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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.
How does a plasma cutter make plasma?
The electrical arc ionizes some of the gas, thereby creating an electrically conductive channel of plasma. As electricity from the cutter torch travels down this plasma it delivers sufficient heat to melt through the workpiece.
Do you need an air compressor for a plasma cutter?
But if you do a lot of cutting, or plan to cut thick plate, we recommend using a compressor that is 1.5 to 2 times the plasma system requirement. Beyond choosing the right size air compressor for your plasma cutter, it is critical that you ensure the air that reaches your plasma cutter is high quality air.
What gas is used for plasma cutting?
Compressed Air is the most commonly used gas for lower current plasma cutting and works well for most metals from gauge thickness to 1 inch. It leaves an oxidized cut surface. Compressed air can also be used for plasma gouging on carbon steel.
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.
Is plasma cutting AC or DC?
These system components provide the electrical energy, ionization capability and process control that is necessary to produce high quality, highly productive cuts on a variety of different materials. The power supply is a constant current DC power source.
Is a plasma cutter better than a torch?
Plasma does not require the metal to be preheated before cutting, which saves time, and plasma cutters also outperform oxy-fuel torches when cutting stacked metals. Faster speeds can be achieved on thinner metals with plasma, with minimal or no metal distortion.
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.
Does plasma cutter use gas?
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. etc. The gas is also directed around the perimeter of the cutting area to shield the cut.
How thick of metal can a 50 amp plasma cutter cut?
Excellent Air Plasma Cutter: The Cut-50 Plasma Cutter can easily cut up to 0.55”(14 mm) metal under maximum output with ultimate portability weighing only 21.56 lbs.
Can you weld with 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.
Can a plasma cutter cut aluminum?
Plasma cutting can be performed on any type of conductive metal – mild steel, aluminum and stainless are some examples. Plasma cutting, however, does not rely on oxidation to work, and thus it can cut aluminum, stainless and any other conductive material.
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.
Can you cut stainless with a plasma cutter?
The plasma cutting process may be used to cut any conductive material, including carbon steels, stainless steels, aluminum, copper, brass, cast metals, and exotic alloys.
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 a plasma cutter cut through paint?
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. 11. It is difficult to cleanly stop and continue a long cut.
What is plasma gouging?
Plasma gouging – removing metal using a plasma arc – is similar to plasma cutting. A plasma arc between the torch and the workpiece melts the metal, and a gas jet blows away the molten metal. Plasma gouging works on any conductive metal, including mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper.
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 many volts is a plasma cutter?
Primary power 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.
What are plasma cutter electrodes made of?
The electrode is usually made of copper, but with a metal insert at the point where the arc attaches. That’s because the copper would melt too fast if the arc attached directly to it. Tungsten makes a great electrode material, so lots of electrodes have a tungsten insert.
What can plasma not cut?
Other materials that cannot be cut include glass, concrete, and ceramics. These materials are non-conductive and are used to insulate electrical products. If you are using a plasma cutter, it simply needs to have a conductivity to complete the electrical connection. Otherwise, it just won’t cut at all.
What are the disadvantages of plasma cutting?
Disadvantages Most plasma cutters aren’t useful for thicker or denser metals. While it limits ambient heat, plasma cutting is noisy and generates excess fumes. Plasma is also infamous for creating very bright flashes while the cutting is ongoing.
Is plasma cutting the same as welding?
Tig welding basically melts the two metals together while mig welders use a filler material, (a consumable electrode). Plasma cutting has allowed metal workers to create professional, precise, clean cuts.
Can a plasma cutter hurt you?
The plasma cutting arc blows out hot metal and sparks, especially during the initial piercing of the metal. It also heats the workpiece and cutting torch, all of which can cause fire and burns. To protect your eyes while plasma cutting, wear approved safety glasses with side shield.
