Plasma Cutter Thickness Ranges:

Plasma Cutting machines that can use both manual and mechanized tasks generally have a lower thickness rating for mechanized cutting rather than manual. This is for some reasons.

Initial and end the cut on resources close to the maximum thickness correctly needs some operator method that is simple for a human operator but hard or not possible to program into a machine. Hence a lower rating for acceptable cuts.

Mechanized plasma cutting needs sharp in many cases rather than edge starts. A machine usually cannot pierce successfully as thick as it can cut.

Customers using plasma cutting equipment in an automated set up would normally find the cut speeds on the thickest resources too slow to be satisfactory for mechanized process.

Generation of the Plasma Arc (2 Ways):

Plasma cutters produce the plasma in one of two ways: High-Frequency (HF) Contact or Pilot Arcs. Which one your plasma cutter uses depends on how old it is; the new high tech equipments use pilot arcs. The major dissimilarity is that HF Contact models have to close a circuit with a work piece that conducts electrical energy in order to cut while the pilot arc models can cut anything. They work in very different ways.

HF contact method of generating plasma is still found in low financial plan plasma cutters and in older plasma cutters. How it works is the plasma cutting component is connected to the work piece by a clamp and wire and when you touch the nozzle of the torch to the work piece an electric circuit is created. An electric arc zips from the work piece threw the plasma torch nozzle to the negative electrode inside the torch head. At the same time, pressurized inert gas runs in the opposite way, from the torch head out onto the work piece. As the gas surges past the zapping electric arc it is heated to around 50,000 degrees Celsius. At that heat the gas becomes plasma which is a form of matter that is a liquid and a gas at the same time. It is this super hot, super fast moving plasma that cuts the metal. The HF contact technique is said to contain one cycle since the major plasma flow is created in one step.

The Pilot Arc technique is a two cycle procedure. First, a high power, low amperage circuit is used to make a small, high intensity flash in the body of the torch which creates a small pocket of plasma in the torch head (note that the plasma is previously produced in the torch without the required to touch the work piece, this is what eliminates the require for a conducting work piece). Now, you can use a trigger to ignite the main plasma arc that will be used for cutting whatever it is you desire to cut. Pilot Arc is the technique used in CNC plasma cutting applications.

Some Points about Used Plasma Cutters:

1. Knowing the metal thickness that you will cut through earlier is actually helpful when shopping for a used plasma cutter. Knowing your preferred cutting speed is helpful as well. If you require cutting through 3/8" steel at 10 in/minute for example, you’ll find used Everlast plasma cutters very acceptable. If you need to cut through 3/8" steel at 75 in/minute, you will find a used Everlast PowerPlasma 50 plasma cutter satisfactory. Keep in mind that the thicker the metal, the slower the cut and this is true even with high capability cutters. Should you get into a conversation concerning ratings, remember that the normal rate is 10 in/minute.

2. Plasma cutter duty cycles point out a minutes per 10 minutes ratio of a rated capability. If you were to use a machine with a 70% duty cycle for instance, it could run at 400 amps for 6 minutes without having to be cooled. This information is critical when used plasma cutters function in hot surrounds.

3. When looking at your choices of used plasma cutters, make sure you can supply a stable stream of clean and dry air from an excellence air compressor. You will also require ensuring that any air compressor you use is able of satisfying an exacting cutter’s pressure necessities. Every cutter has a different requirement, so do not think that one air pressure is suitable for every cutter. You might find a small cutter with a built in air compressor, but if you are in the market for a big cutter, be ready to seek out an external compressor with a 40 - 60 PSI.

4. Portability is one more significant issue to address. In many cases, a cutter that sits idle for a while is not that big of a deal. A cutter that will be idle for a long time, such as during transportation for example, is a large deal as it can affect the machine’s unit delay.

5. Do not forget to verify that all controls are simply accessible and functioning. All analytic lights should work and consumables (including and air filter and dryer) must accompany the whole machine at either a very little fee or at no charge at all.

6. You will also desire to see if the product’s warranty is still in effect. This will help you get your used plasma cutter serviced. If you can locate the cutter’s producer, and that manufacturer is local and still in business that is even better.

7. Upon closer assessment, avoid buying a used plasma cutter that has broken cables, dirty inside compartments or other visual signs of spoil. These types of signs point out a very short life span and/or expensive repairs down the road.

Plasma Cutter Safety:

There are a little things regarding plasma cutter safety that are different from common welding safety tips. This small list of plasma cutter safety tips is geared toward light duty plasma cutting using compressed air not large manufacturing units that use gas mixtures and water cutting tables.

