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On this Page: Introduction. Definitions. Design. Material Selection. Plate steel. Flat stock. Repurposed Materials. Thickness. Production ability. Summary. Introduction. The purpose of this article is to review the challenges that you may face in developing your own product lines for local or regional distribution. In concept, these considerations apply to many products. For the purposes of this article, we will use the production of fire rings for a kit or retail sale as an example. Fire rings fire pits are a simple product that can provide a profitable revenue stream for a fabricator if designed executed properly to meet local demand and demographics. Many municipalities encourage or require some form of containment for “open” fires during the safe “burn season”. In the Pacific NW, this season generally starts once the rain returns and the local Fire Marshal decides that the risk of fire migration via ember or spark is low enough to permit “open” fires. Given the recent run of devastating fires across the West Coast, it is likely that both restrictions regarding equipment and opportunity will be restricted sometime in the future. This market should, therefore, be approached with caution and an eye on enhancing safety and reliability of open fires more than just the aesthetic a fire ring provides before the substantial investment is made. Partnering with local fire departments in terms of design criteria is strategically valuable. Key design elements to review include optimizing diameter, height, cross ventilation, upper edge treatment, the maximum size of un-screened cutouts or openings in the artistic elements, and whether a lid, screen, or other closure/safety device is required. Simply put, it is wiser to address these elements up front than to litigate them later. Particularly, if some deficiency in its design is later alleged. To be clear, the burden for safe use lies with the consumer however in our present litigious society it is far better to have addressed these issues in advance than to respond to them after the fact. The fabricator should begin by deciding whether every ring sold is their “product” or simply a “part” or set of parts made to the customers’ order and specification. While the two cases may result in similar looking outcomes the difference between the two cases may be “distinguishable” in legal terms. You nevertheless likely will encounter customers that solicit your advice. It would be wise to have a conversation with a good attorney before this day comes. Assuming that product liability insurance is a non-issue (too expensive) for the average fabricator, every ring sold (should) include an appropriate Warning and Disclaimer. Ideally, these should be provided in both printed and physical form. Physical form can range from a clearly designed label to laser/plasma engraving in the product itself. Warning language varies with locale but should identify what the product is designed for (wood, charcoal, etc; or what it is not) and include a statement describing safe operation – such as “never leave a fire unattended”, “Ring may be HOT” and/or language taken from sources such as the National Park Service, Forestry Service, and National Fire Prevention (NFPA) and similar sources or associations. (think about what Smokey Bear would say, for example). Once the regulatory and legal considerations having been addressed you can then turn your attention to design and production. Top All Entire DXF Files Packages (Bundle) only $1599.99 Definitions. Beginning with the basics, let us define a fire ring. A fire ring is a containment device for an open fire – regardless of nature. Many serve a purely aesthetic function as an accent or element of a larger design as in (propane/NG) installations designed to help define backyard entertainment space. Fire rings also provide some measure of indirect lighting, smoke management, and heat reflection depending on the design. For the purpose of this article we consider the term Fire Ring to include all forms of device...

   When looking at purchasing a CNC (Computer Numeric Control) plasma table, the endless possibilities can make purchasing one difficult. However, knowing what you are looking at and knowing what you will be using your new machine for, will make purchasing one much easier. In this article, we will discuss what to look for in any CNC plasma cutting package. This includes the components, type of table, and supporting programs. Table Components.    The primary components of most tables include the Y-beam, gantry, X-carriage, Z-head, and slats . The Y-beam is the long axis or Y axis that holds the gantry. This allows the gantry to move up and down in the Y-direction.  The gantry rides the Y-beam and holds the X-carriage. The X-carriage or torch carriage holds the torch assembly and allows the torch to move up and down the X-axis. The Z-head holds the torch and allows movement up and down the Z-axis. On most machines, the X, Y, and Z-axis are controlled by servo motors which allow the torch to move to its desired path. The servo motors and Computer work in conjunction and are what control the movement of the cut once programmed. The slats are metal runners that are spaced across the table. These slats provide support to the part as its being cut. Almost all tables are configured in this setup and are proven to be the most reliable configurations. Some tables come with different features. One feature most tables will come with is a magnetic breakaway torch carriage. This can save you time and money. If programmed improperly a torch can take a nose dive and can cause damage to the components inside or even the carriage. In addition, if a slug lifts up from a part while cutting and a torch makes contact, it can cause damage to the system. With the magnetic breakaway, any force over that of the magnetic force will dislodge the carriage and stop the program. Another key feature is automatic torch control. If a raw sheet is not perfectly flat, a sensor mounted on the carriage can adjust the torch height so you always have proper torch height and do not make contact with the part, which could cause damage. When having both features, programming time will decrease and unintended torch collisions can be less catastrophic. Even though many tables will have a similar setup, the table itself can be vastly different. The reasoning for this is fume control. Types of Tables.    