News

Fusion 360 Plasma Cutting

Published Tuesday, March 31, 2020

While hand-held plasma torches can do an effective job when you’re cutting smaller shapes from steel plates, most metal fabrication jobs call for an accuracy and edge quality that a manual approach can’t achieve, making computer numerical control (CNC) plasma cutting the best solution.

Fusion 360 is a product development and design software with CAD and CAM integration that produces high-quality finished parts. It can work with any 2D profile to create and send a G-code to a plasma cutting table, so the torch can move in the desired toolpath. 

How Does Fusion 360 Plasma Cutting Work?

The process consists of two tools: the plasma cutter and the computer. The cutting tool receives direction from the computer, which is equipped with the Fusion 360 software. The operator can create detailed and precise templates of the part that needs to be cut before using the program to relay all necessary information to the cutter.

Plasma cutting itself takes a different approach: instead of using mechanical tools like drill bits and saw blades, it uses a focused stream of electricity delivered through ionized gas (plasma) to cut the metal. The plasma’s high velocity also removes any molten metal from the cutting area, resulting in a smooth completion.

Unlike oxy-fuel cutting, plasma cutters can work with non-ferrous materials that are impervious to oxidation, such as stainless steel and aluminum. The cutter uses an electrical impulse to melt the metal, enabling it to cut through any material that can conduct electrical impulses.

Fusion 360 plasma cutting supports a degree of accuracy that would be challenging for a human operator to achieve. In addition, the same specifications can be used to create multiple parts in a fraction of the time it would take to complete a manual job. Faster production cycles, limited opportunity for error, and superior results have made Fusion 360 a mainstay in several industries, from fabrication to manufacturing and heavy industry. At VeriForm, we use the latest metal fabrication technology, including Fusion 360 plasma cutting, to accurately cut a wide range of materials at varying thicknesses. With over 20 years of experience, we have the knowledge and expertise to deliver the results you need. For more information, please contact us.