Shattering misconceptions about plasma cutting

Plasma cutting systems have been the choice solution for metalcutting since its discovery in the 1950s. You see its positiveeffects everywhere, the ergonomic curves of your car, smoothcontours of modern ships and airplanes, and the perfect symmetryof buildings. It continues to serve well across industries, such asshipbuilding and maintenance, trailer and automotive repair, steelbuilding construction, agriculture, ventilation and air-conditioning(HVAC) and general fabrication. The principle behind plasma cutting is as elegant as it iseffective. Electrical energy is applied to a gas until it superheatsand ionizes, and becomes capable of conducting an electric current.This electrically conductive, ionized gas is plasma. When a high-velocity jet of plasma is delivered to a metalworkpiece, the intense heat melts a thin area and the pressure blowsthe molten metal away. Plasma cutting is highly suitable for ferrousand non-ferrous material, from gauge to two inches thick, andmetal that is in any condition, rusted, painted or grated. Despite plasma抯 numerous advantages, it is not as widelyused in Asia as it is in Europe and North America. This is likelydue to mistaken beliefs about the use of plasma compared to solutions, such as oxyfuel. This article debunks some of the mythsand misconceptions surrounding plasma cutting systems. Plasma is costly While plasma systems might be higher-priced than some othercutting tools, it is important to consider how capital cost relates tolong term efficiency. Faster cutting speeds ?without any preheatingof the workpiece ?enable operators to complete jobs quickly.Better cut quality, with less dross and superior edge quality, meansfewer labor-intensive finishing operations are required. Sincemost handheld plasma systems operate on compressed air and notflammable gases as in oxyfuel cutting, costly cylinder rentals anddelivery charges are eliminated. In other words, plasma抯 fast-cutting speeds and superior cutquality deliver productivity gains, saving operators time and money. Northern A1 Services, a safety and environmental clean-upcompany in Michigan, USA, switched from oxyfuel to plasma andrealize long term cost benefits in spite of higher capital outlay.For years, the company used oxyfuel to cut titanium for a variety of aerospace projects. Today, it uses aHypertherm plasma system to cut titaniumup to an inch thick, saving money andincreasing efficiency. 揟here抯 no question our company issaving money by using plasma,?said BrianBalon, a project manager for NorthernA1. 揥e used to pay a lot for gas. Withplasma, we抮e saving that money and at thesame time, we抳e created a safer workingenvironment since we no longer have toworry about gas leaks.? It is important to note that thesegains are only realized with high-qualityplasma systems. Today, many low-priced,low-quality plasma models arWomens Running Shoes