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A Guide To Plasma Torches

The plasma torch was invented in the early 20th century, and has a wide variety of applications in the industry and manufacturing. Most common applications are welding, cutting and machining. Plasma torch is a device that uses plasma to generate heat and create a directed flow of plasma to cut metal.

These plasma torches create a superheated jet (reaching temperatures exceeding 40,000° F or 22,226° C) by ionizing a compressed gas (like air, nitrogen, argon, or oxygen) with an electric arc. This plasma arc is then directed through a narrow nozzle in the plasma torch, forming a high-velocity beam that can cut through even tough metals like mild steel.

How Do Plasma Torches Work?

See below for the four key steps in the plasma cutting process, of which the handheld plasma torch is a key element.

Pilot Arc: Some plasma torches use a pilot arc to initiate the main plasma arc, improving starting reliability. Compressed Air: Often, compressed air is used as the plasma gas, but other gases can be used depending on the application and desired cut quality. High Frequency: A high-frequency start can be used to initiate the pilot arc, ensuring a clean and consistent start to the cutting process. Directed Flow: The plasma arc is directed towards the target material using the torch.

Plasma Torch Benefits

Versatility: Plasma torches can cut or weld a wide range of conductive materials, including mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. Precision Cutting: The focused plasma jet allows for clean, precise cuts with minimal dross (molten metal slag). Fast Cutting Speeds: Plasma cutting offers faster cutting speeds compared to oxy-fuel cutting, especially for thicker materials. Reduced Heat Distortion: Plasma cutting generates less heat distortion in the surrounding metal compared to other cutting methods.

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