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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.
Does a plasma torch use gas?
Nitrogen is often chosen as the plasma cutter gas for higher current systems and cutting materials up to 3″ thick. It produces quality cuts on most materials, including stainless and mild steel and aluminum. For thicker metals, however, it’s better to use nitrogen with air as a secondary gas.
What is the plasma in a plasma torch?
Plasma cutting (plasma arc cutting) is a melting process in which a jet of ionised gas at temperatures above 20,000°C is used to melt and expel material from the cut. During the process, an electric arc is struck between an electrode (cathode) and the workpiece (anode).
How many volts is a plasma torch set at?
This voltage setting is usually between 100 and 200 VDC. After the torch height control has completed initial height sensing and the torch has pierced the plate, motion of the cutting machine is enabled and the torch begins to move.
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 you cut wood with a plasma cutter?
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 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.
Can a plasma cutter cut titanium?
Plasma Cutting for Titanium Titanium can also be cut using a plasma torch or plasma CNC machine. Plasma cutting is extremely versatile, and can be especially useful for hard-to-reach angles or parts that do easily not fit on a bench or on a CNC bed.
How are plasma torches cooled?
A plasma torch, like an engine, is cooled by a combination of radiation, convection, and conduction. Energy radiates from the arc in the form of intense ultraviolet rays. Heat convects away from the torch and torch parts through moving gas or air.
What can I do with a plasma cutter?
Cuts any metal that conducts electricity (unlike oxy-fuel, which cannot cut stainless steel or aluminum) Offers portability around jobsites. Minimizes the heat-affected zone and yields a cut with a small kerf (cut width). Plasma units can also gouge, pierce, bevel, cut holes and trace shapes.
How thick of metal can a 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.
Can you plasma cut galvanized steel?
Cutting any metal produces fumes and gases, and breathing them can create health hazards. When cutting coated metals – such as galvanized steel, lead- or cadmium-plated steel – remove the coating from the cutting area if possible.
How much electricity does a plasma cutter use?
The power of your plasma cutter can be determined by multiplying the voltage by the amperage. For instance, when you use a 12-amp cutter with a 110-volt power source, you will have up to 1,320 watts of cutting power, which can cut through quarter-inch steel [source: Miller].
How hot is plasma arc?
The energy of the plasma jet and thus the temperature depends upon the electrical power employed to create arc plasma. A typical value of temperature obtained in a plasma jet torch is on the order of 28000 °C (50000 °F), compared to about 5500 °C (10000 °F) in ordinary electric welding arc.
Can I use oxygen for plasma cutter?
Oxygen. Using oxygen in your plasma torch offers the fastest cutting speed compared to any other plasma gas while still offering the best cut quality. Oxygen can also be used on stainless steel and aluminum, but it produces a rougher cut surface.
What metals can a plasma torch cut?
Plasma cutting is a process that cuts through electrically conductive materials by means of an accelerated jet of hot plasma. Typical materials cut with a plasma torch include steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass and copper, although other conductive metals may be cut as well.
Why does my plasma cutter keeps cutting out?
Too slow of travel speed when cutting- Moving excessively slow when cutting (especially at higher amps) overheats the torch consumables and can cause the parts to wear out prematurely. It can also cause the arc to terminate. 3. Dragging the Torch Nozzle on work piece- This is a common mistake beginners make.
How much does a plasma table cost?
Depending on its size and features, a plasma CNC cutting table can cost between 12,000 and $300,000. Since the technology has become cheaper to produce, the price has dropped significantly over the last 5 years.
What is the difference between a laser cutter and a plasma cutter?
Laser cutting is a precise thermal cutting process, utilizing a focused beam of light. Plasma cutting, on the other hand, uses a mixture of gases in order to form a cut. With our high definition plasma cutting equipment, we are able to perform bevel cuts on parts as required.
Can a plasma cutter cut bolts?
They also can be used to cut nearly anything that is metal, including steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. You can even use them to cut rusty nuts and bolts just like you would use a gas torch, only much faster and with cleaner results. Treat plasma cutting like welding and gas torch cutting, and you will be OK.
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 rusty 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.
