Plasma cutting is a process that uses a high velocity jet of ionized gas in order to cut through electrically conductive materials. In this process electricity is being conducted between the plasma cutter and the work piece to be cut. High velocity ionized gas, known as plasma, melts the material by heating the work piece. The temperature of the plasma is higher then 20 000° C and its velocity can get close to the speed of sound. While cutting, the increased flow of the plasma gas is able to deeply penetrate the material and in result sever it, and the molten metal is being mechanically blown away by the stream of gas.
Plasma cutting is very convenient because it can be used on any type of conductive metal and non-ferrous materials less than one inch thick. The materials that can be plasma cut are for example, mild steel, aluminium, stainless steel, cast iron, copper and brass. The process of cutting mild steel leaves thicker cuts then while cutting alloys. In comparison to mechanical and oxy-fuel cutting this technology is significantly faster and can easily make non-linear cuts. It is also capable of severing expended metal which is considered as nearly impossible for oxy-fuel. The characteristic feature of the plasma cutting is the great degree of melting towards the top of the metal which results in top edge rounding. Melting process leads to the formation of a bevel on the cut edge that causes poor edge squareness.
Depending on the type of electrode that the cutter is equipped with many different gasses can be used in the process of plasma cutting. While having tungsten electrode the gasses to be used are either argon, argon-H2 or nitrogen. Also oxygen or air can be used but the cutter must be equipped with electrode made of copper with hafnium. Nowadays, usage of compressed air as a plasma gas is becoming more and more popular because it is readily available in most shops.
This technology has many applications and becomes more and more popular in the manufacturing industry as well as hobbyists which allows its continuous development. We believe that our company provides the highest quality of plasma cutting services in London. Contact us and see for yourself!
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