A plasma cutter is used to cut steel and other electrically-conductive metals. Plasma cutting is ideal for cutting steel and non ferrous material less than 1 inch thick. Plasma cutters can be performed on any type of conductive metal – mild steel, aluminum and stainless are some examples.

Oxy fuel can be cut by burning or oxidizing the metal it is serving. It is limited to steel and other ferrous metals which support the oxidizing process. Oxyfuel cannot cut certain metals like aluminum and stainless steel. But plasma cutter can cut aluminum, stainless and other conductive material.

While different gasses can be used for plasma cutting, most people use compressed air for plasma gas. Plasma cutting is much faster than oxy fuel cutting. However, for heavy sections of steel, oxyfuel is still preferred since oxyfuel is typically faster and, for heavier plate applications; very high capacity power supplies are required for plasma cutting applications.

Labels: Plasma cutter Vs. Oxy fuel cutter