Table of Contents
What is needed for plasma cutting?
Plasma cutting requires two basic elements — air and electricity — so the next question to ask is what type of input power is available. Several 30-amp plasma cutters, such as the Spectrum® 375 X-TREME™, operate using 120- or 240-volt power.
How do you start a plasma cut?
How to Use a Plasma Cutter Step 1: Choose Work Location. Step 2: Plug in Unit. Step 3: Connect the Air. Step 4: Turn the Air On. Step 5: Attach the Ground Clamp. Step 6: Turn on the Machine. Step 7: Set the Current. Step 8: Cut the Metal.
Is plasma cutting easy?
Plasma arc cutting is a process where an open arc can be constricted by passing through a small nozzle from the electrode to the workpiece. Although the technology may seem complicated, the process itself is very easy to learn and perform. The process also provides many benefits compared to oxy-fuel cutting.
Can you plasma cut without gas?
Do you need gas for a Plasma Cutter? Gas is needed for a plasma cutter in order for it to work and create the plasma. As mentioned, the most popular gases to use are oxygen, nitrogen or argon.
Can a plasma cutter cut through paint?
10. Check the ground connection to the work piece. Although plasma can cut through painted metal, it does require a solid connection on a clean part of the workpiece as close as practical to the work area.
How thick can plasma cutter cut?
Plasma cutters are used to perform cutting and gouging operations, with the average hand-held system capable of cutting a maximum metal thickness of about 1 inch. Plasma typically requires a source for compressed air and a substantial amount of electrical power.
What are the two types of plasma cutters?
What Are the Different Types of Plasma Cutters Used on CNC Tables? Air Plasma. Air plasma tables are ideal for low-volume manufacturing and are often used on entry level steel fabrication machines. Oxygen Plasma. High-Definition Plasma. CNC Plasma Cutters. The Leader in Automated CNC Plasma Cutting Machines.
How hard is it to use a plasma cutter?
The idea behind a plasma cutter is to cut tough-to-manipulate metal using very high temperatures that turn gas into plasma. Even though there are a lot of intense reactions and very high temperatures forming inside a plasma cutter, the user’s part is relatively easy.
Can a plasma cutter cut your finger off?
The way a plasma cutter works means it most likely won’t melt your finger off if you torched the plasma over it. However, it would do severe damage if your finger was underneath the metal you were cutting, due to the extreme heat that passes below the metal being cut. It has some serious heat.
Can I weld with a plasma cutter?
With the right torch design, a nitrogen-water injection, less expensive than other gases, can work well when plasma cutting aluminum and stainless material for subsequent welding. The process involves an electrode surrounded by nitrogen, which is heated by an electric arc to form the plasma.
How does a plasma cutter works?
Plasma cutters work by sending an electric arc through a gas that is passing through a constricted opening. The gas can be shop air, nitrogen, argon, oxygen. This high speed gas cuts through the molten metal. The gas is also directed around the perimeter of the cutting area to shield the cut.
Do all plasma cutters need compressed air?
Therefore, all plasma cutters need an air compressor to generate enough air pressure for the task. If you buy a plasma cutter without a built-in source of air, you’ll need a separate air compressor. This complicates the process with another heavy machine and more draw on your power supply.
Can I use compressed air for plasma cutter?
If you plan to use your plasma cutter for hobby projects or for cutting an occasional piece of steel, then an air compressor for your plasma cutter with a cfm rating slightly higher than the minimum requirement listed in your owner’s manual will likely be adequate.
What can plasma cutters cut?
Typical materials that can be cut with a plasma torch are steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper and other conductive metals. Plasma cutting is widely used in manufacturing, automotive repair and restoration, industrial construction, salvage and scrapping.
How thick can a 30 amp plasma cutter cut?
Designed for portable repair work and small business project use, CUT-30 Plasma Cutter cuts a thickness of 3/8 in., and the max severance thickness is 1/2 in., Specifications: Type: DC Air Plasma Cutter, Supply Power: 115V/230V/60Hz/1-Phase, Rated Input Current: AC-115V/30A & AC-230V/15A, Cutter Current Range: AC-115V.
Will a plasma cutter cut dirty metal?
Plasma can cut any electrically conductive metal including stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum and more, without pre-heating. Plasma is also great at cutting painted, dirty or even rusted metal.
What pressure should I run my plasma cutter?
For the majority of the Everlast product line, air pressure required to operate the torches is anywhere between 55 to 70 psi. Low amperage cuts will require less air pressure for more stable operation, sometimes down to 45 psi or so, or the arc will be blown out.
Can you plasma cut under water?
Stainless Steel and Aluminum up to 2 inches thick can be cut under water. This is achieved at 600 Amps with Nitrogen plasma, or up to 720 Amps with water-injection plasma. As with mild steel, the plate is submerged below 2 – 3 inches of water.
Can a plasma cutter cut wood?
Virtually any metal can be plasma cut including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, etc. Plastics and wood are not electrically conductive and cannot be plasma cut. However, you can use a rotary saw, router, or other tool if you want to cut these materials in the PlasmaCAM machine.
Can you plasma cut brass?
Yes. A plasma cutter will cut basically any metal. You have to be cognizant of the fumes when cutting metals other than mild steel as some of the alloying elements are worse to breathe. Brass has zinc in it.
