Plasma Cutting
The Plasma Arc Cutting machine produces part shapes by cutting sheet
material using a high temperature, high velocity stream of ionized gas.
In plasma arc cutting, the plasma stream is generated by
directing the flow of an inert gas through an orifice in the torch tip where
an electric arc ionizes the gas. Once the work material has been heated to a molten condition the high velocity gas
stream blows the material away, leaving a small kerf.
Possible shapes
Wide variety of 2D geometric shapes not
requiring high precision.
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Example parts
Plasma cut parts are often used for transportation and
agricultural equipment, heavy machinery, aircraft components, air handling equipment,
signs, panels, boards, washers etc.
Rough edges
The cut edge can be rough in Plasma cutting,
especially for thicker material and more so with aluminum
than steel. The cut edge will also have an oxide
layer. The angle of the edge can deviate from 90 degrees
typically by 10 to 20 deg and there may be pits at some points
along the edge (with depth typically up to material thickness).
Advantages of Plasma Cutting
Plasma cutting is low cost for short runs since no physical tooling is needed.
Especially cost effective for thick metal sheets. Can cut thicker sheets than laser.
Specifications for Plasma Cutting
 Material - ferrous
and non ferrous metals.
Alternative machines
- Blanking (for long runs), Turret Punch (for medium runs), Mill 3-Axis (for short runs),
Laser Cut (for higher accuracy).
Tooling - Plasma
Cutting requires only software tooling.
Reducing costs - reduce total cut length.
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Notes
 Some warping can
occur on intricate parts. See above about rough edges.
Processes: Turning
Milling
Laser Cutting
Water Jet Cutting
Wire EDM
Tapping
Bending
Turret Punching
Fine Blanking
Blanking
Steel Rule Die Cutting
Drawing
Injection Molding
Extrusion
Metal Casting
Thermoforming
Forging
Springs
Wire forming
Powder Coating
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