Understanding How Plasma Cutting Works

If you’re in the market for a new plasma cutter, it’s important to understand how they work. This blog post will give you a brief overview of how plasma cutting works and what to look for when shopping for a cutter. Rest assured that it will also touch on the benefits of using a plasma cutter in your fabrication shop.

What is plasma cutting?

Plasma cutting is a process that uses an electric arc to cut through metal. The electric arc is created by passing a current through the air, which ionizes the gas and creates a plasma state. This hot plasma is then directed towards the metal, which melts and cuts it. More often than not, a plasma cutter usually comes with a plasma table that is CNC-machined for accuracy. This means that the table can be programmed to move the workpiece in any direction, making it easier to cut complex shapes. Just keep in mind that the quality of the cut is often dependent on the thickness and type of metal being cut.

What are the components of a plasma cutter?

A typical plasma cutter contains three main components: the power supply, the torch, and the air compressor. The power supply sends a current to the torch, which creates the electric arc. The compressed air is then directed towards the nozzle of the torch, where it mixes with the plasma and helps to cut the metal. The power supply is often the most important component of a plasma cutter, as it determines the strength and quality of the cut. It also helps to determine how fast the cutter can cut.

On the other hand, the torch is another important part of the plasma cutter. It is responsible for melting and cutting the metal. Usually, it is made of copper, brass, or aluminum. Some torches also come with a built-in shield that protects the user from the heat and sparks generated by the electric arc. This means that the user doesn’t have to wear any additional safety gear, such as welding gloves or a helmet.

And finally, the air compressor is necessary to provide compressed air to the plasma cutter. The amount of compressed air required will vary depending on the size and type of cutter. However, most compressors can deliver enough air for most plasma cutters. This simply means that you don’t have to worry about finding a specific compressor that is compatible with your cutter. Rather, you can use an air compressor that meets your needs.

What are the benefits of using a plasma cutter?

Versatility

There are many benefits to using a plasma cutter in your fabrication shop. For starters, they are very versatile and can be used to cut a variety of materials, including steel, aluminum, brass, and copper. They can also be used to cut a wide range of thicknesses, making them a versatile tool for any fabricator. As much as possible, it’s always best to use the right tool for the job. And in most cases, a plasma cutter is the right tool for the job.

Speed

Another advantage of using a plasma cutter is that it can cut through metal quickly and easily. They can often cut faster than other types of cutting tools, such as oxy-acetylene torches. This makes them a valuable tool for fabricators who need to quickly and efficiently cut metal parts. Just keep in mind that when it comes to speed, the thickness and type of metal being cut will have a significant impact on how fast the cutter can work.

Accuracy

In addition, plasma cutters are often faster and more accurate than other cutting methods, such as oxyfuel cutting or band sawing. This means that they can be used to cut very complex shapes with ease. And since the cuts are clean and straight, there is little or no post-processing required. This makes them a preferred choice for fabricators who need to cut a lot of metal quickly and accurately. 

Safety

Finally, one of the biggest benefits of using a plasma cutter is that they are very safe to use. They generate little heat and no sparks, which means that you don’t have to wear any additional safety gear, such as welding gloves or a helmet. This makes them a safe choice for anyone who needs to cut metal parts. Just keep in mind that you should always follow the safety instructions that come with your plasma cutter.

How can you choose the right plasma cutter?

Metal thickness

When shopping for a plasma cutter, there are a few factors you need to consider. The most important factor is the thickness of the metal that you will be cutting. For example, if you will be cutting thin sheets of metal, you will need a plasma cutter with a small nozzle. This will allow the cutter to generate enough heat to melt and cut the metal. On the other hand, if you will be cutting thicker pieces of metal, you will need a plasma cutter with a larger nozzle. This will allow the cutter to generate more heat and cut through the metal more quickly.

Type of metal

You also need to consider the type of metal you will be working with. Some metals, such as aluminum, are very easy to cut. Others, such as steel, can be a bit more challenging. So make sure that you select a plasma cutter that is capable of cutting the type of metal you will be working with. This way, you can be sure that the cutter will be able to do the job.

Cutting speed

Finally, another factor to consider is the cutting speed. This refers to how quickly the cutter can cut through the metal. Keep in mind that when it comes to speed, the thickness and type of metal being cut will have a significant impact on how fast the cutter can work. This means that you may need to choose a cutter that has different speed settings so that you can use the right setting for the job.

Now that you know a little more about how plasma cutting works, you can see why it’s such a popular choice for fabricators. With its versatility, speed, and accuracy, a plasma cutter can help you to quickly and easily cut through metal parts. And since they are safe to use, they are a good choice for anyone who needs to cut metal. So, if you’re looking for a powerful and versatile cutting tool, then a plasma cutter is the right choice for you.