Electric Shock Can Kill:

- Operating a plasma cutter completes an electric circuit between the torch and the workpiece. The workpiece and something touching the workpiece are part of the electrical circuit.

- Never touch the torch body, workpiece or the water in a water table when the plasma system is working.

Voltages & Currents:

- Plasma cutter output voltages are large amount greater than welding voltages, usually 100-200 volts.

Precautionary Measures:

- Don’t pick up the workpiece, including the waste cutoff, as you cut. Leave the workpiece in place on the workbench with the work wire attached during the cutting process.

- During plasma cutting processes don’t move the work clamp.

- Wear insulated gloves and boots, and keep your body and clothing dry.

- Don’t stand, sit or lie on or if not touch any wet surface when using the plasma cutter system.

- Insulate yourself from work and ground using dry insulating mats or covers large sufficient to prevent any physical contact with the work or ground. If you must work in or near a damp area, use great caution.

What is Plasma?

If you improve a gas to very high temperatures, you obtain plasma. The energy begins to break apart the gas molecules, and the atoms start to split. Usual atoms are made up of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, bounded by a cloud of electrons. In plasma, the electrons divide from the nucleus. Once the power of heat releases the electrons from the atom, the electrons start to move around quickly. The electrons are negatively charged, and they go away at the back their positively charged nuclei. These positively charged nuclei are recognized as ions.

When the fast-moving electrons crash with other electrons and ions, they release huge amounts of energy. This force is what gives plasma its sole status and incredible cutting power.

Used Plasma Cutters:

You can find used plasma cutters internet and in the actual world. If you discover used plasma cutter you have to make in no doubt that it is in fine condition and, more importantly, you have to find out if the component meets your requirements. Use the following list of questions to assess any used plasma cutter that you find. When you have the answers, you will be in a much improved position to create a knowledgeable buying result.

1. Is the cable insulation worn down from use?
2. Does the sever cut, rated cut, and quality cut of the match what I need?
3. Are the cuts still clean?
4. Has the machine ever been repaired or serviced?
5. Is there still a factory warranty?
6. Is there a power source at my business or home that matches the power requirements of the machine?
7. What is the duty cycle of the unit?
8. Are the diagnostic lights and controls functioning properly?
9. If I buy the machine do I get any consumables?
10. What is the condition of the internal components (if they are in good condition then the owner probably taken good care of the machine)?

Significance of Welding Machines and its Contributors

This can be very significant to check out the several types of equipment supplier that's out present. Most of them are centered on remarkable offers and more. It will get relevant to find the most useful types of welding machine supplies and much more.

All essential machines have to be targeted upon and that is very important to getting exciting offers. Wonderful provides are put forward and finest varieties of welding supplies be certain that people get amazing offers and more. This may be appeared into if someone needs to get welding equipment.

Welding equipment is associated for a complete lot of reasons. Mainly as a result of it becomes important to get wonderful offers which all clients have a tendency to like a lot. It's required to take a look at the various kinds of work this welding machine provides trust to achieve.

The profits of a Welding Career

Welding is an important skill because people's lives can depend on a metal construction to be strong and last for many years.

A certificate earned during a welding training list can prove to potential employers that they can count on you to possess the skills required to do high quality welds.

Here are a few machines you can function through hands-on experience:
• Electric Arc Welder
• Automatic Pipe Bevel
• Flux Core Arc Welders
• Hand-Operated Grinders

The welding preparation programs offer a range of certifications through professional schools in your area.

You can get the welding skills that are in demand by employers in as rapid as 40 weeks.
Attaining a high quality welding career will help guide to a very successful, and beneficial, career!

Features Found on Mig & Tig Welders

Mig Welding Equipment
Ranging in size from a small, convenient 115v, 20 amp machine to full sized shop automotive service equipment, mig welders are one of the few that unite a relatively low cost tag with high quality performance. You can also gain full control over the quality of the weld with a full variety of settings. Finally, these machines turn up with added benefits such as colder running temperatures and some of the best guarantee options.

Tig Welders
Even the most essential tig welding machines move toward loaded full of features. Press on button control panels create them easier to use while advanced end models let you easily adjust the machines repeatable weld cycles, start, and weld hollow. To modify the shape and size of the bead, look for models with true square wave AC output and pulse style. Finally, look for models with further safety features such as warning code circuitry and voltage protection.

Parameters of MIG welding:

The rule of the MIG welding was developed present 50 years. An electrical arc is created among the piece and an electrode shaped by the cable (wire) that comes as of the torch, which is too an input field. An inert gas is injected throughout the torch to make a protective halo approximately the weld and get better quality.

