What Is A Plasma Cutter Used For? How a plasma cutter works?
A plasma cutter is a precision tool that cuts through all metals of any size and thickness. Different amperes of the plasma cutter work on different sizes of metal. The tool works by sending current through a stream of inactive gas or compressed air.
Electrical current ionizes the gas turning it into hot plasma hot to cut through any size of metal. Knowing what a plasma cutter is used for is important for increased income.
Plasma cutters give clean results since they do not give off debris like saws that throw metal bits. For the user’s safety, using a plasma cutter needs safety goggles to protect the user from electric arcs and pieces of metal. Hearing protectors, heavy gloves, proper footwear and protective clothing are essential to prevent burns.
Functions of a plasma cutter
Artwork that involves working on metals
The tool is essential for metal artists in need of making clear cuts during their metalwork. Additionally, it allows the artist to cut out precise shapes. An artist uses the tool to create templates or stencils to use in other imaginative works.
Used by contractors
Plasma cutters are small in size and portable. Therefore, trade workers and contractors carry them to the field, which saves their time in carrying out tasks. The tool cuts steel at high speed, and with it, the job is smoother and faster. Plumbers, for example, use plasma cutters to cut clear edges of pipes that fit into each other well.
Metals repair
Cutting rusty or crapped metals is easy with a plasma cutter. It is easier when put into comparison with using other torch types. Mechanics need a plasma cutter to repair vehicles since they must cut scrap metals. Alternatively, farmers use the tool to repair tractors, fencing and repairing water tanks.
Helps in the demolition and recycling of metals
When undoing or demolishing metal works, plasma cutters make the work quick. In comparison to other tools, plasma cutters are not very messy because they leave behind little remains of rust. The users who work in recycling industries or repair tools from used metals use a plasma cutter to accomplish their tasks.
Used in car and motorcycle building
Making serious metal enhancements for vehicles needs a plasma cutter. A vehicle owner of needs a plasma cutter to fix part of the car, which includes metalwork and does not need a mechanic. Similarly, a motorcycle owner uses a plasma cutter to cut metals when fixing a broken part of the motorcycle.
Helps in domestic works
There are works around your homestead that do not necessarily need you to call a skilled person. Fixing a fence, for example, or a gutter is easier using a plasma cutter. Other domestic works that require plasma cutters include constructing chain-link fences, barbecues and lawnmowers.
It is versatile
A plasma cutter cuts through different types of metal. Therefore, the tool cuts through any conductive metal, including steel, iron, copper and aluminium. It cuts through quickly and easily, saving the user’s time and effort. Additionally, the tool cuts through metals piled on each other at high speed and without any struggle.
The tool is easily portable.
Plasma cutters are movable from one place to another without a struggle. Therefore, users easily transport the tool to any place when the demand arises. Additionally, using the tool to accomplish metal cutting is not a long process since the tool is easy to handle.
Saves time and energy
In comparison to other cutting tools, a plasma cutter makes metal work quick and easy. There is no preheating required for the tool to start functioning. Consequently, it saves time by completing a task in a short period. Additionally, the user applies less effort to cut through metal than when using other cutting tools.
Produces a high-quality cut
A plasma cutter is precise and accurate, especially when cutting different sizes and angles of sheet metal. Unlike other cutting tools, using the tool does not require an experienced or steady hand operator to make a correct cut. The cutter produces sure and correct results meeting the needs of the user.
Low expenses when using the tool
A plasma cutter cuts through materials faster while producing less metal waste. Similarly, losses or expenses that result from injuries are little. Therefore, the user saves on high costs that may result from using other cutting methods.
It has a high piercing speed.
The plasma cutter does not need inside piercing like other cutting tools. Additionally, Plasma does not need preheating, and it accomplishes the piercing task in less than two seconds.
How a plasma cutter works
A plasma cutter works by sending an electric current through a gas passing through a small opening. The gas may be nitrogen, oxygen or even shop air. Passing through a small opening elevates the gas temperature so that it almost reaches another state.
Scientists refer to the state as plasma since it is neither solid, liquid, nor gas. The metal cut is also part of the circuit, and the conductivity of the plasma transfers the current to the metal. The high speed of the plasma is a result of the small opening that it passes through. The gas has speed gas cuts through the molten metal and at the perimeter of the area being cut.
Consequently, shielding of the cut occurs, which prevents damage to the other part of the metal.
Modern plasma cutters have an arc located between the electrode and the nozzle. The pilot arc ionizes the gas and generates a plasma before the arc transfer. Other methods that apply include touching the torch tip to create a spark or using a starting circuit with a high frequency.
Final Thought
The plasma cutter makes work easier while saving the user’s time and energy. Cutting metal with an ordinary tool is not simple and may need great effort. A plasma cutter saves users the stress of working on metals because it makes work easy and fast for them. Additionally, there are no accidents when using a plasma cutter, and in any case, if one occurs, it is minor and does not need a lot of cash to treat.
Since plasma does require preheating, the user starts working on the metal immediately, therefore, saving time. Additionally, the plasma cutter does not find it hard to cut even through hard metals. Therefore, with the tool at hand, you can work on any metal type in a short period.
