5
SAFETY
How a plasma cutter works
Basic plasma cutters use electricity to superheat air into plasma (the 4th state of
matter), which is then blown through the metal to be cut. Plasma cutters require
a compressed air supply and AC power to operate.
Operation
1. When the trigger is squeezed, DC current ows through the torch lead into the
nozzle.
2. Next, compressed air ows through the torch head, through the air diuser that
spirals the air ow around the electrode and through the hole of the cutting
nozzle.
3. A xed gap is established between the electrode and the nozzle. (The power
supply increases voltage in order to maintain a constant current through the
joint.) Electrons arc across the gap, ionizing and super heating the air creating a
plasma stream.
4. Finally, the regulated DC current is switched so that it no longer ows to the
nozzle but instead ows from the electrode to the work piece. Current and airow
continue until cutting is stopped.
Shield Cup
Nozzle
Electrode
Plasma Stream
Steel
Notes:
The nozzle and electrode require periodic replacement. The electrode has an insert
of tough high conductive material such as hafnium and cerium. This insert erodes
with use, also the nozzle orice will erode with use.
Quality of the air used is paramount to longer life of electrodes and nozzles, in
short clean dry air gives longer parts life, the cleaner and dryer the better. We
recommend use of a Plasma Air Filter.
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