "puddle." Conclusion
Use SheetCam’s Optimization settings. Instead of cutting the "closest next" part, you can manually sequence the cuts or use a "keep cool" strategy. By jumping the torch to different areas of the sheet, you allow the material to dissipate heat, keeping the overall temperature of the HAZ below the critical cracking threshold. 4. Cutting Speed and Feed Rates Path Rules and "Overburn" In plasma cutting, this
Ensure your Tool Library in SheetCam is calibrated to your plasma cutter’s manual. You want the fastest travel speed possible that still maintains a clean cut. The faster the torch moves, the narrower the HAZ and the less time the metal spends in that "danger zone" where cracking occurs. Material Considerations
Setting a small overburn (cutting slightly past the start point) ensures the metal is fully severed, preventing the mechanical "tearing" that happens when a part is forced out of the skeleton. 3. Heat Management through Cut Sequencing