Modern Industries require modern cutting methods to cut various types of metal surfaces, such as Plasma Cutting. Some metal surfaces are hard and rigid than normal surfaces. Thus, they need some more advanced cutting methods in order to get them cut for further processing. Plasma Cutting is one of them. 

What is Plasma Cutting?

Plasma cutting is a type of welding process. In it, a spray-jet of ionized gas at a very high temperature is used to melt and eject material from the cut. It came into existence to cut those materials which could not be cut by the oxy-fuel process easily. Plasma cutting can be used for underwater cutting using special instruments.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Plasma Cutting

It’s effortless for new workers to learn the use a plasma cutter. It has several advantages, as follows:

  • A constrict beam of Plasma can easily cut curves, odd shapes, and joints of various metals. You can easily guide the torches with precision with the help of a pencil. Either manual or programming control can pilot the beam.
  • Plasma cutters cut quickly and efficiently too. Plasma takes 25% of the time of most similar methods to make a sharp cut in a piece of metal. Fast process times also reduce the chance of error made in cut or deformation in the piece of metal.
  • Plasma cutting is handy and cooperative with a wide range of matters. Plasma cutting is less costly too. It saves a lot of energy and time.
  • Plasma cutting uses noble gases. This makes it much more secure than cutting methods, which use Oxygen as a fuel. Oxy-fuel has a vital chance of explosion or accidental fire while in use or storage. However, Plasma Cutting gas is only converted into a superheated beam of Plasma during the use of the torch.
  • Plasma cutting is one of the economical methods too. Plasma torches need very little maintenance. They don’t need replacement for a long period of time.

Disadvantages

Unfortunately, Plasma cutting has a few drawbacks too.

  • Most plasma cutters may not be helpful for thicker or denser surfaces. Plasma has a fleeting nature. It limits the Plasma beam to a depth of about one inch. If you want to cut through large steel blocks, you may have to use the regular melting procedures used for industrial welding.
  • While it doesn’t generate much heat, but it can be noisy and may produce excess fumes. Always do prefer an open and ventilated place to carry out this process.
  • Plasma may generate very bright sparks during the process. It is strongly advised to the employees working near plasma cutters to follow proper safety instructions. The employees who are using the plasma cutter have to wear safety glasses.
  • Plasma Cutting can still be costly instead of the fact that they are cheaper than Oxy-fuel. If there is damage to the machine, one must have to replace the electrodes. But the electrodes are very expensive to source and install. Similarly, you may need to pay the fees of the gas supplier. 

Conclusion

As we have read, Plasma Cutting is a more compatible method than normal cutting methods used in industries. But, we have also discussed several advantages and disadvantages of Plasma Cutting. So, you must think about both sides of it if you are considering about Plasma Cutting.