Important parameters in the MIG welding are:

* speed wire feeder,
* distance from the torch to the sheet,
* voltage,
* the speed of the torch,
* the position of the torch: "push" or "pull"
* Skill and knowledge of the worker.

as well the speed and power supply wire which are adaptable on the position from MIG knobs, the additional parameters are managed straight by the worker throughout his actions.

These MIG welding parameters are able to have an effect on to a huge extent the quality of a weld, and have to be adjusted properly previous to soldering. An excellent knowledge of their effects on the weld is necessary to execute best setting according to your circumstances.

Importance of Plasma Cutting Safety:

It would be a grave mistake to disregard the important of plasma cutting safety. Just because the plasma cutter is easy to use, that doesn’t make it appropriate for haphazard use. Here are some tips to keep you safe while operating one of these machines.

1.Never operate a plasma cutter in a wet environment. You must understand that the plasma cutter uses electricity to start and stay running. Its electrical circuit lies between the torch and the surface being cut. Anything that comes in contact with the object being cut becomes a part of that electrical circuit including water. Okay, especially water since water conducts electricity just like some metals do. So use a plasma cutter in dry environments only.

2.Do not retrieve cut pieces of metal while you’re cutting. Do not remove work pieces while the grand cable is attached. And do not remove a ground clamp while cutting. Doing so places you at high risk for electrocution. For this very reason, insulated boots and gloves are required equipment in any serious place of business.

3.Make sure the ground cable is well secured onto the piece that’s being cut (NOT the piece that will fall off). Arcing near the ground clamp is a sign that the clamp is damaged, unsafe, and needs replacing. Failing to make a safe and secure connection is a sure-fire way to experience electrical shock. The ground clamp must always remain secured prior to releasing a plasma cutter's trigger.

4.Don't use a plasma cutter without proper eye protection. Eye protection isn't just for shielding flying debris. It’s also for shielding against burning. Plasma cutters produce highly intense ultraviolet and infrared waves that can burn the retina, cause cataracts, and damage the skin even if proper precautions aren’t taken.

5.Keep your plasma cutter away from flammable materials. Don’t store or use your cutter near gasoline or other combustible solutions.

6.If you use a heavy duty plasma cutter - that is, one with a excessive noise level, wear ear protection as well.

7.Use a plasma cutter in a well ventilated area. Plasma cutters melt metal and the gases released are toxic.

Plasma Arc Cutter Operating Procedures

To activate the plasma arc cutter make sure the air pressure is sufficiently around 70 p.s.i. for most plasma arc cutter units and the ground clamp is attached to the work piece.

Turn the plasma arc cutter on and adjust the amperage the manufacturers specifications for the thickness of metal to be cut.

Position the shielding cup over the metal, press the igniter button and allow the arc to become established. Next, move the arc over the cut line and make the cut.

The thicker the metal the slower the travel speed must be to get a good cut and vice versa. The quality of the cut usually decreases as the metal thickness increases and the travel speed decreases.

A guide bar may be used to help achieve good straight cuts.

The shielding cup and constricting nozzle should be held approximately 1/8" to 1/4" above the metal being cut. The operator should avoid dragging the constricting nozzle and shielding cup on the metal when making the cut unless they are specifically designed to touch the base metal while cutting.

Always make cuts on the waste side of the cut line.

Avoid cutting with the plasma arc cutter in damp or wet locations. The hazards of electrical stock greatly increased.

If plasma arc cutting over an open barrel with a grate be aware that the fume plume will be directed back toward the operator. Avoid this condition if at all possible, otherwise limit the exposure to fumes to short duration's.

Cuts with the plasma arc cutter may be made by moving forward, backward, or sideways. Determine which direction is easiest for you and use that procedure as often as possible.

Always move the plasma arc cutter (PAC) as fast as possible when making a cut. This increases time efficiency , improves the cut quality, and reduces the build up of dross.

Compressed air used in plasma arc cutter should be dry or the cutter will not yield a quality cut or it not cut at all. An auxiliary air filter may be place in the compressed air line to condition the air for a plasma arc cutter.

Always turn the plasma arc cutter off before laying the torch down and leaving the work area.

If the quality of the cut deteriorates to an unacceptable level either the constricting nozzle, the electrode, or both may need to be changed. The electrode on most plasma arc cutter will have a life of about twice the life of the constriction nozzle. Keep a supply of constricting nozzles and electrodes on hand as they deteriorate quickly during continuous use. Turn the plasma arc cutter off to put on replacement parts.

Keep the plasma arc cutter torch leads and ground lead stored so they will not be cut or damaged when not in use.