How Does Plasma Cutting Machine Work?

Plasma cutting machine came into existence with the purpose to cut materials through thermal cutting. Specifically, materials like aluminum, high alloy steels etc., which are not fit for flame cutting, are the best to cut through this machine. Nowadays, various industries also use it for economical cutting of thin and low allowed steels. Here is a brief intro of how this machine works, but before that, it is important to know what exactly is plasma.

About plasma

The theory of matter changing from one state to other with the introduction of heat is nothing new. For example, ice acquires the state of water, liquid and then gas on the application of heat. On applying heat in excess, the gases that form the steam turn electrically conductive and ionized to become plasma. Notably, a CNC plasma cutting machine leverages this ionized gas to perform its task.

Components of CNC Plasma Cutting Machine

• Power supply: It ranges from 200 t0 400VDC and is responsible for maintaining the plasma arc. It provides the requisite energy to maintain the plasma arc after the ionization process.
• Arc static circuit: This high-frequency generator circuit produces AC voltage of 5k to 10k volts at 2 MH approx. It creates a high-intensity spark inside the torch to create the plasma arc.
• Plasma torch: It provides apt cooling (gas or water) and alignment of the consumables like nozzle, electrodes, swirl ring, etc. To improve cut quality, the experts mostly use additional shielding cap for the torch 

These components altogether make up for the ionization capability, electrical energy, and process control required to make productive cuts on different materials with extreme precision and high quality.

Working Of Plasma Cutting Machine

A plasma cutter utilizes electrically conductive gas to transfer energy from an electrical supply to cut the material.Here are the important steps:

1. The formation of plasma arc takes places by forcing a gas like oxygen, nitrogen or shop air through a tiny nozzle orifice inside the plasma torch.
2. An external power supply ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 volts generates a high-intensity electric arc, which is exposed to this high pressured gas flow, ultimately resulting in plasma jet.
3. The temperature of plasma jet rises to 40,000oF within no time, making it easier to pierce through the molten material.