Plasma Cutter Suppliers

• Conventional plasma cutters: These are manually-operated low-to-medium power machines used by hobbyists, fabricators, maintenance workers, etc. They are appropriate for sheet metal and thin plates. They are quite often portable owing to their small size.
• Automatic CNC plasma cutters: CNC plasma cutters are semi or fully automatic with 2 to 3 axes. They are much more precise and quicker than conventional machines. They can cut through thick slabs of conductive metals and big machines can accommodate large workpieces, up to 4 m in length.

Here are some of the features to consider when purchasing a plasma cutter:

• Air Compressor: Some plasma cutters come with a built-in air compressor, and some need an external compressor. If you need to move your plasma cutter around a lot, purchasing a machine with a built-in compressor is recommended to save effort. Bear in mind that these models are the more expensive option. 
• Pilot Arc: A pilot arc plasma cutter generates a continuous electric arc with the press of a button, contrary to the conventional method of touching the workpiece with the tip of the torch to initiate the arc. Pilot arc cutters are more convenient for discontinuous rusted/painted surfaces. 
• Voltage: Plasma cutters come compatible with a variety of voltages: 220-240 VAC mains supply, the low-intensity 110 VAC supply, and for demanding applications, the high-powered 415 V 3-phase supply. 
• Cutting Depth: Plasma cutters have a wide cutting depth range of 10 mm-200 mm. You should make sure to choose a cutter capable of handling your requirements.

Plasma cutters can cost between $500 to $15,000, depending upon their size, features, and technology.

Plasma cutters can cut all electrically conductive metals like steels, copper alloys, aluminium alloys, etc.

Plasma cutters are widely used in professional fabrication shops, automotive repair and styling shops, piping/ducting industry, decorative sheet metal works, and many other industries.

Some of the most common problems encountered with plasma cutters:

• Bad Arc Quality: It can sometimes get difficult to start the arc or hold it for a long time. In other cases, the plasma jet may sputter and have a bad focus, creating extra spatter and slag. In such cases, you should check the condition of your consumables, electricity supply, air pressure, and air filters.
• Cutting Speed: Cutting too fast or too slow can create problems. If the cutting speed is too fast, the plasma may not cut through the metal properly, leaving resolidified beads (known as dross) at the bottom of the cut. Slow cutting speed creates an extra wide kerf and excessive spatter. Try to find the sweet spot for cutting speed for optimal results. 
• Incorrect Parameters: A common mistake is to use a higher than recommended amperage and air pressure. While this gets the job done, you will burn through your consumables very quickly and also deteriorate the part’s quality. Ideally, you should stick to the settings recommended by the manufacturer.

Plasma cutters have numerous consumable components that need regular cleaning and replacement these include:

• Nozzle: The nozzle determines the shape and direction of the generated plasma jet. It should be replaced if its orifice gets too wide, elliptical, or burnt. 
• Electrode: The electrode sits inside the torch gun. It has a pit-like indent containing hafnium. If this indent is deeper than 1 mm, it is time to replace the electrode. 
• Air Diffuser: The air diffuser has several holes that can get blocked or deformed. It should be checked for blockage or damage if you observe arc quality issues or sputtering.
• Air filter: If your machine does not have a self-draining filter, you should drain the filter every time you use the plasma cutter. If it has a self-draining filter, then monitor arc quality and change the filter if there are moisture-related issues.