The same reason you use Oxygen in an acetylene torch the Oxygen in the plasma stream reacts with mild steel. That is why pure Oxygen is only used when cutting mild steel, or 'carbon steel'. A mixture of Argon and Hydrogen is often used when cutting thicker Stainless Steel or Aluminum.
Can you plasma cut high carbon steel?
As Plasma cutting is a technique that cuts via electrically conductive materials using an accelerated stream of hot plasma. Common materials cut using a plasma torch include carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass and copper, even though various other conductive metals could be cut too.
What materials can plasma arc cutting be used on?
Plasma arc can cut a very wide range of electrically conductive alloys including plain carbon and stainless steels, aluminium and its alloys, nickel alloys and titanium. The method was originally developed to cut materials which could not be satisfactorily cut by the oxy-fuel process.
Do plasma cutters cut steel?
Plasma cutting is a process that cuts through electrically conductive materials by means of an accelerated jet of hot plasma. Typical materials cut with a plasma torch include steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass and copper, although other conductive metals may be cut as well.
Which of the following gases is used with plasma arc cutting units?
Nitrogen. Nitrogen is typically used for high current plasma machines and to cut metals with a thickness of up to 3 inches including mild and stainless steel or aluminium. You'll achieve an excellent quality cut and enduring parts life. However, for thicker metals, you should use a mix such as argon-nitrogen.
Do Plasma cutters use air?
The most commonly used plasma cutter gas type is air. Highly versatile and inexpensive, compressed air works well for lower current cutting and on most metals—mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum--from gauge sizes to one-inch thickness.
What type of current is used for plasma arc cutting?
The power source required for the plasma arc process must have a drooping characteristic and a high voltage. Although the operating voltage to sustain the plasma is typically 50 to 60V, the open circuit voltage needed to initiate the arc can be up to 400V DC.
Do you use oxygen with a plasma cutter?
Oxygen. If you want fast speeds with lower power levels when using your plasma cutting machines, then oxygen is the plasma gas for you. Ideal for cutting structura- low carbon and low alloy steel, it can be used for cutting materials with a variety of different thicknesses.
Which PPE is considered optional for plasma arc cutting?
Wear protective clothing when using the plasma arc cutter. Clothing should be wool or cotton, long sleeves, leather shoes (High Top), gauntlet gloves and leather apron. 2. Never wear synthetic clothing when using the plasma arc cutter, many synthetics are highly flammable.
What do you wear when using a plasma cutter?
Safety glasses with yellow lenses are recommended to block potentially damaging blue light, and a secondary shield between the operator and the cutting torch, perhaps a welding curtain or dark plastic shield, could shade the operator from the most damaging radiation.
What components are required for a plasma arc cutting system?
The basic equipment setup for these plasma cutting machines includes a plasma power source, arc starting console, torch assembly, gas supply, cooling system, and an electrically conductive workpiece.
What type of air do most simple plasma arc cutting units use?
Nitrogen is often used for higher current plasma systems and for cutting materials up to 3 inches thick. It produces excellent quality cuts on most materials. Oxygen is used when the highest quality mechanized cuts are desired on carbon steel up to 1 -1/4 inch thick. The cut face is smooth, and dross is easy to remove.
What are the different types of plasma cutting?
- Air Plasma. Air plasma tables are ideal for low-volume manufacturing and are often used on entry level steel fabrication machines.
- Oxygen Plasma.
- High-Definition Plasma.
- CNC Plasma Cutters.
- The Leader in Automated CNC Plasma Cutting Machines.
What are the types of plasma arc torches?
There are two main types of plasma arc processes: plasma arc (or DC) melter and plasma torch. Plasma arc melters have a very high destruction efficiency. They are very robust; they can treat any waste with minimal or no pretreatment; and they produce a stable waste form.
How many types of plasma cutting machines are there?