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Plasma (arc) cutting was developed in the 1950s for cutting of metals that could not be flame cut, such as stainless steels, aluminium and copper.
Developments since then include mild and low-alloy steel cutting and also high-precision plasma cutting units.
Basically, the Plasma gas is ionized in the nozzle and focused by a special nozzle design. This hot Plasma stream alone can be used to cut materials such as plastics (non-transferred arc). In metal cutting, an electrical arc is also ignited between the electrode and the work piece to increase the energy transfer. A very narrow nozzle orifice focuses the arc and the Plasma stream. Additional lacing of the discharge path can be achieved by a secondary (shroud) gas. For environmental reasons, Plasma cutting is often done underwater in a basin.
Plasma gases include argon, hydrogen, nitrogen and mixtures thereof, as well as air and oxygen.
High-precision Plasma cutting units are based on highly effective focusing of the Plasma stream, for example by rotation of the Plasma stream.
Please study the safety precautions to minimize the risks! |
