Plasma Cutting

Plasma cutting is a process that uses a high-velocity jet of ionized gas (plasma) to cut through electrically conductive materials such as steel, aluminum, and copper. The plasma is created by heating a gas to a high temperature until it becomes ionized.

Common gases used in plasma cutting include compressed air, nitrogen (N₂), oxygen (O₂), and argon-hydrogen (Ar-H₂) mixtures. The choice of gas depends on the type of material being cut and the desired cutting quality.

Plasma cutting works by creating an electrical arc between an electrode and the workpiece. The gas is heated by the arc and becomes plasma, which is then directed through a nozzle at high speed to cut through the material.

Plasma cutting offers several benefits, including high cutting speed, precision, versatility in cutting various materials, clean cuts with minimal slag, and the ability to cut through thick materials.

The choice of gas affects the cut quality, speed, and thickness capabilities. For example, nitrogen provides a clean, precise cut for stainless steel and aluminum, while oxygen offers fast cutting speeds and good quality for mild steel.

Plasma cutting is primarily used for electrically conductive materials. While it can technically cut some non-metals like plastics, it is not commonly used for such applications due to the potential for poor cut quality and excessive melting.

Industrial gas solutions for plasma cutting and welding are provided by specialized gas suppliers, such as WestAir. We offer various gases, gas mixtures, and equipment tailored to specific cutting and welding needs.

The appropriate gas is determined based on factors such as the welding process (GMAW, GTAW, etc.), the type and thickness of the material being welded, and the desired properties of the weld, such as penetration, bead appearance, and spatter level.