What Is a
plasma cutter??
A
plasma
cutter is a relatively easy-to-use
tool to cut steel and other electrically-
conductive metals. These cutters work by
using a high-voltage electrical arc and a
compressed gas, usually air. An electrical
arc generated by an internal electrode
ionizes gas passing through a nozzle,
creating a concentrated arc of plasma at
the cutter's tip. The arc's contact with
the working surface makes a high heat
circuit which melts a section less than
1/16" (1.6mm) wide.
History Of
plasma cutter:-
The plasma-arc process had its origin
almost 50 years ago, during the height of
World War II. In an effort to improve the
joining of aircraft materials, a method of
welding was developed that used a
protective barrier of inert gas around an
electric arc to protect the weld from
oxidation.The plasma-arc cutting process
started seeing commercial use in the first
few years of the sixties. It was an
extremely expensive process to undertake,
and most cutting was performed by large
burning services that used their systems
continuously to help amortize the
equipment.
Nowdays:-
Modern industry depends on the
manipulation of heavy metal and alloys: We
need metals to build the tools and
transportation necessary for day-to-day
business. For example, we build cranes,
cars, skyscrapers, robots, and suspension
bridges out of precisely formed metal
components. The reason is simple: Metals
are extremely strong and durable, so
they're the logical choice for most things
that need to be especially big, especially
sturdy, or both.
How It works:-
plasma
cutters work by sending an electric
arc through a gas that is passing through
a constricted opening. The gas can be
shop air, nitrogen, argon, oxygen. etc.
This elevates the temperature of the gas
to the point that it enters a 4th state of
matter. We all are familiar with the
first three: i.e., solid, liquid, and gas.
Advantages of Plasma Arc Cutting
(i) It cuts carbon steel up to 10 times
faster than oxy-fuel cutting, with equal
quality more economically.
(ii)
plasma
cutting being primarily a melting
process can cut any metal.
(iii)Arc plasma torches give the highest
temperature available from many
practicable sources. The energy seems to
be unlimited in this method.
Disadvantages of plasma arc cutting
(i)High initial cost of the equipment