When cutting through the material, extremely hot molten metal is being blasted out the back of the piece scattering debris everywhere.  It is also known that hot air rises and these tiny particles can rise into the air causing inadequate working conditions. Over time with no fume control, an entire shop or garage can become fully covered in black debris. This is where the molten material has landed and stayed. This is not the desired outcome for any hobbyist or manufacturer. To combat this, table manufacturers have come up with two types of tables. The two types of available tables are the downdraft table and the water table . The downdraft table uses a fume extracting system that sits above the table. With the part sitting on the slats of the table, the system then sucks up any debris trying to escape the table while cutting. The water table accomplishes the same goal as the downdraft table but uses water instead of an extracting system. The table works by filling it up with water until the water is close to or touching the desired part to be cut. When the part is being cut the molten material is blasted out the back and hits the water. This instantly cools the molten material and sinks it to the bottom of the table. Thus, by sinking the debris it can’t escape into the air. Both tables achieve the same goal but the water table holds advantages over the downdraft table. When cutting, your part is constantly increasing in temperature. When performing long heavy cuts the heat builds up in the part causing it to warp and bend. This can cause improper torch height and line of cut. This can leave your part with inadequate finished edges or even a bad part. Owners of a water table can fill it up so the water is touching the part or even submerged. This ensures a cool part when performing long cuts. Knowing what type of material you will be cutting or in what setting will determine what table is best for you. Another factor that you will have to consider is what size table you will need. Tables come in all configurations. Most table manufactures provide a set list to choose from. However, some table manufactures allow for custom sizes. The reasoning for this is due to the simplicity of the parts and function as explained above. Software.   When purchasing a package, many manufacturers will have proprietary programs that will come with the package that allow operation of their product. This is commonly called ...

On this Page: Introduction. Definitions. Design. Material Selection. Plate steel. Flat stock. Repurposed Materials. Thickness. Production ability. Summary. Introduction. The purpose of this article is to review the challenges that you may face in developing your own product lines for local or regional distribution. In concept, these considerations apply to many products. For the purposes of this article, we will use the production of fire rings for a kit or retail sale as an example. Fire rings fire pits are a simple product that can provide a profitable revenue stream for a fabricator if designed executed properly to meet local demand and demographics. Many municipalities encourage or require some form of containment for “open” fires during the safe “burn season”. In the Pacific NW, this season generally starts once the rain returns and the local Fire Marshal decides that the risk of fire migration via ember or spark is low enough to permit “open” fires. Given the recent run of devastating fires across the West Coast, it is likely that both restrictions regarding equipment and opportunity will be restricted sometime in the future. This market should, therefore, be approached with caution and an eye on enhancing safety and reliability of open fires more than just the aesthetic a fire ring provides before the substantial investment is made. Partnering with local fire departments in terms of design criteria is strategically valuable. Key design elements to review include optimizing diameter, height, cross ventilation, upper edge treatment, the maximum size of un-screened cutouts or openings in the artistic elements, and whether a lid, screen, or other closure/safety device is required. Simply put, it is wiser to address these elements up front than to litigate them later. Particularly, if some deficiency in its design is later alleged. To be clear, the burden for safe use lies with the consumer however in our present litigious society it is far better to have addressed these issues in advance than to respond to them after the fact. The fabricator should begin by deciding whether every ring sold is their “product” or simply a “part” or set of parts made to the customers’ order and specification. While the two cases may result in similar looking outcomes the difference between the two cases may be “distinguishable” in legal terms. You nevertheless likely will encounter customers that solicit your advice. It would be wise to have a conversation with a good attorney before this day comes. Assuming that product liability insurance is a non-issue (too expensive) for the average fabricator, every ring sold (should) include an appropriate Warning and Disclaimer. Ideally, these should be provided in both printed and physical form. Physical form can range from a clearly designed label to laser/plasma engraving in the product itself. Warning language varies with locale but should identify what the product is designed for (wood, charcoal, etc; or what it is not) and include a statement describing safe operation – such as “never leave a fire unattended”, “Ring may be HOT” and/or language taken from sources such as the National Park Service, Forestry Service, and National Fire Prevention (NFPA) and similar sources or associations. (think about what Smokey Bear would say, for example). Once the regulatory and legal considerations having been addressed you can then turn your attention to design and production. Top All Entire DXF Files Packages (Bundle) only $1599.99 Definitions. Beginning with the basics, let us define a fire ring. A fire ring is a containment device for an open fire – regardless of nature. Many serve a purely aesthetic function as an accent or element of a larger design as in (propane/NG) installations designed to help define backyard entertainment space. Fire rings also provide some measure of indirect lighting, smoke management, and heat reflection depending on the design. For the purpose of this article we consider the term Fire Ring to include all forms of device...

