What is CNC Plasma Cutting?

A CNC plasma cutter is a metalworking tool that can be used to machine structural steel and other metals.CNC stands for "computerized numerical control" and refers to the automated software that controls the machining process. Plasma refers to the ultra-high temperature substance that is ejected from the torch and cuts metal. You've no doubt heard of plasma cutting, CNC machines and metal art design. Admittedly, there are a lot of issues that need to be addressed when talking about the plasma cutting process. So let's take a closer look at CNC plasma cutters.

1.What is CNC plasma cutting and how does it work?

2.Advantages of Plasma Cutting Machines

3.What to consider when selecting and specifying a plasma cutter?

4.What materials can I cut with a plasma cutter?

1.What is CNC plasma cutting and how does it work?

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) plasma cutting is the process of cutting metal using a plasma torch. What makes a plasma torch special is that it is controlled by a computer for maximum accuracy compared to a handheld torch. A CNC plasma cutter operates by forcing gas or compressed air through a nozzle at high speed. Once the arc is introduced to the gas, it creates an ionized gas or plasma, which is the fourth state of matter. In turn, it will cut through the metal. The plasma used throughout the process is actually ionized gas. An ionized gas is a gas that is excited beyond the threshold where electrons escape from the atom but remain bound to the nucleus. This in turn creates the plasma. CNC plasma cutters are not only accurate, but they also cut quickly. Depending on the thickness and material being cut, the machine can run at speeds of up to 500 inches per minute.

2.Advantages of Plasma Cutting Machines

There are several advantages of using a plasma cutter for metal fabrication over other methods, including cost-effectiveness, higher productivity, and better cut quality. Here are some of the other advantages.

High quality of cut

Cutting metal with a plasma cutter results in a higher quality of cut compared to other metalworking processes such as flame cutting or waterjet cutting. This is due to the fact that there is no residual slag left on the cut edges of the metal and the heat affected zone is smaller in size.

Versatility and Flexibility

This process is very versatile as it can cut any conductive metal. It can easily cut metals such as medium and thick aluminum and high alloy steel. It is great for groove cutting, planning or marking metals. In addition, the process can cut metal under water while reducing noise levels.

High speed

Plasma cutters are up to 100 times faster than laser cutters and about 10 times faster than oxy-fuel cutting. In other words, it increases productivity and reduces metal processing time compared to other methods.

Higher Accuracy and Repeatability

Because heat is generated during the process, parts are cut with higher precision and surface quality. In addition, the speed of manufacturing improves repeatability while reducing metalworking time.

3.What to consider when selecting and specifying a plasma cutter?

Plasma cutters do create a heat affected zone on the cut edge of the profile, this is because the cutting mechanism is achieved by melting the raw material. Due to the fast cutting speeds, the energy levels used by plasma cutters are significantly lower than those used for flame cutting, resulting in a smaller heat affected zone for plasma cutters.

While CNC plasma cutters can cut sheet metal materials, in many cases laser cutting is stronger in cutting these materials from a cost and performance standpoint. This is especially true for very thin sheet metal.

Plasma cutters can be used for plates, sheets and grids or meshes, but cannot cut laminated materials with voids throughout their thickness, such as honeycomb structures. This is due to the fact that the plasma beam is pierced when cutting through the layers and the voids are exposed to the cutting head.

4.What materials can I cut with a plasma cutter?

There are many materials that are used for plasma cutting machines. This is mainly because the process can cut any conductive material. The following are the most common materials used for this technology.

Aluminum

Aluminum is electrically conductive, making plasma cutting an ideal process for manufacturing aluminum. Additionally, the process has an advantage over other aluminum manufacturing methods such as laser cutting when dealing with thicker metals. It can cut aluminum up to 160mm thick. In addition, using plasma cutting to manufacture aluminum is more cost-effective due to lower operating and equipment costs.

Soft steel

Mild steel is a steel grade with a low carbon content, usually topping out at around 2.1%. It is one of the most commonly used steel templates due to its properties that make it suitable for a variety of applications. In addition, mild steel is not expensive to purchase and has properties such as high impact strength, weldability and ductility.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is an alloy of iron that is both corrosion and rust resistant. A plasma cutter is one of the most efficient methods of cutting this metal, as it can make cuts up to 30 mm thick. Grades of stainless steel suitable for cutting include: 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 321, 310S, 317, etc.

Brass

Brass is another metal that is easy to cut with a plasma cutter. This is due to its high electrical conductivity. However, when cutting brass with a plasma cutter, it is best to do so in a well-ventilated area. This is because brass contains zinc and inhaling fumes containing burning zinc is not good for your health.

Copper

Copper has the thermal and electrical conductivity of all materials other than precious metals. Important qualities of this metal include: corrosion resistance, high ductility and weldability. These properties, including its high electrical conductivity, make copper an ideal metal for plasma cutting. However, as with brass, it is important to cut this metal in a well-ventilated area.

Cast Iron

This metal is popular for its low cost and ductility. It contains traces of manganese, sulfur, phosphorus and silicon. Cast iron has good electrical conductivity, high compressive strength and a low melting temperature, making it ideal for plasma cutting.

Since 2014, Shandong U-May Cnc Technology Co., Ltd. has been providing CNC machinery services to customers around the world. As a professional CNC machinery manufacturer with many years of experience, we can provide customers with high-quality plasma cutting machines and CNC machine tools. And we pride ourselves on providing our clients with professional services, not just transactions. By providing high-quality products and excellent customer service, we strive to make UTECH the ideal choice for every customer.