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Plasma Cutting Method

Plasma cutting, or plasma arc cutting, is a method of high-temperature metal cutting. This process uses a plasma cutting torch, which utilizes a combination of electricity and high-powered gas. An arc of electricity forms between the negatively charged torch and the positively charged work piece, and along this arc the torch sends out high-temperature plasma gas. The electricity melts the metal, and the high-pressure gas blows the molten slag out of the cut to leave a smooth, clean cut behind.

  1. Check Your Equipment

    • Before you begin plasma cutting, it's best to check all of the necessary equipment for safety. Make sure that the electrodes in the torch are in good condition, that there aren't any holes in the lead cables, and that the torch shield is in the proper place. Check your safety equipment, which should consist of gauntlets, a welder's mask, and possibly a thick, leather apron as well. Make sure there's no one around who shouldn't be in the area, and then set up your equipment properly. Once the initial check is ready, it's time to begin.

    The Cut

    • When cutting, you'll need to adjust the arc. Plasma cutting is meant to create a narrow channel in the work piece, which will result in a completed, smooth cut. Once the arc has been adjusted to the proper size, it's time to begin the cutting. You should begin at one end of the work piece and cut down along an intended path. It may be helpful to mark a line on the surface to follow if it's extremely important that a cut be done in a certain way. If the workpiece it hanging in the air, it's also a good idea to make sure both parts are supported, since the weight of the two pieces could cause buckling or bending before a clean cut can be made.

    Cleanup

    • Once the cut is complete, turn off the plasma cutter and examine the job. If the cutter worked properly, then there will be a clean cut along both sides of the workpiece, which will now be two, separate workpieces. Any slag left over should be cleared away and taken care of, and any scraps from the work piece (assuming that both of the pieces you now have aren't going to be used) should be removed from the work site before continuing. If there are further cuts to be made, then start the process over again. The equipment checking can be avoided for a second cut, however, unless you noticed something off with the plasma cutter during the initial cut.

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