Processing operations for metal materials require the use of special equipment. In the case of thin sheet products, it is quite possible to do with the appropriate hacksaw or even a file, however, thick layers can be cut only if the structure of the workpiece is intensively affected. An optimal solution to this problem may be a metal welding-cutting apparatus, operating according to the principles of plasma-air processing. Externally, such devices resemble classic welding devices, but there are a number of significant differences.
The principle of plasma cutting
This technique is part of a group of processing methods involving thermal effects on the material. That is, in the process, the user directs the working head of the device in order to heat a specific area. This type of torch device provides for the presence of electrodes and the content of plasma-forming gases - as a rule, compressed air is used. After starting, the apparatus for plasma cutting of metal begins to generate welding currents that heat the electrode. Then the arc is activated, under the influence of which the gas is converted into molten plasma. Depending on the model of the device, the temperature value of this substance can vary from 5000 to 30,000 ° C.
This processing principle opens up wide boundaries for the use of the device. On the one hand, the effectiveness of plasma exposure leads to good performance, which is advantageous from the point of view of using technology in metallurgical plants. On the other hand, metal cutting by a welding machine is highly accurate and accurate, which is also appreciated by craftsmen performing decorative processing of products.
Types of devices
On the market you can find two variations of such devices. To use the technology in working with large volumes of workpieces, it is recommended to use transformers. This equipment is capable of cutting sheets up to 4 cm thick. The second variety is inverters, which are small in size and, accordingly, modest performance indicators. One way or another, the inverter devices for plasma-air cutting of metal, the advantages of which are expressed not only in compactness, are most widely used. Such devices are also characterized by the stability of arc burning, which allows you to perform high-quality cutting in almost any conditions. In addition, the latest inverter models are not so inferior to transformers in terms of power. Senior executives, for example, allow cutting sheets up to 3 cm thick.
The main characteristics of plasma cutters
From a user point of view, the main working indicator is the current strength. The capabilities of the device in cutting various types of metal depend on it. Comparing the potential of the device and the characteristics of the workpiece, one should rely on the following principle: an increase in the current strength increases the arc power and, consequently, the heating intensity. For example, a low-power apparatus for cutting metal with a current strength of 40 A will cope with a sheet 1-1.2 cm thick. If the power potential is increased to 160 A, then the use of equipment will be possible for working with 4-centimeter sheets.
This does not mean that you need to focus on maximum performance when choosing. High power will not come in handy and will even be unnecessary if you need to perform curly cutting. If you do not intend to constantly and purposefully use the device to work with specific materials, then it makes sense to purchase a universal metal cutting machine. Such models provide the ability to adjust the current strength, which significantly expands the range of tasks.
Plasma cutter compressor
Since the processing technique provides for the supply of compressed air, the compressor should also be prepared initially. In some models, it is included in the main design, but similar equipment has serious power limitations. For regular operation, the optimal configuration will be with an external compressor. Provided that the pneumatic network is properly organized, such a plasma metal cutting apparatus will provide both high productivity and stability of heating during the entire working session.
Device manufacturers
The initial segment is represented mainly by domestic models from the companies Bars, Svarog and Resanta. These are devices worth 25-30 thousand rubles, which do a good job with workpieces up to 1 cm thick. For more complex processing tasks, you should turn to models from the Fubag, Telwin, Blue Weld lines, etc. In this case, the cost increases significantly ( 50-70 thousand rubles), however, the user can count on the possibility of forming a cut at great depths. In addition, a high-class metal cutting machine will allow you to work with a large number of nozzles, which also determines the versatility of the tool.
Alternative equipment
Building technologies allow you to perform solid state cutting operations in a variety of ways. But not all methods can be optimized with the expectation of use by the mass consumer. The closest competition to plasma processing is still the classic cutting disc, which provides mechanical impact. However, in comparison with it, thermal working elements are neat and accurate. Recently, a laser metal cutting apparatus, which is a design in the form of a small machine, is also widespread. Such a technique is characterized by high cutting speed, accuracy and ease of use, but its price is several times higher than the cost of plasma cutters.
Conclusion
The heat treatment method is by far the most popular metal cutting tool. Not at all because the tool provides the best performance. It loses to the mentioned laser machines in many parameters and costs more than traditional units with cutting discs. But from the point of view of universality, the plasma apparatus for cutting metal has no competitors. The balance of technical and operational indicators makes it possible to use this tool both in everyday life and in industry. In addition, manufacturers complement the line with specialized models that are designed to perform highly professional operations.