Plasma cutting how does it work




















The vast majority of plasma cutting systems today can be grouped into either conventional or precision categories. Conventional plasma systems typically use shop air as the plasma gas, and the shape of the plasma arc is basically defined by the orifice of the nozzle. The approximate amperage of this type of plasma arc is K amps per square inch. All handheld systems utilize conventional plasma, and it is still used in some mechanized applications where the part tolerances are more forgiving.

Precision plasma systems high current density are designed and engineered to produce the sharpest, highest quality cuts that are achievable with plasma.

The torch and consumable designs are more complex, and additional pieces are included to further constrict and shape the arc. A precision plasma arc is approximately K amps per square inch.

Handheld Operation. The build and design of this industrial CNC pipe cutting machine will be sure to stand the test of time in some of the harshest cutting environments on the planet. Whether your pipe cutting application requires oxy-fuel or high definition plasma cutting, you can rely on the Vernon Tool MPM to consistently provide high quality beveled cuts. 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 elevates the temperature of the gas to the point that it enters a 4th state of matter. We all are familiar with the first three: i. Scientists call this additional state plasma. As the metal being cut is part of the circuit, the electrical conductivity of the plasma causes the arc to transfer to the work. The restricted opening nozzle the gas passes through causes it to squeeze by at a high speed, like air passing through a venturi in a carburetor.

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. In many of today's better plasma cutters, a pilot arc between the electrode and nozzle is used to ionize the gas and initially generate the plasma prior to the arc transfer.

Other methods that have been used are touching the torch tip to the work to create a spark, and the use of a high-frequency starting circuit like a spark plug. Brasil Brazil - Condor. Dominican Republic. Saint Kitts and Nevis. Trinidad and Tobago. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Venezuela - Bolivarian Republic of. Andorra Andorra. Danmark Denmark. Deutschland Germany. Eesti Estonia. France France. Hrvatska Croatia. Italia Italy. Latvija Latvia.

Lietuva Lithuania. Norge Norway. Polska Poland. Republica Moldova Moldova. Slovenija Slovenia. Slovensko Slovakia. Schweiz Switzerland. A powerful spark is generated between the electrode and the metal.

As the inert gas passes through the channel, the spark heats the gas until it reaches the fourth state of matter. The plasma itself conducts electrical current. The cycle of creating the arc is continuous as long as power is supplied to the electrode and the plasma stays in contact with the metal that is being cut.

In order to ensure this contact, protect the cut from oxidation and regulate the unpredictable nature of plasma, the cutter nozzle has a second set of channels. These channels release a constant flow of shielding gas around the cutting area. The pressure of this gas flow effectively controls the radius of the plasma beam. Plasma cutters are now a staple of industry.

They are used largely in custom auto shops as well as by car manufacturers to customize and create chassis and frames. Construction companies use plasma cutters in large-scale projects to cut and fabricate huge beams or metal-sheet goods. Locksmiths use plasma cutters to bore into safes and vaults when customers have been locked out.

In the past, plasma cutters were prohibitively expensive and were used primarily for huge metal-cutting jobs. In recent years, the cost and size of plasma cutters have dropped considerably, making them available for more personal projects. Artists and metal workers use handheld cutters to create unique works of art that would never be possible with conventional metal-working tools.

This single tool gives artists the ability to bevel cuts, bore precise holes and cut in just about any way they can conceive. The plasma cutter is one of the most interesting and powerful tools developed in the 20th century. Using basic principles of physics to harness the fourth state of matter, the plasma cutter performs with nearly magical results.

One can only imagine, as our understanding of plasma grows, how many more tools and applications will utilize this fascinating force of nature. For more information on plasma and plasma cutters, as well as related topics, check out the links on the next page.

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