A plasma cutter may be the tool for you if you need a precise and clean technique to cut through metal. This article will describe how plasma cutters operate and the many kinds of plasma cutters available. We also provide a useful buyer’s guide to assist you in selecting the best plasma cutter for your requirements. So, whether you’re a beginner or an expert, keep reading to discover more about these handy tools.
Plasma Cutter And Its Components
A plasma cutter is a tool that cuts metal using a stream of hot plasma. Plasma is the fourth state of matter, generated by heating a gas to very high temperatures. The electric current flows through the gas, ionizing the atoms and producing plasma. A plasma cutter is made up of three basic parts:
The power supply:
This component is the plasma cutter’s beating heart. It supplies the necessary electric current to bring about the formation of plasma.
The torch:
The torch is the component that generates the plasma. A nozzle, an electrode, and a source of gas make up this component. The gas flow is sped up as a result of the nozzle, which restricts it and causes it to become more concentrated. Because of this acceleration, the temperature of the gas rises, which ionizes the atoms and results in the formation of plasma.
The nozzle:
At the very tip of the torch, there is a tiny hole that the plasma must go through in order to exit. Because of the opening’s restriction, the fast-moving gas causes the air to be compressed as it passes through, which raises the temperature to an even higher level.
The gas supply:
This provides the gas that is used in the production of plasma. Air is the gas that is used the most often; however, other gases such as nitrogen, argon, and oxygen may also be utilized.
The cutting table:
During the cutting process, the metal will be positioned on the cutting table. It is essential to choose a table that is strong enough to withstand the weight of the metal that is being cut on it.
How Does a Plasma Cutter Work: Step by Step
Let’s take a more in-depth look at the operation of a plasma cutter now that you’re familiar with the fundamentals of how it functions.
- In order for a plasma cutter to accomplish its cutting function, an electric arc is sent through a gas that is travelling through the entrance of the device.
- The gas might be shop air, nitrogen, argon, oxygen, or any of a variety of other substances. As a consequence, the temperature of the gas rises to the point where it enters the fourth stage of matter.
- Because of the tight channel (nozzle) through which the gas must travel, it is forced to flow at an incredibly fast pace, similar to how air passes through a venturi in a carburettor.
- This high-velocity vapour quickly slices through the molten metal. To safeguard the cut, the gas is also diverted around the perimeter of the area where it is being cut.
- The power supply provides the required electric current for the generation of plasma.
- The torch is the component that produces plasma. This component consists of a nozzle, an electrode, and a gas source. The nozzle speeds up the gas flow, which confines it and causes it to become more concentrated. The temperature of the gas increases as a consequence of this acceleration, ionizing the atoms and resulting in the production of plasma.
- The metal will be placed on the cutting table throughout the cutting operation. It is critical to choose a table that is robust enough to support the weight of the metal being cut on it.
Types of Plasma Cutters
Now that you understand how plasma cutters function, let’s look at the many varieties that are available. Plasma cutters are classified into two types: portable and CNC.
Portable plasma cutter:
Portable plasma cutters are compact, lightweight, and portable. They’re great for cutting metal in a garage or workshop at home.
CNC plasma cutter:
CNC plasma cutters are more costly and bigger than handheld plasma cutters. They’re often seen in industrial environments like factories and shipyards.
How a plasma cutter is used
Portable plasma cutters are compact, lightweight, and portable. They’re great for cutting metal in a garage or workshop at home. CNC plasma cutters are more costly and bigger than handheld plasma cutters. They’re often seen in industrial environments like factories and shipyards. Plasma cutters may be used to swiftly and easily cut metal sheets. They are also often used in the plumbing and HVAC sectors to cut pipelines. A plasma cutter is an excellent instrument for cutting intricate shapes out of metal.
A plasma cutter may be used in a variety of ways. It may be used for a broad range of purposes, including:
Cutting metal sheets:
Plasma cutters are able to make short work of cutting through metal sheets with ease.
Cutting pipes:
Pipes may also be cut using plasma cutters in addition to other materials. The plumbing and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning sectors make frequent use of this.
Cutting shapes:
A plasma cutter is an excellent instrument to have on hand if there is a need to cut a complicated form out of metal.
Welding:
Welding is another possible use for plasma cutters. The automobile sector makes frequent use of this technique.
Automotive repairs:
Plasma cutters have a variety of applications, one of which is in the vehicle repair industry. This involves removing broken body panels and welding in replacements after cutting them out.
Metal fabrication:
Plasma cutters are a common tool for use in the manufacture of metal. This involves forming the metal by cutting, welding, and other processes.
A plasma cutter is an asset that might be helpful to have in one’s arsenal regardless of the kind of project that is being worked on. A plasma cutter is an excellent option to go with since it is a cutting instrument that is not only flexible but also powerful and simple to use.
Plasma Cutter Buying Guide
You are prepared to make the purchase of a plasma cutter now that you have a fundamental understanding of its operation as well as the many kinds that are on the market. When looking for a plasma cutter, there are a few aspects that you should bear in mind, including the following:
The size of the metal you’ll be cutting:
Plasma cutters are available in a range of sizes; thus, it is essential to choose one that has the ability to cut through the metal you will be dealing with.
The thickness of the metal you’ll be cutting:
The amperage (amp) rating that you need will be established according to the thickness of the metal that you will be cutting. Plasma cutters with higher amp ratings are able to slice through metals with greater thickness.
The type of power supply you need:
Both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) energy may be used to power plasma cutters. If you want to use your plasma cutter in a position that is not easily accessible, you will need a generator that is capable of producing sufficient power for the cutter.
The features you need:
Plasma cutters are equipped with a plethora of functions, such as torch height control that may be either automated or manual. Determine which characteristics will be most beneficial to you and search for a cutter that has all of those functions.
Your budget:
Plasma cutters may be purchased for anywhere between $200 and $2,000 dollars. You should give yourself a budget, and then seek for a cutter that is inside that budget.
You are now prepared to go searching for a plasma cutter given that you know what characteristics to seek in one. Look through the many plasma cutters we have available to pick the one that best suits your requirements.
Contact Metal Ready!
Plasma cutters are adaptable and powerful instruments that may be utilized for a wide range of tasks. Metal Ready can assist you in your search for a plasma cutter. We have a large inventory of plasma cutters, as well as other metalworking equipment and materials. Metal Ready’s collection includes a wide range of metalworking tools. Shears, presses, saws, and dies are some of the several sorts of tools available. Whatever sort of project you’re working on, we have the tools you need to complete it.
Contact us immediately and let us assist you in locating the appropriate tools for the task. Thank you for your time! We hope you found this information useful.
