Is A Plasma Cutter Worth Buying?
Posted on February-02-2023
There are many different ways to cut metal, with some methods being more effective than others. Plasma cutting is a high-tech method of cutting metal and uses ionised, focused jets of gas to cut through thin sheets of metal.When a plasma cutter is switched on, high-voltage electrode quickly heats a compound gas mixture. To focus and move the induced plasma from the ionisation chamber, a shielding gas is used as a barrier. The ionised, concentrated beam of plasma melts the metal it touches, leaving a clean, sealed cut.
As we mentioned before, there are many different methods for cutting metal, so is a plasma cutter worth buying? Here are some of the reasons why we think they are worth the investment.
1. Multiple Uses
Plasma cutters can be used for many different types of metals including steel, aluminium and stainless steel. Plasma cutters use an electric arc to cut all types of conductive metal, making it a very effective tool for any project. Although the plasma cutter will cut through all types of conductive metals, the cut quality will vary, especially depending on the gases used.
2. Fast
Plasma cutting is fast, which makes it a fantastic tool to save you time on any project. Plasma cutting is very fast, especially compared to other types of metal cutters. Cut speeds can exceed 100 inches per minute! The speed will depend on metal thickness, with thicker materials, speed will decrease. But for most everyday materials, plasma cutting will save you lots of time and effort.
3. No Warm Up Time
Plasma arcs can reach insane temperatures, up to 25,000 degrees Celsius! To put that into context, it is five times hotter than the sun. With these types of temperatures, you might expect that it would need time to warm up. Impressively, plasma cutters do not require time to warm up. They reach these temperatures in milliseconds and will liquify metal instantly, with no preheating necessary! So there is no time wasted and no energy wasted with plasma cutters.
4. Cut Almost Any Material
If you are working on a project that uses a range of different materials, in order to cut them, you will need multiple different types of saws or shears. However, with a plasma cutter, this isn’t necessary. Another major benefit of plasma cutters is that it is able to cut through a wide range of materials, for example plate, tube, angle, beam and grating. Some premium models of plasma cutters even have a continuous pilot arc mode that allows for cutting of expanded metal or grating with no loss of cut.
5. Versatile
If you couldn’t tell by now, plasma cutters are extremely versatile! This makes them a great tool for any projects you are working on. Beyond this, plasma can also be used to bevel, gouge, mark and even weld. If you can find another tool in your box that is as versatile and flexible as a plasma cutter, we’d be surprised!
6. Easy To Use
Many tools in the industry require training or at least a detailed instruction and practice before being used properly. Plasma cutter, on the other hand, is a very useful tool that does not need intensive training in order to be used. Now we aren’t saying to just pick up the tool without having an introduction on how to use it safely, but it won’t be long until you will be performing high quality cuts!
Plasma cutters are also portable which means they are great for jobs on the move.
7. No Dangerous Gases
Plasma cutters are much safer than other methods of cutting metals. Most plasma cutters use compressed air. Nitrogen, argon and even water are also used to help with cutting the metal. Compare this with the acetylene, propylene and other volatile and flammable gases used in oxy-fuel cutting processes, it is a no brainer that plasma cutters offer a much safer solution.
8. Affordability
Over the past few years, a wide range of more economical plasma cutters have been introduced to the market. As technology has advanced and the market has grown, systems that once cost thousands can now be had for hundreds. This means that plasma cutters are in reach for most people.
Plasma cutters are fast and produce less waste, making them a cost effective tool compared to other cutting methods.
Arc Welding Services
If you are looking to invest in your own plasma cutter, Arc Welding Services has a
great range available. We have over 40 years of experience in the industry and have earned an enviable reputation for quality of service and products. To find out more about our service, please get in touch with us on
0121 327 2249 or complete our
online contact form.
