Edge shaping using material processing systems

A computer-implemented method for shaping an edge of a part to be cut from a workpiece using a plasma arc torch system comprising a processing head configured to deliver a plasma arc, the method comprising:

• calculating, by the plasma arc torch system, a start point and an end point of a shaping path proximate to the edge of the part based on a desired edge profile;
• determining, by the plasma arc torch system, a set of operating parameters to controllably impinge the plasma arc about the edge of the part to execute the shaping path from the start point to the end point, wherein the set of operating parameters includes at least one of a height of the processing head relative to the part, an energy density of the plasma arc, a speed of the processing head along the shaping path, an offset of the shaping path relative to the edge of the part, and a pressure of the plasma arc;
• positioning, by the plasma arc torch system, the processing head normal to a surface of the part;
• and
• controllably bending the plasma arc at the edge of the part, by the processing head, to shape the desired edge profile.