The plasma cutting process uses high velocity as well as high temperature ionized gas along with an arc, to cut different types of materials.
Plasma cutting process
The plasma cutter torch has a high velocity ionized gas that conducts electricity, which is used to heat the work piece and eventually melts the material. While the purpose of the arc is to melt the material with its high heat, the function of the gas is to blow the molten material away from the piece and cut the material. Due to the force of the plasma, you get a clean cut with very little or no slag at all. The plasma arc roughly has a speed of up to 20,000 feet per second (that's more than 13,000 miles per hour!) while the temperature is as high as 30,000ยบ F.
Different types of Plasma cutting machines
Plasma cutting machines are available in a variety of types such as plasma torches, plasma torches, and plasma cutters. Compressed air or nitrogen is used as a cutting gas in plasma cutting torches. The torches have a narrow-width kerf along with a water-cooled electrode. Plasma torches use a high temperature gas steam, which is produced by passing the gas through an electric arc discharge. The plasma torch has two electrodes that are metallic and tubular in nature. The electrical arc flows between the negative or positive electrodes. Plasma cutters are specially used for cutting steel and materials that conduct electricity.
Advantages of Plasma cutting machines
- They provide high quality cuts and fast travel speeds.
- It is a low cost process for short runs as no physical tooling is required.
- A cost effective option for thick metal sheets.
- As compared to laser cutting can cut thicker sheets.
- It can be used to cut a wide variety of geometric shapes along with 2D shapes that do not require too much precision.
Specifications
The process can be used on ferrous and non-ferrous metals and requires only software tooling. It helps to reduce cost by reducing total cut length. At times, some warping may occur on complex parts. The cut edge is somewhat roughened and may show the presence of an oxide layer. Further, the plasma cut surface may not be precisely perpendicular to the surface of sheet material.
eMachineShop offers you information about various types of CNC machines along with other cutting techniques such as Plasma cutting and Laser cutting. Visit the site www.eMachineShop.com to design and order custom plasma cut parts today!
George is a well-known author who writes on the topics related with Injection Molding, Free CAD Software and CNC Milling for the site http://www.emachineshop.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Ure
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
