| Plasma exists only at very high temperatures and is | | | | the help of the computer, controls and directs the |
| used by plasma cutting systems to cut | | | | plasma cutting torch with speed, accuracy and |
| electrically-conductive metals very neatly and very | | | | efficiency. Computer-based software programs like |
| quickly. A CNC Plasma Cutter adds specialized | | | | CAD/CAM are an integral part of each CNC machine |
| software that controls and directs the plasma cutting | | | | tool. The CNC software also assures precise handling |
| torch with speed, accuracy, efficiency and | | | | of the machine and exacting distances between the |
| repeatability. | | | | plasma nozzle and metal sheet. CNC software ususlly |
| Put simply, plasma is a gas that has been | | | | includes nesting capabilities, making the plasma cutter |
| compressed and energized to the point that some of | | | | even more efficient. |
| the electrons break free from and travel with their | | | | Plasma cutters come in all shapes and sizes. What |
| nucleus. A nozzle at the cutter's tip concentrates the | | | | makes the difference between them, is their |
| gas and introduces a spark, and turns the gas stream | | | | construction and their components. High quality units |
| into plasma. Inert or semi-inert gases are used to | | | | feature solid, heavy-duty, fully welded, unitized |
| shield the area where the plasma touches the metal. | | | | construction. Less expensive units use a less stable, |
| The force of the plasma is strong enough to blow | | | | bolt together construction or don't come with a table |
| the molten metal out of the work piece, creating a | | | | at all. A less stable cutting table leads to less accurate |
| thin (less than a 1/16" wide), clean cut with little or no | | | | plasma cutting and a less efficient machine. |
| slag. The plasma itself reaches temperatures as high | | | | A word of caution should be mentioned about any |
| as 30,000 degrees Fahrenheit and easily cuts through | | | | tool. Although an incredible powerful cutting machine, |
| 2" inches of metal. | | | | a plasma cutter can also do terrible damage to the |
| The part of a CNC plasma cutter that makes it so | | | | human body. Besides working smart, an operator |
| incredible efficient is the Computer Numerically | | | | should wear goggles (shade #5), gloves and |
| Controlled (CNC) software. The CNC software, with | | | | protective clothing. |