Cutting Through Limits: Plasma Potential!

Ever been working on project when you run into the need to do some metal cutting? Maybe you already own an old oxy-acetylene torch that you haven’t used in a while and your plan was to dig that out for the job. But when it comes time to make your cut, you might experience poor quality cuts with a rough edge, excessive slag or dross formation on the underside of the cut. Or possibly warped metal from the heat input, leaving you with an undesirable finished product. 

Well, what if there was a faster, easier, option? Here comes plasma cutting!

For the longest time, oxy-acetylene was the go to for anyone cutting steel. But plasma cutting has taken the lead in the last decade- it's the more cost-effective and more technically advanced option for most jobs!

​Plasma cutting offers a high-temperature, high-velocity plasma jet that is used to cut through electrically conductive materials. The plasma jet, when directed at the workpiece, melts and blows away the material, creating a clean and precise cut.

It’s commonly used in metal fabrication, automotive repair, construction, and various industrial applications. Its speed, precision, and versatility in cutting different types and thicknesses of metals make it an easy winner. Plasma effectively cuts through materials that may be difficult with other methods. It can be used for both manual and automated cutting processes, saving you time and money.

1. Versatile metal cutting

A plasma cutter is capable of cutting through a variety of conductive metals, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, bronze, and brass, which might be more challenging or slower to cut with an oxy-acetylene torch. 

2. Faster & more cost effective

Plasma cutting proves to be faster and more cost-effective than oxyfuel methods. There's no need for a preheating cycle, and you can save on labor costs. Additionally, removing the need for saws to cut non-ferrous and stainless materials (like you need when using oxyfuel) adds to the overall savings.

Although the initial investment in a plasma cutting system may be higher, the overall operating costs can be lower due to reduced gas consumption and faster cutting speeds, leading to higher efficiency and productivity.

3. Ease of Use

Learning to use a plasma cutter is pretty straightforward. Its localized heat allows for freehand cutting, or you can use a simple guide to maneuver the torch. Just bring bring the tip in contact or within 1/8" of the metal, pull the trigger, and easily cut through the metal!

4. Precision and Clean Cuts

The plasma jet's higher temperature and narrower profile, compared to oxyfuel flames, enable cutting with greater precision. This results in cleaner cuts and minimal heat distortion in the cut part. Plasma cutting is particularly well-suited for tasks like cutting sheet metal, where oxyfuel methods tend to leave slag on the edges.

5. Portability

Modern inverter-based plasma cutting machines are designed to be lightweight and portable. With options like 110-volt machines equipped with shoulder straps for cutting sheet metal on the go or 220-volt cutters on wheeled carts for easy mobility around the shop or garage, these machines offer convenience and flexibility!

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Think you’re ready to switch to an easier, faster, cheaper cutting method? Well, we recommend Hypertherm’s Powermax SYNC line! Their revolutionary single piece cartridge consumables simply the process even further by taking the traditional 5 piece cartridge down to one painless piece! Learn more about why we love the Powermax here or reach out today for personal recommendations on which plasma cutters will help you save big!