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.

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Advantages of Plasma Cutting Machines – An Alternative for Oxy-Fuel with Multifarious Benefits

Although, various traditional methods like oxy-fuel cutting machines are also available in the market, the plasma cutters have a cutting edge over others. 

Plasma Cutting vs. Oxy-Fuel 

An oxy-fuel cutting machine is another important tool for cutting materials like steel and aluminum. With such diverse options available in the market, you may find great difficulty in choosing the best. Of course, the selection becomes quite obvious when you compare the traditional tools with plasma cutting machines. 

Although, they both have their own advantages and disadvantages, the plasma cutters find their extensive usage in cutting of non-ferrous materials like stainless steel, aluminum as well as cast iron. Furthermore, when it comes to precision and speed, the plasma cutters offer many advantages over the oxy-fuel cutters.

CNC Plasma Cutting Advantages

Occupying a significant role in the manufacturing and construction industries, a CNC plasma cutting machine offers multiple benefits for the users including:

• Precision and accuracy: Unlike the traditional approaches of cutting materials, plasma cutting tends to offer greater precision and accuracy when it comes to cutting based on specific measurements. Designed with special gears, these cutters operate on computerized software.
• Greater efficiency: The great ease of cutting that these cutters offer to you makes the process much more efficient. Minimal training is needed so your operator can manage any kind of complicated adjustments comfortably.
• Diverse application: You can ideally use these machines for cutting a variety of materials whether ferrous or non-ferrous. In fact, you can also easily cut metals with more than a 3-inch gauge thickness.

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