Plasma Cutters – The Best Tools for Cutting Metals

Plasma and Ionisation of Gases

Plasma is the lesser known 4th state of matter that remains in the shadows of the better known gases, liquids and solids. Oft referred to as a specific form of gas heated to super temperatures, this state is reached when gaseous materials are ionised. This typically implies that component atoms tend to lose one or more electrons due to their high energy states, thus making them become positively charged. These atoms manage to retain their protons or positive charge in the nucleus but are devoid of electrons or negative charge. Such ionised gases are capable of conducting electricity.

Plasma Cutters—a Closer Look

Plasma cutters, the best tools for cutting metals, use the conductive capabilities of these ionised gases and are equipped with the property of cutting through all types of conductive metals. The act is done by targeting a very thin ray of plasma at the chosen metal. The beam selectively melts it and manages to cut into or through it. The temperature measurements linked to this plasma cutting beam are extremely high. They often notch 16,600 degrees Celsius (which is almost 30,0000 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher. Therefore, it is very important to maintain the best possible levels of safety while using these tools; so as to avoid any unwarranted accidents or other miss-happenings.

Prevention is Better than Cure

The age-old adage rings all the more true in the case of this metal-cutting appliance. Users of plasma cutters are well advised to use protective clothing and gear –especially shields to protect the eyes and face. Along with taking care of the attire of the workers, it is also essential to check and replace all the parts of the machine that are prone to easy wear and tear. These ’consumables’ include the gas, baffle nozzle and electrode. Regular checks before beginning the task on hand is also a must. So, once the cutter is switched on, users should adequately start with a pilot arc which has the nozzle that’s very close or directly touching the metal. This cutting arc begins its operations within minutes of starting up. While in some models, there is a mechanism that automatically moves the nozzle away from the cutting surface, manual intervention is required in others. In either case, it has to be ensured that the nozzle is not left touching the surface, at it will end up damaging the same.

Way Forward…

First time users of a plasma cutter or those with not-so-steady hands need to be very careful while using the same. They may like to fix a drag cup across the nozzle or utilize roller guides for keeping the tool in a stable position and directed away from the metal that is being cut. It is best to begin the task at a 60-degree angle and keep waiting until sparks start coming out from the bottom of the surface; before moving on to the 90-degree angle. If sparks fail to appear then the metal is not being cut the right way. This effectively means that either the current of the cutting tool has to be increased or the movements have to be slowed down to provide more time for melting the metal. The required levels of speed and current are dependent on the thickness and type of metal being cut.