Plasma Cutting Working Principle

Key Characteristics of Laser Cutting

• Precision: Laser cutting offers exceptional accuracy, capable of achieving tolerances as tight as ±0.1 mm.

• Edge Quality: Produces smooth, clean edges that often eliminate the need for additional finishing.

• Versatility: Can cut a wide variety of materials, including metals, plastics, wood, and glass, depending on the type of laser.

• Minimal Heat-Affected Zone: The focused laser beam minimizes thermal distortion in the surrounding material.

Plasma Cutting Working Principle

Plasma cutting is a process that uses a jet of hot plasma to cut through electrically conductive materials. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how it works:

1. Power Supply and Gas:
   A plasma cutter relies on a power supply to generate a direct current (DC) arc and a gas supply (typically compressed air, nitrogen, or oxygen) to create the plasma.

2. Arc Initiation:
   The plasma cutter starts an arc between an electrode inside the torch and the workpiece. This can be initiated by:

   • Contact Start: Touching the torch tip to the workpiece to complete the circuit.

   • High-Frequency Start: Using a high-voltage, high-frequency circuit to ionize the gas without contact.

3. Plasma Formation:
   Gas is forced through a narrow nozzle inside the torch at high speed. As it passes through the electrical arc, the gas becomes ionized, transforming into plasma—a hot, electrically conductive gas.

4. Material Melting and Removal:

   • Melting: The plasma reaches temperatures up to 30,000℃ (54,000℉), instantly melting the metal at the point of contact.

   • Blowing Away Molten Metal: The high-velocity plasma stream blows the molten metal away from the cut, creating a kerf.

5. Cutting Torch Movement:
   Like laser cutting, CNC systems precisely control the plasma torch’s movement to follow the desired cutting path.

For more information about CNC machines and advanced cutting technologies, visit AccTek CNC.