How Does Plasma Cutter Work in Welding Process?

In the welding world, you will come across TIG, MIG and Plasma cutters. Just as they have different names, they all look and work differently. For individuals new to welding, you must know how the Plasma cutter works.

So, what is plasma? You are aware of the three forms of matter; liquid, solid and gas.Well, plasma is the fourth. Basically, it is ionized air that conducts electricity.

How does the plasma work in welding?

• The plasma cutter gives a plasma arc in welding. This happens when gases- oxygen, argon, or nitrogen- at high pressure meet a power supply. The gas flow meets with the heat from the power supply at around 40000 degrees Fahrenheit, piercing the metal being welded. 
• Molten material from the welded metal will all be blown away as the high pressured gas and heat interact. Best plasma cutterswill yield perfect arcs generating perfect works on the metals. 
• An Arc Starting Console, ASC, produces a high voltage of about 5000 MAV AC voltage that produces sparks inside the plasma torch resulting in a plasma arc. 
• The plasma torch helps in the welding process by providing perfect alignment and cooling for the consumable parts. The nozzle, swirl ring and the electrodes make up the torches’ consumables. 
• The qualityof this arc welder is improved by the shielding cap. The restriction at the nozzle contributes to the high speed at which gas is passed before it’s converted to plasma.

There you have it, the working of the plasma cutter! The two main plasma cutting available include the conventional plasma cutting that utilizes shop air and the precision plasma cutting that involves gases like oxygen, argon, nitrogen, etc.