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Which Metal Can You Cut with a Plasma Cutter

Plasma cutting machine is a machine that processes metal materials with the help of plasma cutting technology. Fast cutting speed, small deformation, clean cutting surface, small thermal deformation, almost no heat affected zone.

Plasma

Can flame cutting low carbon steel, can also plasma cutting high carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper and other non-ferrous metals;

Can be customized according to customers, such as cutting pipe to increase rotation axis, increase marking and so on Widely used in machinery, automobile, shipbuilding, petrochemical, military, metallurgy, aerospace, boiler pressure vessel, locomotive and other industries.

Common Metals That Can Be Cut with a Plasma Cutter

Plasma Cutting Process: Plasma cutting involves passing an electric current through a gas, typically compressed air or an inert gas such as nitrogen. This electric current creates a high-temperature plasma arc that reaches temperatures of up to 30,000 degrees Fahrenheit (16,650 degrees Celsius). The plasma arc is directed through a narrow nozzle, which focuses and accelerates the plasma stream. When the plasma comes into contact with the material being cut, it rapidly melts and blows away the molten metal, creating a clean and precise cut.

Mild Steel: Plasma cutters are highly effective at cutting mild steel, which is a common and relatively low-carbon steel used in various applications.

Stainless Steel: Plasma cutting is suitable for stainless steel, including both thin and thick sheets. Stainless steel requires a different gas mixture than mild steel for optimal cutting results.

Aluminum: Plasma cutters can be used to cut aluminum, which is a soft metal. Special considerations, such as adjusting the cutting speed and using the appropriate gas, should be taken into account.

Copper: Copper is a highly conductive metal, and plasma cutters can be used to cut copper sheets. Again, the cutting parameters may need to be adjusted for optimal results.

Brass: Like copper, brass is a metal that can be cut with a plasma cutter. It is important to use the correct gas mixture and adjust the settings based on the thickness of the brass.

Cast Iron: Plasma cutting is suitable for cutting cast iron, but it may produce more dross (residue) compared to other metals. Post-cutting cleanup may be necessary.

Nickel Alloys: Certain nickel alloys can be cut using a plasma cutter. The cutting parameters may vary based on the specific alloy. Titanium: Plasma cutting can be used on titanium, but it requires careful control of cutting parameters due to the metal’s reactivity.

Other Non-Ferrous Metals: Plasma cutting is generally suitable for various non-ferrous metals, such as lead and zinc, depending on the specific requirements and thickness.

Plasma-cutter-cutting-metal

Plasma cutters are known for their high cutting speeds, allowing for efficient and productive cutting operations. The cutting speed depends on the thickness and type of material being cut. Plasma cutters can handle a wide range of material thicknesses, typically from thin gauge sheets up to several inches thick, depending on the power and capacity of the machine.

Types of Plasma Cutters

Plasma cutters are available in various sizes and configurations to accommodate different cutting requirements. They can be categorized into handheld or portable units and larger, mechanized or CNC-controlled systems. Handheld units are more portable and suitable for small-scale or on-site cutting tasks, while mechanized or CNC-controlled plasma cutters are used for larger-scale production and automated cutting operations.

cnc for plasma cutterGantry Type Plasma Cutting Machinehobby cnc plasma cutter-02_08

Plasma Power Sources: Plasma cutting machine require a power source to generate the plasma arc. The power source provides the necessary electrical energy and controls the plasma arc characteristics. Plasma cutters can use different types of power sources, including conventional transformer-based machines, inverter-based machines, or high-definition plasma systems. High-definition plasma systems offer improved cut quality, narrower kerf widths, and enhanced precision.

Huayuan LGK plasma source

Cutting Accuracy and Quality: Plasma cutter provide excellent cutting accuracy and quality, especially when used with CNC control. CNC-controlled plasma cutters can follow intricate cutting paths and produce complex shapes with high precision. The cut quality can be influenced by factors such as the machine’s power, cutting speed, gas selection, and torch design.

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