Posts Tagged ‘plasma arc’

Plasma arc welding and its uses:

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

The history of welding dates back from World War II but plasma arc welding was discovered few years ago. Plasma arc welding is a process which is very similar to arc welding. Here an electrode is inserted through a nozzle which allows separation from the shielding gas. This results in high intensity of plasma stream which is ample for attaining high speed and temperature of the arc. The advantage of plasma welding is they can weld on thinner metals. Plasma welding machines can be operated either manually or automatically. These welding machines create very thin and straight welds.

The plasma arc welding is considered to be one of the economical and efficient welding methods. These are known as the most consistent welds in today’s world. This welding machine needs less stress for applying to the welded pieces. These produces high heat of electricity which cuts a very rapid line on the metal. These are capable of cutting metals with painted or rusted surface. These are capable of welding for many applicators where the regular method of welding failed.

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Posted in Arc Welding | 1 Comment »

Safety measures for Plasma Cutter

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

Before starting the plasma cutting work a welding operator has to keep certain things in mind: Always wear safety glasses, protective clothing, oil free leather gloves, welding mask and welding helmet before starting your plasma cutting work. Sturdy footwear with rubber soles must be worn. Respiratory protection devices may be required for some operations.

Make sure that the working area is clean and clear of grease, oil and any flammable materials. Wear leather boots to protect your feet. Do not keep matches or lighters in your pockets or anywhere in the work area. Keep the torch tip of your plasma cutter pointed away from you at all times.

A person can get electric shock while using a plasma cutter if he does not follow certain precautionary steps. A person can get electric shock by two reasons. A welding operator can suffer a primary voltage shock or a secondary voltage shock. Primary voltage shock (i.e.230, 460 volts) is the most serious danger because it is much greater than secondary voltage shock (i.e. 60-100 volts). A welding operator gets primary voltage shock while touching a lead inside the welding power source while you have your body or hand in contact with the welder case or other grounded metal. Turning the equipment’s power switch off does not turn power off inside the case. Never remove panels without unplugging the input power cord or turning the power disconnect switch off. Secondary voltage shock comes from touching part of the welding circuit, such as a bare spot on the electrode cable, while also touching the grounded metal work piece. Avoid touching both parts of a circuit at the same time.

When both electricity and compressed air forms a hot plasma arc while cutting various metals, lot of gasses are released due to heated metals. Do not breathe them in. These gases can cause chronic health effects if proper steps are not taken. Respiratory protection devices may be required for some operations. Ventilate the welding area with an exhaust hood positioned on the plasma arc to maintain a safe breathing area.

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Posted in Plasma Cutters | 3 Comments »

Plasma Cutting Tips for Successful Plasma Cutting

Sunday, January 25th, 2009

There are many ways to weld and when you need high heat plasma cutting is your best way to do it. You will find that plasma and the plasma arc process has been refined so you can get a better quality cut at higher speeds with a lower cost. You can also find that gouging and piercing will go a lot smoother.

Generally speaking plasma cutting is a simple technique to learn though the process seems complicated. Plasma cutting is also safer than using oxyfuel because there are no flashbacks or dangers from flammable gas like there is in oxyfuel gas cutting.

When you have a metal that you want to cut and it is a good electrical conductor, plasma cutting is the best way cut it.

How To Set Up the Plasma Cutter for the Best Cut

When you first start the cut the torch should be as close as you can get it to the base metal’s edge. Next press the trigger so you can start the pre-flow air and light the pilot arc. When you see that the cutting has started, control the torch so that it moves slowly across your project. You may need to adjust the speed to keep the sparks under the bottom of the metal. Watch the metal because if you do not see sparks under the bottom then you are not getting through the metal. If this is the case, slow down your movement and check the amperage of the plasma stream; make sure that you are holding it at an angle.

As you are finishing the cut, put the torch at a slight angle or pause it so that it will automatically finish the cut.

How To Make A Perfect Gouge

To do this you should place the torch at a 40 degree angle to the base metal. As you see the cutting arc igniting, make your arc a short distance from your work. You may have to adjust the length of the arc and the travel speed so that you are able to control the gouge. You do not want to cut it too deeply at first because you may have to do more than one pass if you are attempting to go through thick metal.

Plasma cutting is a skill that needs to be practiced just like any other welding technique. With these tips you may find that your practice goes smoother.

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Posted in Plasma Cutters | 4 Comments »