What is the difference between a plasma cutter and a cutting torch?

A Plasma Cutter adds energy to a neutral gas, causing it to become imbalanced. This creates a highly precise, powerful energy arc. Oxy Acetylene torches, on the other hand, are fairly straightforward. Oxygen and fuel are used to create a reaction with the work piece, melting it into slag which gets blown away.

What is a machine torch?

A machine torch is easier to mount and keep perpendicular to the workpiece. When you order a Hypertherm with a machine torch the power supply will be equipped with a CPC interface port on the power supply.

Can you heat with plasma cutter?

Are you wondering how hot a plasma cutter gets? As it’s the most effective means of cutting metal with heat, it needs to be an incredibly hot system. A plasma cutter can chew through up to 200 inches of material per minute. Scientists and engineers have been working on improving the technology to increase the heat.

How does a plasma torch work?

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. This high speed gas cuts through the molten metal. The gas is also directed around the perimeter of the cutting area to shield the cut.

Can you cut cast iron with a plasma cutter?

Unlike oxy-fuel torches, plasma torches can smoothly cut cast iron. Furthermore, they cut with greater precision than oxy-fuel torches, enabling you to cut thinner metals without distortion. Although plasma cutter torches can cut cast iron, they may cost up to $3,500 and may cause your electricity bill to surge.

How hot is a plasma torch?

How hot does a Plasma Cutter get? The heat of a plasma cutter can reach an impressive temperature of 25,000 degrees Celsius. To put this into perspective, it is hotter than the surface of the sun which sits at a comfortable 5,505 degrees Celsius. Safety is paramount when using a plasma cutter.

What metals can a plasma torch cut?

Plasma cutting is a process in which electrically conductive materials are cut through by means of an accelerated jet of hot plasma. Typical materials that can be cut with a plasma torch are steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper and other conductive metals.

Is plasma cutting AC or DC?

The power supply is a constant current DC power source. The open circuit voltage is typically in the range of 240 to 400 VDC. The output current (amperage) of the power supply determines the speed and cut thickness capability of the system.

How thick can a plasma torch cut?

Plasma cutting is an effective way of cutting thin and thick materials alike. Hand-held torches can usually cut up to 38 mm (1.5 in) thick steel plate, and stronger computer-controlled torches can cut steel up to 150 mm (6 in) thick.

What are the main drawback of plasma torch cutting machine?

While it limits ambient heat, plasma cutting is noisy and generates excess fumes. Make sure that all plasma cutting takes place in an open, ventilated workshop. Plasma is also infamous for creating very bright flashes while the cutting is ongoing.

How loud is a plasma cutting torch?

Well a typical plasma system, cutting on a downdraft table is going to range between 90 to as much as 120 dBA or higher, which is considerably higher than what OSHA recommends. What are some solutions to prevent hearing damage? Obviously, the easiest solution is to wear approved hearing protection.

Can a plasma cutter work under water?

Simply stated, underwater plasma cutting consists of the same elements as open-air plasma cutting, except that the work proceeds underwater . The base metal, the arc and the torch operate in a pool of water, usually three to four inches under the surface. Techniques vary and safety precautions must be followed meticulously.

What to look for in CNC Plasma cutting?

Some points to look for are: Do you receive training? User friendly software Size of the plasma table After sales service CNC Plasma cutter templates and the plasma cutter itself

What type of metal can a plasma cutter cut?

Typical materials cut with a plasma torch include steel, Stainless steel, aluminum, brass and copper, although other conductive metals may be cut as well. Plasma cutting is often used in fabrication shops, automotive repair and restoration, industrial construction, and salvage and scrapping operations.