WHAT IS PLASMA CUTTING AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Plasma cutting, otherwise known as plasma arc cutting, is a technique that we carry out at MJ Patch to cut through conductive materials such as steel, stainless steel, brass, copper and aluminium. Plasma cutting is an efficient cutting method compared to other processes as it’s low-cost, fast and versatile as you can use it for shape cutting, piercing, gouging and bevelling. Plasma cutting technology is an advanced and effective method for cutting electrically conductive metals, including carbon steel, offering high precision and reliability across a range of applications.
Plasma cutting is a thermal cutting method which means it uses heat to cut metal, rather than mechanical cutting which relies on physical or abrasive force. This method of cutting relies on a process whereby highly pressurised inert gases are blown through an electrical arc which creates a state known as plasma. Plasma cutting utilises ionized gas to form a high temperature, hot plasma jet, which enables it to cut through a wide range of thicknesses (1 to 100 mm) and is suitable for both thin and thick plate applications.
The temperature of plasma is extremely hot reaching temperatures of up to 20,000°C and because the metal being cut conducts the electrical arc, the plasma is directed onto the localised area at speed producing a powerful separation force. Different gases are required for different materials in plasma cutting, with oxygen being most commonly used for steel. To ensure a clean cut we also employ an additional jet of ionised gas for the purpose of clearing the cutting incision of molten metal.
Plasma cutting is an effective method for cutting thick parts where lasers cannot perform or are not economically feasible, and this cutting service is particularly suitable for large or complex plasma cutting work.
