Plasma cutting has constantly been compared to the oxyfuel cutting. The plasma cutting method is usually performed on any type of conductive metal like mild steel, aluminum and stainless steel are some examples. The welders are able to experience faster, thicker cuts with mild steel than with alloys. On the other hand the oxyfuel cutting is done by burning or oxidizing the metal it is serving. Hence it is limited to steel and other ferrous metals which supports the oxidizing process.

Oxyfuel cutting is not possible for metals like aluminum and stainless steel because they form an oxide that inhibits further oxidization. Here plasma cutting works since it does not rely on oxidation to work and thus it can effectively cut aluminum, stainless steel and any other conductive material. Usually air plasma cutter uses compressed air even though different gases can be used for the process. Compressed air is readily available in most of the stores so there is no requirement of fuel gas and compressed oxygen for operation.

Yet another advantage of plasma cutting machines is that it can be easily mastered and is typically easy for the novice to the experts. On thinner materials the plasma cutters have proved to be faster than the oxyfuel cutters. However for cutting heavy sections of steel say one inch and greater, oxyfuel cutting is still preferred as it is typically faster. Moreover very high capacity power supplies are required for plasma cutting applications which are not always available.

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Tags: Plasma Cutters, plasma cutting, Welders