Safety Considerations When Installing and Operating Your New CNC Plasma Table
Congratulations! You’ve purchased a new CNC plasma table. You are on your way to creating some fun, profitable, and/or useful new projects.
Your new machine is inherently safer than some of its alternatives. For instance, you and your crew will not have to handle the torch utilized by the table as you would with a regular cutter. Of course, there are some risks to the plasma table, but these are easily mitigated by careful installation planning and the use of standard personal protective gear. It should go without saying that only trained and experienced operators should be permitted to use this equipment. Make sure to post signs clearly announcing all safety procedures along with warnings for visitors and laypeople who may be unfamiliar with these machines.
Installing a CNC Plasma Table Safely
A CNC plasma table generates an enormous amount of heat while it is in use, so it’s important to keep it clear of any and all flammable objects. We recommend a 20 to 25 foot clearance area between the table and any other equipment. Proper grounding will reduce noise levels, prevent anyone from being electrocuted, and reduce the electromagnetic fields that are generated from the use of the machine. Be sure to schedule a regular safety check to ensure that cables are intact and attached properly. A daily check to ensure that there are no damaged wires or loose conductors is prudent.
Burn Table Ventilation
Proper ventilation for your new table is also crucial as cutting into metal releases gasses and fumes depending on the type of metal and what it may be coated in. A downdraft table uses a fan or blower to extract fumes from a chamber below the table to the outdoors. A water table has a shallow pool that sits underneath the cutting mechanism that traps fumes and collects particulate matter. All operators should use a respirator while the machine is in operation. Our sales experts will help you decide whether a downdraft or water table will work best in your space.
Plasma Table Spark Danger
It is important to eliminate all fire hazards from the vicinity before operating your new CNC plasma table. When the CNC plasma table is in operation, it generates a continuous stream of sparks. It is important for operators and anyone in the area to protect their eyes with tinted goggles that deflect damaging ultraviolet light. The goggles will also provide a shield to protect against any flying debris. A face shield and/or a flame resistant balaclava is also a wise precaution. Specialty flame resistant clothing provides extra protection in the unlikely event that a spark manages to reach the operator’s body. Make sure that the entire body is covered with appropriate clothing including leather boots. Keep multiple fire extinguishers in the area, and make sure that your staff knows how to use them.
CNC Plasma Table Electrocution Danger
The use of rubber items will ground you and your operators, protecting you from electrocution. Standing on a rubber mat while the machine is in operation should give you all the protection you need, and rubber gloves will give an extra layer of safety. Never stand in water when operating the machine; the workspace should be bone dry.
Burn Table Conduct Regular Maintenance
Schedule a regular check of your plasma table to examine parts for wear and tear. Replace parts promptly to avoid malfunction as well as damage to other parts. Check the torch to be sure that it is assembled properly, and clean it regularly to maximize its lifespan. The torch’s cooling system must also be properly maintained to avoid damage from overheating.
Contact Squickmon’s Today
It is vital that you choose the right table for the amount of work you intend to do. Pushing a hobby table beyond its limits can create a fire hazard, so it’s important that you have a good idea of the volume and purpose for your table. We invite you to talk with the experts here at Squickmon’s before making your final decision. We are happy to work through all the ins and outs of your business to ensure that you get the table you need. Call us today!
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