Machinery

Plasma cutting: pros and cons, varieties, video selection criteria

October 3, 2019

Plasma cutting is not the most important tool in the household, however, in construction without such a device can not do. It allows you to cut metal quickly and accurately. To learn how to use such a device, it is necessary to understand the principle of operation and basic characteristics, and watch the relevant video.

The principle of plasma cutting

First of all, must be understood, that plasma is air, heated by an electric arc to a temperature at the level 30000 ° C. The air has an ionized state, so, it ceases to be a dielectric. Due to the conduction of current, the metal is melted and blown out of the cut area.

Any plasma cutter is equipped with a plasma torch. This is a plasma cutter, connected by cable and hose to the main unit. All plasmatrons can have direct or indirect action. In the first case, the workpiece is included in the electrical circuit. If you plan to process non-metallic parts, then a side effect product will do.

The capabilities of the plasmatron depend directly on the nozzle. Products with a large diameter can allow a significant amount of air, so, the cutting speed will be significant. Most often at plasma cutting nozzles with a diameter to are applied 3 mm. The length of the element is 9-12 mm. If you use a really long device, then the quality of the cut will be very high, however, the nozzle itself can wear out quickly. The indicator is considered optimal, exceeding the diameter of 1,5 once.

Inside the plasmatron is a metal rod, made of hafnium. This element acts as an electrode.

In the process of plasma cutting is often used exclusively air, which is a protective and plasma-forming gas at the same time. At the same time insignificant oxidation of a surface is possible. To avoid such consequences, in some industrial units oxygen can be additionally used, helium, hydrogen and other gases.

Advantages and disadvantages of plasma cutting

Plasma cutters are often used in various construction works, which can be seen in numerous videos. This equipment has many advantages.

  • Processing of various metals is allowed, including steel, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum and various alloys.
  • The workpiece itself does not need to be pre-cooked, that is, you can safely cut the surface with remnants of paint or rust.
  • Thanks to plasma cutting the cut turns out smooth and very exact. At the same time there is no scale or inflow.
  • Due to the features of the device, thermal deformation will be minimal, and this applies even in those cases, when the metal sheet has a small thickness.
  • Plasma cutters are safe to use, after all, gas cylinders are not required during operation.
  • If desired, you can make curly cuts.

Naturally, there is no ideal equipment for cutting metals. So, and plasma cutting has its disadvantages.

  • First of all, it is worth noting the restrictions on the thickness of the metal. The most advanced industrial devices can cut metal with a maximum thickness of 100 mm.
  • The workpiece must be placed strictly perpendicular. Tolerance is 50 °. In some models, it is all 10 °.
  • Plasma cutting cannot be performed, connecting two cutters to the device at once.

If you carefully study the features of plasma cutting, then you can understand, that the advantages of such equipment are greater. When you watch a lot of videos, you will see that, that the unit is suitable for metal processing when creating fences, brackets, ventilation systems, etc.. D.

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All plasma cutters are divided into 2 groups: transformer and inverter. In the first case it will be possible to perform cutting of metal up to 40 mm, and in another - to 30 mm. The inverter type consumes less electricity and has a higher efficiency. Such a device is quite compact, so, it will be more convenient to perform cutting in hard-to-reach places.

Contact and contactless models are available. Plasma cutters are also divided into household and industrial, which affects the power grid requirements.

How to choose a plasma cutter?

If you want to buy similar equipment, Be sure to consider a few important factors.

  • Each equipment has a certain marking. So, some devices are designed only for cutting metals, and others allow you to perform argon arc or arc welding. Naturally, there are also universal models. However, experts say in their videos, that such equipment has insufficient efficiency.
  • You always need to consider the strength of the current, as well as the maximum allowable thickness of the metal. In accordance, you need to know, for which needs plasma cutting is required.
  • The duration of inclusion is another important factor, which is measured as a percentage. Indicator up to 50% enough for periodic cutting of various metal structures. If you plan to use the device regularly, then it is better to choose a model with a duration of inclusion to 100%.
  • Such equipment may have a built-in or external compressor. The first variety has low power. In accordance, such a device is suitable for home use. If regular operation of a plasma cutter is planned, it is better to prefer an external compressor.
  • The use of such a unit should be convenient, therefore at purchase it is necessary to pay attention to length of a cable and a hose. It is important to remember, what is a package of length in 20 m may be inconvenient, after all, it will have to be untwisted, even if metal cutting is performed next to the device.

Plasma cutter is an indispensable equipment for cutting metals. Safety precautions must be observed during operation. Consumables should also be replaced periodically. Before you start cutting metal structures, you need to watch the relevant videos and consult a specialist.