How Plasma Cutting Works? Process, Benefits, and Disadvantages
There are several techniques that are actively used in the industries for cutting materials like copper, iron, and aluminum, etc. The use of a sharp cutter can make the process really smooth and fine. But have you ever heard about cutting technology that used ionized gas jets? It is known as plasma cutting and is an advanced form of cutting thick material with precision and quality. The plasma jet is used that melts the material over the temperature of 20000. It expels the material from the cut through a quick action with utmost precision. It is a modern technique that is firmly used in welding to make the process faster, secure, and convenient. Apart from welding, this cutting technology is also actively used among other industries and workshops. The agricultural maintenance, metal construction works, building and bridges construction, car repair service, etc., are active users.
What is the working procedure of a plasma cutter?
The fundamental principle of this cutting technique is associated with the electrode and piece of work. The copper nozzle forms an arc between the electrode and workpiece to cut the metal. The plasma from the nozzle reaches the extreme heat of over 20000 degrees Celsius. The speed of plasma reaches equivalent to the speed of sound, and it cuts the metal by melting it with heat. The technique of plasma is well-suited for electrically conductive materials. You can use this technology for stainless steel, nickel alloys, aluminum, and titanium, etc. This technique is superior to oxy-fuel cutting electronic technology and is formed to cut the metals that cannot be cut from the oxy-fuel process.
Advantages of Plasma cutting technique
You can have wonderful benefits from using this amazing cutting technology. So, let’s know them one by one below.
Portability
Portability is one of the best advantages of this technology when it comes to cutting a large-sized workpiece. You can feel the pain and hassle of moving around the piece of work using traditional cutting techniques. You can find a plasma cutter which is available with a compact design and lightweight. It could allow you to cut the workpiece without compromising the performance. So, you can easily move with this cutting machine where the cutting work is needed in the workshop.
Rapid cutting
Can you imagine how much time a hot knife could take to cut the butter? It will make the cutting rapidly, right? The same applies to cutting with plasma technology. Like butter, it can cut the metal with heat-cutting plasma that will come out from the ionized gas jet. You can experience relatively faster cutting with this tool than any other cutting equipment. The heat of this cutter is more than 20000 degrees Celsius. So, it can really prove a time-saving cutting technology when the cutting job requires completion in bulk. This cutting technique is also good for achieving the precise cutting of metals. The high-temperature steam of the jet can derive precise cutting outcomes that are a great advantage of this technology.
Versatile cutting tool
It is needless to say that versatility is another advantage to grab with plasma cutting. It is capable of cutting different types of materials such as titanium, copper, stainless steel, nickel, carbon, and iron. So, what could you expect more from this tool when it enables you to cut extensive types of material? It is an accessible cutting solution for all types of thicknesses and types of metals. With this technique, you can easily cut a large volume of thin sheet material with rapid cutting speed.
Affordable solution
Do you know that you can get a return on investment by using a plasma cutter to cut the metals? Yes, it is less expensive than other cutting procedures such as oxy-fuel. It can work for half amount to cut the 12mm metal sheet than oxy-fuel. The reason behind its cost-effectiveness is less use of energy which means that you will have more savings on utility bills. Furthermore, you can use these cutters year by year due to their enduring lifespan and longer ability to work.
Disadvantages of plasma cutting technology
There is no doubt to state that technology has its own pros and cons. When it comes to working with plasma, it can provide multiple benefits. But, it might also have a few negative aspects.
Bright flashes
Cutting with plasma technique usually develops bright flashes during the process of cutting. So, it is really necessary to make sure that all workers around the cutter have safety guidelines and apparatus. The bright flash from the plasma arc can make an adverse impact on the eyes of the worker who is performing cutting. So, it is vital to wear protective sunglasses.
Higher repairing cost
It is undoubtedly true that cutting with plasma technology is less expensive than the oxy-fuel process. But, it could incur hefty costs when it comes to replacing the electrodes at the time of machine breaks down. The electrode of the plasma machine is expensive, and you may also require hiring a specialist to fix it. This could make the maintenance of this machine hefty and difficult.
Thicker materials
This cutting technique is no doubt versatile to cut a wide array of metals. But, when it comes to cutting the thick and denser materials, it might not work effectively. It can cut the metal to the depth of 1 inch without any problem. But, when it comes to targeting the steel pillars and blocks, it might not work productively. You might have to switch again to the traditional ways of melting.
Noise
Cutting with a plasma arc can produce too much noise, especially when targeting the thick material. The plasma arc will have to work with more power to cut the metal that is dense. So, this is another disadvantage of this technique that must be taken into account.
The Bottom Line
Using a plasma cutter for getting precise, fast, and cost-efficient cutting is a really smart decision. The advantages of this technology are greater than the disadvantages. So, it could become a favorite choice for cutting metals by taking necessary precautions.
