The plasma cutter is one of the most fine-tuned, broadly used, efficient, and versatile tools for cutting even heavy and thick materials quite easily. It’s a tool that can be used for a variety of materials and projects, helping you to safely cut metals that would otherwise seem impossible to cut. Keep reading to discover what is plasma cutting and the main advantages of working with us on your next project.
What is plasma cutting?
Plasma cutting is a process used to cut steel, stainless steel, and aluminum using a plasma torch. Put simply, gas is blown at a high speed from a nozzle while an electrical arc melts the metal and compressed air to blow away the molten metal. This leaves a cleaner cut than oxygen-acetylene torch cutting.
Tampa Steel & Supply provides this service up to one-half inch thickness. Contact us today to see if we can help you with this service.
What is a plasma cutter used for?
There are many different uses for plasma cutters, all of which our company will be happy to assist you with. Plasma cutting is often used for various metal fabrication jobs, such as within construction. However, it can also be used for decorative purposes, with artists and designers relying on this tool to bring their visions to life. Sculptures and signs need plasma cutting to get a smooth and professional finish that would otherwise be impossible.
Different types of plasma cutters can work with light and heavier metals, trimming off the excess material that’s not needed for the project. These cutters can also cut through metals that conduct electricity, such as aluminum and steel. The accuracy of this process means it’s a very versatile option for almost any project involving metal or steel, which is why it’s been so popular for many years.
The Top 10 Advantages of Plasma Cutting
Here’s a list of the top ten benefits of using plasma cutting on your metal materials:
1. More Versatility
Plasma cutting can be performed on diverse types of metal. It uses an electric arc to cut any conductive metal like steel, iron, copper, brass, aluminum, stainless steel, and other durable materials. Plasma can also cut different materials stacked on top of one another with the fastest cutting speed. Techniques like Oxyfuel can’t duplicate this, which is why it’s one of the best options for a variety of metalwork. The cuts a plasma cutter can create are also versatile, allowing you to bring your vision for your artwork or project to life.
2. Ease of Use
Plasma cutters are portable and you can easily move this wherever the job demands. Some brands are so portable that just one person can easily handle this. As long as the operator of the plasma cutter is well-trained, it’s a very safe and reliable solution for cutting metal.
3. Fast Cuts
If you compare the cutting speed of a plasma cutter with any cutting tools, you’ll find a plasma cutter is the winner since it’s a time saver and a lot easier than other cutting equipment. A plasma cutter gets the jobs done in a quarter of the time of any other cutting tool. This tool doesn’t need to be preheated before cutting. Thus, it saves cutting time, helping you to complete your project in no time at all.
4. Precision Cut Quality
It takes an experienced operator with a steady hand to really make a clean cut. Precision or accurate cutting is one of the major advantages of a plasma cutter, especially when it comes to cutting different shapes or angles with sheet metal. When discussing the question of what is plasma cutting, you’ll find that this is one of the top benefits of this type of work.
5. Lower Price
Plasma can cut things faster and with less waste, plus there is very little loss due to on-the-job injuries. This means the price comes down for the end user so it’s a more cost-effective process than other cutting methods.
6. Piercing Speed
This is where plasma really shines in comparison to Oxyfuel. Many cutting applications require inside piercing. When piercing 15 mm metal with Oxyfuel it must first be heated up to about 1000 degrees Celsius and this takes upwards of 30 seconds. Since plasma doesn’t need this step it can do the same piercing in less than two seconds. Less time equals less money charged to the end user.
7. Safety
Because this cutting process uses gas that is NOT highly flammable, it’s a safer method than other processes. We always recommend working with our team of professionals though, who will ensure your metal is safely and accurately cut.
8. Suitable for a Variety of Thicknesses
Our team offers plasma cutting for metals of up to one-half inch in thickness. This means that we can work on a variety of projects, and when compared to other metal cutting options, we can tackle a much thicker piece of metal.
9. Create a Variety of Shapes
No matter what your reason for researching the question of what plasma cutting is, you’ll find that you can create almost any shape or line imaginable with this tool. Our team can create straight lines, curves, and intricate shapes which would otherwise be impossible to make. The precise beam will ensure high accuracy no matter how challenging your project is for us.
10. Energy Efficiency
When looking at ways to make your projects more energy-efficient, you’ll find that plasma cutting is the way forward. It’s a more sustainable solution than other options, which is why we see more companies than ever before leaning toward using this service.
Visit Tampa Steel and Supply for Quality Steel and Metal Supply
Are you in need of steel supplies and processing? Look no further than the professionals at Tampa Steel and Supply. We stock an extensive list of steel products for whatever project you need to tackle. We’re proud to have served our customers for nearly four decades and are ready to assist you with your steel needs. Have questions? Give us a call today to learn more, or stop by our beautiful Tampa showroom.
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