Plasma cutting is a popular method used in various industries for cutting and shaping different types of metal sheets. This process uses a plasma cutter, which is an advanced machine that uses an electric arc and compressed gas to cut through different types of metals. The plasma cutting machine is a complex piece of equipment that requires specific parameters to function correctly. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the essential parameters of the plasma cutting machine.
Amperage
Amperage is one of the most important parameters of the plasma cutting machine. It is the measure of electrical current that the machine requires to produce the plasma arc. The amperage setting on the plasma cutter depends on the thickness and type of metal being cut. Higher amperage settings are suitable for thicker metals, while lower amperage settings are suitable for thinner metals.
Gas Pressure
Gas pressure is another critical parameter of the plasma cutting machine. It is the measure of the pressure of the compressed gas that is used to produce the plasma arc. The gas pressure setting depends on the type of gas used, the thickness of the metal being cut, and the amperage setting of the machine. Higher gas pressure settings are suitable for thicker metals, while lower gas pressure settings are suitable for thinner metals.
Cutting Speed
The cutting speed is the rate at which the plasma cutting machine can cut through the metal. The cutting speed is affected by the thickness and type of metal being cut, as well as the amperage and gas pressure settings of the machine. The cutting speed is usually measured in inches per minute (IPM), and the ideal cutting speed depends on the application and the thickness of the metal.
Torch Height
The torch height is the distance between the plasma torch and the metal being cut. The torch height affects the quality of the cut and the lifespan of the consumables. The torch height is usually adjusted automatically by the plasma cutting machine based on the thickness of the metal being cut.
Consumables
Consumables are the parts of the plasma cutting machine that wear out over time, such as the electrode, nozzle, and swirl ring. The type and quality of the consumables used in the plasma cutting machine affect the quality of the cut and the lifespan of the machine. High-quality consumables last longer and produce cleaner cuts than lower quality consumables.
