Plasma cutters are one of the most modern tools
for cutting all kinds of metal. A plasma cutter
uses electricity to superheat gas to the point
where it becomes plasma, which can then be used
to cut metal. Because there is no friction between
surfaces produced by this process the resulting
material will be free of burrs and imperfections.
When you combine this technology with CNC (computer
numerically controlled) machinery you have a
cutting tool that can produce incredibly accurate
and detailed patterns even in thick steel and
titanium.
Plasma technology
CNC plasma cutting machines use computer programming
and precise robotic controls to automate the
production of shapes and patterns in metal. With
a CNC plasma cutting tool you can produce precisely
proportioned metal pieces with a minimum of burrs
and imperfections. The accuracy and precision
of CNC plasma cutting means that components can
often be taken directly from the cutting machine
and put into use without further finishing, saving
time, effort, and expense.
Principles of operation for a CNC plasma cutter
As mentioned, a CNC plasma cutter uses computer
programming to direct the plasma onto the material.
This plasma is produced by feeding a gas past
an electrode, which superheats this gas (gases
used include oxygen, argon, and nitrogen) until
it becomes plasma.
Plasma is a fourth state of matter (in addition
to solid, liquid, and gas) and this plasma is
directed through a restricted opening onto the
surface of the metal. Once the plasma contacts
the metal the metal is cut using heat. Because
the metal is superheated to a molten state there
is no messy residue left behind as there is when
using friction-based cutting systems (saws).
A CNC plasma table
The best way to direct your plasma cuts is with
a CNC plasma table equipped with a gantry that
moves the CNC plasma cutter above the work to
be cut. Because a CNC plasma cutter is so hot,
however, a CNC plasma table does not actually
have a table surface. Instead, the metal you
are cutting becomes the table surface, and the
cut pieces fall through to a holding area beneath
the machine. The accuracy and technical sophistication
of CNC plasma cutting are the main reasons why
many companies that work with metal have switched
to plasma cutters.
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