CNC Plasma Cutting

Plasma cutting melts through electrically conductive metal with an arc between an electrode in the torch and the plate. A nozzle constricts the arc into a narrow, very hot jet of ionised gas. A CNC cutting table moves the torch over the plate along the programmed contour. The pages here cover both complete cutting machines and the plasma power sources that table builders fit to them.

Plasma is a usual process for steel plate in fabrication and structural work, and it also cuts stainless steel and aluminium. The edge has a slight bevel and a heat-affected zone, so it is less precise than a laser cut, and a waterjet avoids the heat altogether. Bevel heads prepare weld edges in the same pass.

For a power source, compare the output current and the duty cycle with the pierce capacity and the recommended cutting thickness. These are different figures: a system severs thicker plate than it can pierce or cut well. For a complete machine, compare the table size, the torch height control and whether a bevel head or a drilling unit is offered.