   When looking at purchasing a CNC (Computer Numeric Control) plasma table, the endless possibilities can make purchasing one difficult. However, knowing what you are looking at and knowing what you will be using your new machine for, will make purchasing one much easier. In this article, we will discuss what to look for in any CNC plasma cutting package. This includes the components, type of table, and supporting programs. Table Components.    The primary components of most tables include the Y-beam, gantry, X-carriage, Z-head, and slats . The Y-beam is the long axis or Y axis that holds the gantry. This allows the gantry to move up and down in the Y-direction.  The gantry rides the Y-beam and holds the X-carriage. The X-carriage or torch carriage holds the torch assembly and allows the torch to move up and down the X-axis. The Z-head holds the torch and allows movement up and down the Z-axis. On most machines, the X, Y, and Z-axis are controlled by servo motors which allow the torch to move to its desired path. The servo motors and Computer work in conjunction and are what control the movement of the cut once programmed. The slats are metal runners that are spaced across the table. These slats provide support to the part as its being cut. Almost all tables are configured in this setup and are proven to be the most reliable configurations. Some tables come with different features. One feature most tables will come with is a magnetic breakaway torch carriage. This can save you time and money. If programmed improperly a torch can take a nose dive and can cause damage to the components inside or even the carriage. In addition, if a slug lifts up from a part while cutting and a torch makes contact, it can cause damage to the system. With the magnetic breakaway, any force over that of the magnetic force will dislodge the carriage and stop the program. Another key feature is automatic torch control. If a raw sheet is not perfectly flat, a sensor mounted on the carriage can adjust the torch height so you always have proper torch height and do not make contact with the part, which could cause damage. When having both features, programming time will decrease and unintended torch collisions can be less catastrophic. Even though many tables will have a similar setup, the table itself can be vastly different. The reasoning for this is fume control. Types of Tables.    When cutting through the material, extremely hot molten metal is being blasted out the back of the piece scattering debris everywhere.  It is also known that hot air rises and these tiny particles can rise into the air causing inadequate working conditions. Over time with no fume control, an entire shop or garage can become fully covered in black debris. This is where the molten material has landed and stayed. This is not the desired outcome for any hobbyist or manufacturer. To combat this, table manufacturers have come up with two types of tables. The two types of available tables are the downdraft table and the water table . The downdraft table uses a fume extracting system that sits above the table. With the part sitting on the slats of the table, the system then sucks up any debris trying to escape the table while cutting. The water table accomplishes the same goal as the downdraft table but uses water instead of an extracting system. The table works by filling it up with water until the water is close to or touching the desired part to be cut. When the part is being cut the molten material is blasted out the back and hits the water. This instantly cools the molten material and sinks it to the bottom of the table. Thus, by sinking the debris it can’t escape into the air. Both tables achieve the same goal but the water table holds advantages over the downdraft table. When cutting, your part is constantly increasing in temperature. When performing long heavy cuts the heat builds up in the part causing it to warp and bend. This can cause improper torch height and line of cut. This can leave your part with inadequate finished edges or even a bad part. Owners of a water table can fill it up so the water is touching the part or even submerged. This ensures a cool part when performing long cuts. Knowing what type of material you will be cutting or in what setting will determine what table is best for you. Another factor that you will have to consider is what size table you will need. Tables come in all configurations. Most table manufactures provide a set list to choose from. However, some table manufactures allow for custom sizes. The reasoning for this is due to the simplicity of the parts and function as explained above. Software.   When purchasing a package, many manufacturers will have proprietary programs that will come with the package that allow operation of their product. This is commonly called ...