Plasma beam radius compensation-integrated torch path planning for CNC pipe hole cutting with welding groove

Abstract

In order to achieve accurate pipe hole cutting applied to joint preparations for joining pipe with set-in branch, this paper presents a novel method of torch path planning which integrates the plasma beam radius compensation. The geometrical models of intersecting pipes and sing-V welding groove cover the most complex intersecting mode and provide adjustable groove angle configuration. They construct the foundation of the path planning method and generate the theoretical cutting line. Based on the principle of three-dimensional tool radius compensation, a plasma beam radius compensation interface is designed for dynamic compensation value, which can cope with variable plasma kerf width caused by large fluctuant bevel angle. The correlative algorithm modules are connected by homogeneous matrices, with which the torch’s position and orientation are described as well. The experiment validates the feasibility of the torch path planning method and demonstrates the corresponding accuracy improvement.