Plasma Cutting Machine

A plasma cutting machine uses an ionized gas jet (plasma) to cut through electrically conductive materials. An electrical arc is established within a gas (air, oxygen, etc.), forming a plasma that reaches very high temperatures (~20,000°C). This plasma jet melts the metal, and the high-velocity gas blows the molten material away, creating a cut. Plasma cutters are valued for cutting thick steel or metals quickly. As defined by industry sources, “plasma cutting is a process used to cut through electrically conductive materials by using an accelerated jet of hot plasma”.

Type of Product
 Plasma cutting machines vary by design:

• Handheld Torches: Portable units where the operator manually guides the plasma torch along the cut. These are simple, like a power tool with compressed air.
• CNC Plasma Tables: Automated cutting on a CNC table, where the torch is mounted on a gantry that moves over the material. Precision and complex shapes are possible.
• Air vs Water/Water Injection Plasma: Most use compressed air (air plasma). High-end systems may use water to cool the cut (water injection) or carry water under the plate for very thick cutting (water table).
• Power and Amperage: Ranges from small 20–50 A units (thin gauge metal) to industrial 200+ A systems for cutting thick plates (up to several inches thick).
  
  

Applications in Various Industries
Plasma cutters are used for metal fabrication tasks:

• Manufacturing and Fabrication: Cutting steel plate for machine parts, structural components, frames. The broad material capability (steel, stainless, aluminum, copper, brass) makes it versatile.
• Automotive Repair: Cutting body panels, frames, and exhaust parts.
• Construction: On-site cutting of metal beams, pipes, rebar for fitting.
• Shipbuilding: Cutting ship hull plates or structural sections.
• Art and Sculpture: Creating decorative metal art pieces with complex curves (artists often use CNC plasma tables for precision).
• Maintenance and Demolition: Dismantling steel structures or machinery.
  
  

Material Selection Considerations
 The key wear parts in plasma cutters must tolerate heat and erosion:

• Electrode: Typically copper with a tungsten insert; must withstand the arc and conduct electricity.
• Nozzle/Torch Tip: Machined copper (often with silver or chromium plating) for heat dissipation and precision. Nozzles wear out and are replaced regularly.
• Gas: Compressed air or nitrogen are most common. Gas choice affects cut quality (e.g. oxygen cuts faster on mild steel). Gas supply lines are steel tubing.
• Machine Frame: Rigid welded steel with vibration damping (like epoxy granite bed on CNC tables).
• Coolers and Fans: Air-cooled units have aluminum or plastic housings with fans; water-cooled torches have brass/copper heat exchangers.