How to Cut with Plasma? A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners and Advanced Users
How to cut with plasma to achieve the highest quality and precision? Plasma cutting is one of the most effective methods of metalworking, used both in industry and craft workshops. This technology allows precise and fast cutting of various types of electrically conductive materials. In our post, we will discuss the principles of plasma systems, the best plasma cutting techniques, as well as plasma cutting mistakes and how to avoid them. You will learn how to properly cut with plasma and what voltage for plasma cutting is the most suitable.
Description of contents:
How to cut with plasma? - basics
Step-by-step plasma cutting is based on using a jet of hot plasma to melt and remove metal. In the process, the plasma arc generated between the electrode and the workpiece reaches temperatures as high as 30,000°C, enabling fast and precise cutting. Using the best plasma cutting techniques, you can significantly improve the quality and efficiency of your work.
How does plasma cutting work?
- The power source generates the high voltage and current needed to ignite the plasma arc.
- The technical gas (e.g., air, nitrogen, argon) flows through the torch nozzle, where it is ionized, forming a plasma.
- The plasma arc is a plasma arc.
- The plasma jet reaches a very high temperature, allowing the metal to be cut by melting it and ejecting the molten material from the cutting gap.
Step-by-step metal plasma cutting - tool selection
Choosing the right plasma equipment is crucial to the quality and efficiency of the cut. Plasma systems vary in power, application and the type of gases that can be used. Which plasma for metal will work best?
Types of plasma systems:
- Conventional plasma cutting - uses compressed air as plasma gas, suitable for cutting carbon and stainless steel.
- Plasma cutting with technical gases - uses nitrogen, argon or oxygen for better edge quality and increased cutting precision.
-
CNC plasma cutting - modern computer-controlled systems enable automation and achieve repeatable, precise cuts.
What materials can be cut with plasma? This method works well for machining:
- carbon steel,
- stainless steel,
- aluminum,
- copper and its alloys,
- other conductive metals
It is worth knowing, however, that some materials may require the use of appropriate shielding gases or specialized electrodes. Knowing what materials can be cut with plasma will allow you to more effectively select the technology for your specific application.
What to do if you need to cut with plasma.
How to set plasma cutting parameters? To achieve optimal cutting quality, process parameters must be adjusted accordingly.
- Cutting current (A) - the higher the power, the thicker the material can be cut.
-
Cutting speed (mm/min) - cutting too slow causes excessive heat and distortion, too fast leads to incomplete cutting.
- Distance of the nozzle from the material - proper setting affects arc stability and cutting precision.
- What voltage for plasma cutting? - the right choice of voltage is crucial to the efficiency of the process. It is worth paying attention to the recommendations of the manufacturer of the device.
Best plasma cutting techniques
To get the best plasma cutting techniques, it is worth following a few key principles:
- Maintain a stable distance between the torch and the material to ensure an even cut.
- Always choose the right technical gas, matched to the type of metal to be worked on.
- Prevent cutting too slowly.
- Avoid cutting too slowly, as this can lead to excessive melting and a wide cutting gap.
- Use adequate ventilation to remove vapors and metal particles generated during the cutting process.
Plasma cutting vs. laser cutting - differences
What are the differences between plasma cutting and laser cutting? Both technologies have their advantages and applications:
- Plasma cutting works well for thicker materials, and is cheaper and faster for structural steel.
- Laser cutting provides the highest precision, but is more costly and requires specialized working conditions.
Mistakes during plasma cutting - how to avoid them?
Mistakes during plasma cutting can significantly affect the quality and efficiency of the process, resulting in the need for additional processing. One of the most common problems is uneven cut edges, which can result from inadequate power of the machine, improperly selected plasma cutting speed or worn torch parts. If the power of the power source is too low, the plasma arc will not be stable enough, which will translate into uneven and irregular edges. To prevent this, increase the plasma cutting current, adjust the torch travel speed, and regularly check the condition of the nozzle and electrode, as their wear will lead to a decrease in cutting quality.
Another problem that operators often encounter is slagging on the edges of the material being cut. The cause of this phenomenon may be an improperly selected plasma gas or too slow a work rate. If plasma cutting is done at a low speed, excess heat causes the metal to melt and slag deposits on the edges. To avoid this mistake, it is advisable to use the right technical gas, matched to the type of material being processed, such as nitrogen or argon, and to increase the speed of CNC plasma cutting, which will reduce the formation of excess molten material.
Keeping these rules in mind and following the machine manufacturer's recommendations will result in a clean and precise plasma cut, minimizing the need for additional edge smoothing and improving the efficiency of the overall process.
Safety measures
Because of the high temperatures and the presence of intense UV radiation and metallic fumes, plasma cutting requires compliance with safety precautions:
- Use personal protective equipment - gloves, welding mask and protective clothing.
- Make sure the room is ventilated.
- Do not directly touch freshly cut metal.
Summary
Plasma cutting is an extremely effective method of metal processing. To achieve the best results, it is necessary to properly select equipment, cutting parameters and follow safety rules. Knowing how to plasma cut properly and how to set plasma cutting parameters will help you avoid mistakes and increase the efficiency of the process.
It is worthwhile to make sure how plasma cutting is done step by step and what to pay attention to while working. Regardless of your level of experience, following the rules described will help you get optimum results and productivity.
It's a good idea to make sure that you know what to do with your work