CNC Plasma Cutter

The recently discovered fourth state of matter is plasma. Plasma, which is a good conductor of heat and electricity, consists of positively charged ions, electrons (negatively charged molecules), and neutrally charged molecules. Since plasma can stand extreme temperatures, it is used in metal industries which employ CNC plasma cutters to cut through metal sheets. This technology is being used worldwide for the easy cutting of metal sheets of varied thickness. Many manufacturing and metal industries which used CNC plasma cutter have vouched that this is one of the best machine tools and is very efficient.

What is a CNC Plasma Cutter?

A CNC (computer numerical controlled) plasma cutter is a tool whose working is controlled with the help of a computer. This tool also uses software like the CAD/CAM for the working of this machine tool. CAD, or computer aided design, is a manufacturing software which is used to create the layout and design of the desired component to be produced. The design can be verified on the computer screen and changes can be made before getting down to the real task. The computer aided manufacturing, or the CAM, is a programming tool for the plasma cutter, which uses a numerical control to convert the design to a CNC code. This conversion makes it easier to control the machine tool. Nowadays portable CNC plasma cutters are also used by artists in their workshops. There are many DIY (do it yourself) kits available in the market, using which you can get your own portable, homemade CNC cutters.

How Does a CNC Plasma Cutter Work?

Steel and other metal sheets of varied thickness are cut using a process known as plasma cutting. In this method, a plasma torch or a plasma gun is used. In the plasma cutting system, an inert or compressed gas is blown at a very high speed out of a nozzle and directed towards the desired object to be cut. When the gas comes in contact with the metal surface, there is a formation of an electrical arc. Some of the gas released through the nozzle converts into plasma, which has got very high temperatures that can cut the molten metal. The remaining gas blows away the molten metal from the cut making room for further cutting. Plasma has an extreme temperature up to 45,000 °F (25,000 ºC) and the sparks fly at great speed. So safety glasses and face shields are used to protect the eyes and face from the temperature and debris.

There are different types of industrial plasma cutters that employ different techniques for cutting metals. The conduction of current and the thickness of the metal sheet are taken into consideration before getting to the task. The physical properties of the metal to be cut also play a major role in determining the accuracy and depth of the cut. CNC plasma cutters are available according to their electric capacity. For industries, there are plasma cutters which use electricity of up to 1000 amperes to cut 12 to 15 inch thick metal sheets. For small scale, portable cutters use electricity up to only 10 to 20 amperes and are compact in size. For home use, it is better to buy used plasma cutters as they are relatively low in price.

CNC plasma cutters have made a huge impact on the manufacturing industry, especially in the automobile, airplane, and shipbuilding industries. Due to their precision and speed, CNC plasma cutters are ideal for bulk production.