Plasma cutter
A plasma cutter is a device with which we can cut various metals by means of a generated arc. Such devices are used in various fields such as metalworking industries and emergency services. Plasma cutting devices are also becoming increasingly popular for home use because there is more and more demand from hobby craftsmen who also want to separate and process metals and sheet metal at home. Ultimately, no other device can separate and cut metals more cleanly and faster than a plasma cutter, which, unlike flex devices, does not leave any unclean edges.
How does a plasma cutter work?
The main components of a plasma cutter are the ground cable, a power source, a handpiece, a cooler, and a compressed air and power supply line. A plasma cutter can use these parts to generate an electric arc between a non-consumable electrode and the workpiece. However, cutting occurs when the compressed air in the plasma cutter creates a gas that is heated enormously and its energy is converted directly into heat, with which metals such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, cast, painted surfaces, etc. can be cut.
How do the plasma cutters differ?
You will find countless cutting devices on the market, which essentially differ in the areas of cutting voltage and cutting current, as well as different types of ignition, HF high-frequency ignition, contact ignition, and low-frequency ignition. In the meantime, many combination devices are also available that can not only plasma cut but also TIG welding.
As a rule, the stronger the current of the device, the better the cutting performance, which can range from 1mm and up to 40mm. Individual plasma devices can also be used in combination with a CNC.
Where are the plasma cutters used?
The plasma cutters are mainly used in industry, for cutting various metals, and in the rescue service. Either machine or manual plasma cutters are used, the latter being used in rescue operations, where a plasma cutter offers a better alternative to a gas cutter, as it can be used in the vicinity of people.
Plasma cutter with pilot arc
The plasma cutter arc can be ignited in a number of ways. As already mentioned, these can be ignited by high-frequency ignition, contact ignition, and low-frequency ignition, but there is also a variant of HF ignition, this is called pilot arc ignition.
The pilot arc serves as an auxiliary arc, which is ignited before the main arc during plasma cutting. With the pilot arc ignition, the air is ionized, which becomes conductive and thereby creates a conductive connection to the workpiece. On the one hand, the pilot arc clears the way for a contactless ignition of the main arc and, on the other hand, non-conductive impurities such as paint, rust, etc. are burned from the workpiece at the same time.
Which plasma cutter would be the right one for me?
When choosing the plasma separator, you should first and foremost consider which materials you would like to process with it in the future. Second, you should also pay attention to whether you only want to cut with it or whether you also want to carry out welding work.
If you can find the answer to both questions, you can either purchase a "pure" plasma cutter or a combination device (2in1 plasma cutter & TIG welding machine).
As soon as you also know which material thicknesses you will be working on, you can also decide on the thickness of the device. So if you know that you will only cut thinner sheet metal, then a model with a cutting capacity of 12mm or 45A is sufficient. But if you want to cut thicker materials, you have to increase the selection of the thickness of the device accordingly.
ROLWAL plasma cutter
In our offer, you will find proven ROLWAL brand quality. You will find both plasma cutters for thinner and stronger materials as well as combination devices. Take a look at our range! If you have any questions, we are available around the clock by email( lw08@rolwal.com)
