Things to know about the plasma cutting process
Plasma cutting is one of efficient metal cutting processes that is extensively used in metal processing, metal services, construction works, welding repairs, commercial shipbuilding, automotive repair & manufacturing industries. Nowadays, it is in great demand. Plasma cutting is ideal to cut thick metal sheets effectively. Let's discuss some major facts about plasma cutting.
How does plasma cutting work?
Plasma cutting is one of the popular processes that is used to cut the electrically conductive materials. As the name suggests, in this process hot plasma is used. Common materials that are generally by plasma cutting include stainless steel, steel, brass, copper, aluminium, etc. Plasma cutting is widely used in several industries such as manufacturing, steel fabrication, industrial construction, scrapping & salvage, automotive restoration & repair, etc. Due to the very high precision & speed, plasma cutting is extensively used from the large scale CNC applications to small scale industries the temperature requires for plasma cutting is 30,000°C.
The basic operation of plasma cutting is to prepare a superheated electrical channel. Plasma cutters mainly use the compressed gases like nitrogen. The plasma is created by the ionization of these compressed gases. Basically the process is very simple. The compressed gases typically come into contact with an electrode & they ionise to build more pressure. When the pressure creates, a plasma stream is pressed towards the head of cutting. At the same time, much of the compressed gases & high-speed plasma blows the molten metal.
Key benefits of plasma cutting
Applicable for all types of electrically conductive materials
Ideal for Aluminium & high alloy steel in large & medium scale thicknesses
Effective performance in medium scale & small scale steel thicknesses
Cutting of structural steel with low heat input
Higher cutting speed (Approximately 10 times higher as compared to oxyfuel)
The high quality blanks for thick & medium sheet metals
It guarantees automation
Lower noise level at the workstation
Applications of plasma cutting process
Plasma cutting has a number of applications. This process is extensively used for factory maintenance, metal processing, agricultural maintenance, metal services, welding repairs, construction works, commercial shipbuilding, automotive repair, manufacturing, bridge & building construction, welding, trailer production, etc.
Plasma cutting process is one of the effective ways to cut thick & thin materials. Manual or hand torches may cut approximately 38 mm steel sheets. Whereas stronger computerised torches can cut approximately 150 mm steel sheets. Since the plasma cutters may produce a localised & hot "cone" for cutting, they're ideal for welding & cutting sheets in angled or curved shapes.