What is plasma cutting?

Plasma Cutting is a processing technology that melts and blows away metals using a high-temperature plasma arc. Its core principle is to ionize the working gas (such as air, oxygen, nitrogen, etc.) into a plasma jet with a temperature ranging from 15,000 to 30,000 degrees Celsius through a high-voltage arc. After melting the workpiece, the molten metal is removed by a high-speed airflow (up to 2,000 m/s) to form a cutting edge. The main features are as follows: 

High efficiency and strong adaptability：

It can cut all conductive metals (such as stainless steel/aluminum/copper, etc.) and some non-metals (such as concrete/granite), with a maximum thickness of up to 150 mm (for conventional equipment). 

The cutting speed is 5 to 6 times that of traditional oxygen cutting (for example, for 12 mm carbon steel, it reaches 3,200 mm/min), and the gas cost is low (air alone is sufficient). 

Quality and Flexibility：

The incision is smooth and has a high verticality (the width of the fine plasma incision is ≤ 0.3 mm), with minimal thermal deformation and no oxide layer (when using nitrogen). 

Adapted for rusty/coated metals, it can be easily integrated with a CNC system to achieve automated cutting. 

Gas selection is crucial：

Air: The lowest cost, but may cause oxidation; Oxygen: Produces a smoother cut on carbon steel but consumes the electrode; Nitrogen: No oxidation but high cost; Argon-hydrogen mixture: Optimal for high-thickness cutting but has strict safety requirements.

Limitations and Maintenance：

It is prone to cause cutting edge inclination or bottom slag. Therefore, the parameters (current/gas flow/ cutting height) must be strictly controlled. 

The "double arc phenomenon" damages the nozzle. The lifespan of the electrode/nozzle depends on the cooling effect and it needs to be replaced regularly.