CNC Plasma Cutter: Definition, Working Mechanism & Applications
A range of industries, such as shipbuilding, metalworking, and automotive repair, use CNC plasma cutting equipment. Given its ability to control the intricate cuts, the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) has been incorporated into a diverse variety of machines nowadays. Thus, the manufacturing and production people need to know a CNC plasma cutter and its working mechanism.
Consulting an expert, like those working here at Metaline, will provide you with a greater depth of understanding and make it easier for you to determine whether CNC plasma cutting is the best option for your specific project requirements.
What is a CNC Plasma Cutter?
Primarily meant to chop into and through the electrically conductive materials, a CNC plasma cutter uses a computer processor to control and direct an accelerated jet of hot plasma toward the item being cut. Whether it is steel, copper, iron, aluminum, or brass, the CNC plasma cutter can cut through all of these materials. That is why almost every industry, such as auto repair, restoration shops, welding shops, construction sites, etc., uses this technology.
Working Mechanism
Plasma cutters function by channeling an electric discharge using a gas that passes through a constricted hole to create a cut. The gas used in this process can be anything from air to argon, nitrogen, oxygen, etc. When this arc of gas is discharged, the temperature rises to the point where it reaches the fourth state of matter. This additional state is referred to be plasma by scientists. While cutting through metal, which is a part of this entire circuit, the conductivity of plasma causes the arc to pass through it and transfer to the object, which eventually cuts the metal.
You will find endless types of CNC plasma cutters in the market, such as in different shapes, sizes, and can be used for various operations. They are designed as per your requirement. Due to their speed, cutting metals at speeds of up to 500 inches per minute is possible with these devices. While high-definition plasma cutters require both a plasma gas and an assist gas to operate, the type of gas required will vary based on the material being processed.
Following are some details of how these gases can be helpful in plasma cutting.
· Argon — It produces excellent quality and smooth cuts on aluminum and stainless steel.
· Oxygen — This can cut mild steel up to 1 1/4 inches thick. However, stainless steel and aluminum will have a rough appearance due to the roughness of the cut.
· Methane and Nitrogen — These gases can be used for cutting thin stainless steel
· Compressed Air — This one works very well for metals up to 1 inch thick.
Uses Of CNC Plasma Cutter
CNC plasma cutter is a common tool for cutting metals for a wide variety of applications. Using a hand-held plasma cutter, you may swiftly and easily cut down the metal plates, buckles, bolts, and pipes. However, many other metal production processes can’t be completed with a hand-held plasma cutter due to its inability to provide appropriate half-precision or edge quality.
At such times, the CNC plasma cutters come to the rescue. Apart from their industrial use, this cutter is also used to create exquisite and decorative metal artwork, residential and commercial signage, outdoor garden arts, etc.
The article is brought to you by Metaline, Canadian metal fabricator.
