Introduction to Plasma Cutters

Plasma cutters can cut steel and other metals of different thicknesses using a plasma torch. Plasma can also be used for plasma arc welding and other applications.

Plasma cutters are available in various shapes and sizes. All plasma cutters function on the same principle and are constructed around roughly the same design. Plasma cutters send pressurized gas, such as nitrogen, argon, or oxygen through a small channel. In the center of this channel, you’ll find a negatively charged electrode.

Plasma cutters can cut different shapes in metals properly. It is a very simple and economic technique. With the help of these cutters, the cutting work can be done accurately, in full speed and cut any type of metal in any shape. Due to low level skill, plasma cutters are threat to conventional metalworking tools. Plasma causes the energy to break apart the gas molecules and the atoms begin to split. Generally atoms have protons and neutrons in the nucleus, surrounded with electrons. But in case of plasma cutters, electrons separate from the nucleus. Once the energy of heat releases the electrons from the atom, the electrons begin to move around quickly. If you notice most of the electrons are negatively charged and leave behind positively charged nuclei, known as ions. Electrons crash with other electrons and ions, which releases vast amount of energy, creating plasma and unbelievable cutting power.

Plasma cutters are widely used in auto shops as well as by car manufacturers to customize and create chassis and frames. Even 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.

One major benefit of plasma cutter is that the surface of the metal outside of the cutting area remains relatively cool; this prevents the warping and paint damage that can occur with other flame cutters. A thin heat affected zone also allows the use of templates for precise curved line cutting. Plasma cutters do well as gougers and can pierce metal quickly and accurately.

Plasma cutters are also used in CNC (computer numerically controlled) machinery. The idea behind CNC tables is to allow a computer to control the torch head making clean sharp cuts. Nowadays, CNC plasma equipment can cut thick material, which provides opportunity for complex welding seams on CNC welding equipment that is not possible otherwise. For cutting thinner material, plasma cutter is replaced by laser cutting, due to superior hole-cutting abilities. CNC plasma cutters are also used in HVAC industry. In the present scenario, there is more development in CNC plasma cutting Machinery. In the past, cutting machine was horizontal in shape, but due to improvement in technology, vertical CNC plasma cutting machines are available.