Improving the accuracy of thermally cut parts for welded assemblies

The aim of the work was to develop a method which would predict the thermal behaviour of parts during the cutting process before the actual cutting work and then to use the results in adjusting the nominal cutting path, in order to produce parts that are accurate in dimensions and shapes after cutting. The use of thermo FEM calculations was found a good and accurate method for predicting the thermal distortions of parts during the cutting process. The data gained in the calculations can be used to adjust the nominal cutting paths. As a result, a cutting accuracy of plus or minus 1 mm or better is to be expected regardless of the part dimensions. Further R and D work will lead to the release onto the market of the first generation of simulation tools using these techniques.