Which Plasma Cutter Is Better To Choose: Types And Rating Of Models

Plasma cutting is a process that uses a high-energy ionized gas (plasma) to cut through metal. It is a highly effective method of cutting, particularly for thicker metal, and it is widely used in many industrial and construction applications. Plasma cutters come in various types, and choosing the right one can be a challenging task.

When choosing a plasma cutter, it's important to consider the type of metal you will be cutting, the thickness of the metal, and the size of the cuts. There are two main types of plasma cutters: handheld and mechanized.

Handheld plasma cutters are portable and easy to use, making them suitable for small jobs and on-site repairs. Mechanized plasma cutters are larger and more powerful, and they are used for larger and more complex projects.

In this article, we will provide an overview of the different types of plasma cutters available, their features, and their suitability for different applications. We will also provide a rating of the top models of plasma cutters based on factors such as power, performance, durability, and cost.

[caption id="attachment_302" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Plasma cutter[/caption]

It is convenient to use a plasma knife for cutting sheet metal. The quality of the cut is much higher than when working with a grinder. There are no burns on the surface and this place does not require finishing work. The red plasma that is delivered by the device affects only the place of the cut without affecting the rest of the part. Work is not about applying effort.

Types and purpose of plasma cutters

Before you understand how to choose a plasma cutter, you need to study the existing types of devices. Depending on the field of application, they are divided into:

• Inverter. They have the ability to cut metal up to 30mm thick.
• Transformer. Cut the metal to a thickness of 80 mm.

There is a classification depending on the contact of the flashlight with the part.

They are divided into:

• Contact. Plasma contact with metal is required during operation. Its thickness can be up to 18 mm.
• Contactless. In this case, the metal may be of great thickness and contact with it is not required.

Depending on the energy consumed, there are also varieties. These are devices:

• Domestic. Operation from a 220 W network.
• Plasma cutter industrial. It is powered by a three-phase network of 380 watts.

The principle of operation of Plasma cutters

The choice of a plasma cutter should begin with the study of its device. An electric arc heats the ionized air to a temperature of 30,000 degrees. An electric current passes through it. He heads for the metal. In the area of ​​the incision, it is blown.

[caption id="attachment_301" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Plasma cutter[/caption]

The device consists of the following elements:

• The plasma torch. This is a plasma cutter that is connected to the machine using a cable and hose. When cutting metal, an arc occurs between the workpiece and the torch. Such plasmatrons are called direct acting. If a non-metallic surface is being cut, an arc is formed directly in the torch. These are indirect plasmatrons.
• Nozzle. This is the element through which air passes. Depending on its size, the size of the cut and the speed of work change. The smallest diameter of the nozzles is 3 mm, and the maximum 9–12 mm. The length of the nozzle is chosen 1.5-1.8 times larger than the diameter. The longer it is, the higher the speed. But if this value is too large, then the nozzle quickly collapses.
• Electrode. This is a hafnium metal rod located inside the plasmatron. Its other name is cathode.

Air is used in the cutting process. In some cases, however, oxygen, helium or hydrogen is added. This is due to the fact that the surface of the material can oxidize and these gases act as a protective medium.

Advantages and disadvantages of Plasma cutter units

To find out which plasma cutter is better, you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of the devices.

[caption id="attachment_299" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Plasma cutter[/caption]

Benefits include:

• in addition to ordinary metal, you can cut aluminum, stainless steel or cast iron;
• no surface preparation is required. Rust and paint are allowed;
• the cut is smooth without scale;
• even with a small thickness of the part, there is no thermal deformation of the surface;
• safety in operation;
• the possibility of forming complex cuts.

However, with all the advantages of plasmoresis, there are also disadvantages . They include:

• cut thickness limit. The maximum value is 100 mm;
• the workpiece must be located clearly perpendicular to the cut;
• You cannot operate two cutters connected to the same machine.

Factors affecting your choice

Several factors should be considered when choosing a plasma cutter . They include:

• [caption id="attachment_298" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Plasma cutter[/caption]

  Current strength. Depending on this value, the power of the arc increases and the metal melts faster. If you need to work with aluminum, copper or its alloys, then the current strength is chosen 6A. For stainless steel and ferrous metals - 4A.

• Duration of inclusion. Some devices can work 50% of the time and then need to rest that much. This is enough to cut a certain number of blanks. For industrial purposes, a device with 100% uptime is selected.
• Built-in or external compressor. If the compressor is built-in, then such devices do not have high power and are connected to household appliances. With an external compressor, it is possible to work continuously. The pressure in the plasma cutter should not be higher than that given by the compressor.
• Nozzle and electrode replacement frequency. It depends on the duration of work and the thickness of the material being cut. When working with metal 10 mm thick, some consumables can withstand 150 cuts, others 500-600, and industrial ones consume the entire shift.
• The length of the cable and hose should not exceed 20 m, otherwise there will be inconvenience when they are unwound.

Rated Plasma Cutting Machines

When choosing a device, you should focus on the ranking of plasma cutters. The best models include:

[caption id="attachment_297" align="aligncenter" width="227"] Plasma cutter[/caption]

• Svarog CUT 40B (R34). It has a power of 3.84 kW. It works at a voltage of 220 watts. The dimensions are 425 x 205 x 355 mm. The device is designed to work with thin sheet metal; light and easy to manage.
• AURORA PRO AIRFORCE 60 IGBT. It is connected to a voltage of 380 watts. The maximum thickness of the cutting surface is 20 mm. You can work with any grade of material that conducts current. The cutting current is 60 A.
• BRIMA CUT 120. Powered by 380 watts. It is possible to cut sheets with a thickness of 35 mm. The power of the device is 20 kW. Dimensions: 475 x 330 x 370 mm.
• CEDAR CUT-40B. Power consumption - 220 watts. Cuts metal sheets with a thickness of 12 mm.
• Lincoln Electric Tomahawk 1538. Powered by voltage 380 watts. It has a carbon electrode. The cutting current is 30-100 A. Dimensions - 455 x 301 x 640 mm.

When choosing a plasma cutter, you should focus on its parameters. At home, it makes no sense to buy an industrial device, this is quite enough household. The device will work 50% of the time and rest that much. A significant amount of work can be done during this period.

Summary

In summary, plasma cutting is a process that uses a high-energy ionized gas (plasma) to cut through metal, widely used in many industrial and construction applications.

Choosing the right plasma cutter can be a challenging task, it's important to consider the type of metal you will be cutting, the thickness of the metal, and the size of the cuts.

In this article, we will provide an overview of the different types of plasma cutters available, their features, and their suitability for different applications.

We will also provide a rating of the top models of plasma cutters based on factors such as power, performance, durability, and cost.