Plasma Cutter

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By peace | July 5, 2007

The plasma cutter is one of the most interesting and powerful tools developed in the 20th century. A plasma cutter can pass through metals with little or no resistance. Metals are so hard and strong. They are useful materials for many useful machines and structures around us such as the aeroplane, robots and so on. How do people precisely cut and manipulate these metals needed to build something as large and as strong as an airplane wing? In most cases, the answer is the plasma cutter. The plasma cutter is a common tool that has been around since World War II.

In the past, plasma cutters were very expensive and they are used primarily for cutting huge metals. They were found mainly in professional welding shops and the very well-stocked private garages and shops. However, plasma cutters are more affordable now. Plasma cutters are used largely in custom auto shops as well as by car manufacturers to customize and create chassis and frames. Construction companies use plasma cutters in large-scale projects to cut and fabricate huge beams or metal-sheet goods. Locksmiths use plasma cutters to bore into safes and vaults when customers have been locked out. Plasma cutters can also be used by hobbyist, to accomplish their personal projects. With plasma cutters, artists and metal workers are able to use handheld cutters to create unique works of art. The plasma cutters gives artists the ability to bevel cuts, bore precise holes and cut in just about any way they can conceive.

Plasma cutters work by sending an electric arc through a gas that is passing through a constricted opening. The gas can be shop air, nitrogen, argon, oxygen. etc. This high speed gas cuts through the molten metal. The gas is also directed around the perimeter of the cutting area to shield the cut. The higher the amperage output of the plasma cutter, the greater the duty cycle is at lesser amperages. If you plan to use the machine around the clock, you should consider a larger unit than you would need to cut the material you will be working. If you will be using your machine frequently, but not continuously, consider a unit that is capable of cutting the thickest material you are likely to work.