What You Should Know About Plasma Cutter Parts

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Plasma cutter

A plasma cutter is a powerful tool for cutting conductive materials. The process produces an accelerated jet of hot plasma. Common materials cut with this device include stainless steel, brass, copper, and aluminum. Other conductive metals may also be cut. Read on to learn more about the different types of plasma cutters available. Here are a few of the most common types:

Consumable parts

If you are considering purchasing a plasma cutter, you should understand the different parts it uses and the different types of consumables. Plasma cutters produce a high-temperature arc that cuts materials, but these parts can wear out over time. If you have a plasma cutter, you should regularly replace the following parts:

One of the most important parts of a plasma cutter is the electrode. These parts last about 50 times longer than the electrode. If you use the wrong consumable, you can damage the torch and end up with damaged metal parts. This can lead to an increased cost for cutting. Keeping track of the lifespan of consumables will help you make more informed decisions about replacing them. Here are some tips for choosing the right consumable parts for your plasma cutter.

Gases used in plasma cutters

The types of gases used in plasma cutters are varied, depending on the material being cut, the equipment being used, and the desired performance of the process. Compressed air is used for cutting materials up to half an inch thick and is inexpensive. For materials thicker than this, a specific plasma gas needs to be used. In addition to air, compressed gas is also used, although it is limited to cutting a maximum of one inch of material. Read more about MIG welder for sale here.

The most commonly used gas for plasma cutting is nitrogen. It can cut metals up to three inches thick and produces a great quality cut. Nitrogen is also useful for cutting aluminum, as it can be economically cut with the same gas as other materials. Oxygen, on the other hand, is best used for cutting carbon steel. In fact, it increases cutting speed. Carbon dioxide is another option that works well with nitrogen plasma.

Travel speed

One of the most important factors to consider when operating a plasma cutter is its travel speed. If you increase it too much, the plasma column will not move fast enough to fully penetrate the workpiece, causing the cut edge to become over-beveled. Slowing down the travel speed of a plasma cutter will reduce this problem. To improve the speed, you can try increasing the amperage on your cutter in increments of three Amperes.

The ideal travel speed is between 15 and 20 degrees. The cut should be clean and free of scabies on the underside. When the speed is correct, it will result in little or no distortion in the metal. Proper plasma safety requires wearing protective clothing, including welding gloves. Flame-retardant clothing can also be worn, to avoid sparks. In addition, the cutting speed should be within 30 degrees of the maximum travel speed.

Cutting capabilities

If you are looking for a way to cut materials with the highest level of efficiency and precision, a plasma cutter may be the ideal solution for you. A plasma cutter uses a constant-current DC power supply to generate a arc, which is used to cut various materials. The output current determines the cutting speed and thickness capabilities of the system. The primary function of the power supply is to provide energy necessary to sustain the plasma arc once it has ionized.

The cutting process of a plasma cutter requires three types of gas: start gas, shield gas, and cut-gas. Different gas mixtures are used for different applications, including H-35 (35% hydrogen and 65% argon). The gas combinations can be varied to meet the material requirements. For example, oxy-fuel is used to cut thicker steels, while plasma arc systems are best for precision cutting. A plasma cutter can cut stainless steel, aluminum, and low-alloy steels.

Choosing a plasma cutter

Purchasing a plasma cutter can be a big investment, but you should consider the following factors before making your final decision. First of all, know what you’ll be using it for. Are you planning to cut mild steel, or will you be using it to cut thick metal? Knowing your needs will help you decide what features are most important. A cheap plasma cutter is not as powerful as a powerful industrial cutter. If you are going to use your plasma cutter to cut metal, choose a model that can accommodate your needs.

Another factor to consider is power supply. Some plasma cutters have a built-in compressor, while others require a separate one. The advantage of a separate compressor is that it doesn’t need to be powered by the same power source as the cutter. Similarly, plasma cutters that include an air compressor have higher power outputs. However, you should keep in mind that some models require a three-phase 480/277 V supply.


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