We all know that metal is a strong material that is used for many different everyday items. However, the strength of metal can also be a negative thing if you discover that your piece of metal is too large. If you ever find yourself needing to cut a piece of metal, you may be wondering what tool you need to do so. Plasma cutters are frequently used by individuals and by companies to cut large pieces of metal or to make designs in that metal.
How does a Plasma Cutter Work?
Plasma cutters send out an electric arc through a gas, usually nitrogen or oxygen, that passes through the tool. This causes the plasma cutter to heat up whichever gas is being used, which converts that gas into plasma. This hot plasma then easily passes through certain metals such as copper, steel, or brass. Because there is such a concentrated amount of plasma being applied to these metals, the result is a cleaner cut through the metal than you would achieve with other methods of cutting metal.
Types of Plasma Cutters
There are two main types of plasma cutters available for use. Which one you need will depend on the job that you need to be done, as well as how often you will need to use the plasma cutter. Handheld plasma cutters are usually smaller and more versatile, meaning that you will more easily be able to finish any complex jobs that may arise. However, handheld plasma cutters are usually only used for lighter types of metal.
Mechanized plasma cutters are usually used in facilities, where there are a lot of jobs that need to be completed using a plasma cutter. These machines are normally equipped with a cutting table, two or more axes that the plasma cutter moves along, and a computer. This computer is used to insert the design information. The plasma cutter then moves along its axes as commanded by the software to complete the job that needs to be done.
The Benefits of a Plasma Cutter
Whether you are looking to complete a few projects yourself or you are looking to install a plasma cutter in your facility, there are several benefits that you will see from your decision to get a plasma cutter. Plasma cutters are versatile and easy to use; most people can easily learn how to use a plasma cutter after just a small amount of training. Another benefit is that you will see less metal waste from your projects. Plasma cutters are also efficient and can save a lot of time, due to the fact that most plasma cutters can cut through a stack of metals that contain several different types of metals. This will also help you save money on materials since you will be cutting down a lot on waste. Additionally, plasma cutters use a gas that is not flammable, meaning that it is a safer way of cutting metal than other methods.
If you are curious about what designs you can make with your very own plasma cutter, check out our extensive inventory of DXF Files here.
Comments