Plasma cutters are ideal for accuracy

Plasma cutters are one of the most modern tools for cutting all kinds of metal. A plasma cutter uses electricity to superheat gas to the point where it becomes plasma, which can then be used to cut metal. Because there is no friction between surfaces produced by this process the resulting material will be free of burrs and imperfections. When you combine this technology with CNC (computer numerically controlled) machinery you have a cutting tool that can produce incredibly accurate and detailed patterns even in thick steel and titanium.

Plasma technology

CNC plasma cutting machines use computer programming and precise robotic controls to automate the production of shapes and patterns in metal. With a CNC plasma cutting tool you can produce precisely proportioned metal pieces with a minimum of burrs and imperfections. The accuracy and precision of CNC plasma cutting means that components can often be taken directly from the cutting machine and put into use without further finishing, saving time, effort, and expense.

Principles of operation for a CNC plasma cutter

As mentioned, a CNC plasma cutter uses computer programming to direct the plasma onto the material. This plasma is produced by feeding a gas past an electrode, which superheats this gas (gases used include oxygen, argon, and nitrogen) until it becomes plasma.

Plasma is a fourth state of matter (in addition to solid, liquid, and gas) and this plasma is directed through a restricted opening onto the surface of the metal. Once the plasma contacts the metal the metal is cut using heat. Because the metal is superheated to a molten state there is no messy residue left behind as there is when using friction-based cutting systems (saws).

A CNC plasma table

The best way to direct your plasma cuts is with a CNC plasma table equipped with a gantry that moves the CNC plasma cutter above the work to be cut. Because a CNC plasma cutter is so hot, however, a CNC plasma table does not actually have a table surface. Instead, the metal you are cutting becomes the table surface, and the cut pieces fall through to a holding area beneath the machine. The accuracy and technical sophistication of CNC plasma cutting are the main reasons why many companies that work with metal have switched to plasma cutters.


http://www.insidewoodworking.com/cnc/plasma_cutters.html