Once you have determined that plasma cutting is right for you, consider the following factors when making your purchase decision.
One of the first factors you need to determine is the thickness of the metal you cut most often. Most plasma cutting power supplies are rated according to their cutting capacity and amperage. Therefore, if you most often cut ¼" thick material, you should consider using a lower amperage plasma cutter.
If you most often cut ½" thick metal, consider a machine with a higher amperage rating. Even though a smaller machine may be able to cut a given thickness of metal, it may not produce a high quality cut. Each unit has an optimum range of thicknesses - make sure it matches your needs. Generally speaking, 1/4" machines have an output of about 25 amps, 1/2" machines have an output of 50-60 amps, and ¾" - 1"
Plasma Cutting Torch
Plasma cutting torches have a variety of wear parts that need to be replaced, often referred to as wear parts. Look for a manufacturer who can offer a machine with the lowest number of consumables. Fewer consumables means fewer replacements and more cost savings.
Check the manufacturer's specifications to see how long consumables last - but when comparing one machine to another, make sure you are comparing the same figures. Some manufacturers will rate consumables in terms of number of cuts, while others use the number of starts as a measure.
Perform test cuts on multiple machines, running them at the same speed on the same thickness of material to see which machine has the best quality. When comparing cuts, check for slag at the bottom of the board and see if the kerf (the gap left by the cut) angle is vertical or angled.
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Plasma Cutting Torch
Look for a plasma cutter that offers a compact, focused arc. Hebei Machinery wear parts are specifically designed to concentrate the plasma vortex, providing a tighter arc and concentrating more cutting power on the workpiece.
Another test to perform is to lift the plasma torch off the plate while cutting. See how far you can move the torch away from the workpiece and still maintain the arc. A longer arc means higher voltage and the ability to cut thicker plates.
For today's tough jobsite environment, look for machines that are durable and have protected controls. For example, protected fittings and torch connections will wear better than unprotected ones. Some machines offer protective cages around the air filters and other components of the machine.
These filters are an important feature as they ensure that oil is removed from the compressed air. Oil can cause an arc and reduce cutting performance. It is important to protect these filters as they ensure that oil and water, which reduce cutting performance, are removed from the compressed air.
If you want to get more information about the plasma cutting basics, welcome to contact us today or request a quote.
