How Do Plasma Cutters Work?
When you want to cut ferrous metals, you can use a plasma cutter. The unique properties of plasma make it cut through metals fast and easily. But what exactly is plasma?
Plasma is a compound that exists in the fourth state of matter. You may already know of the three states of matter: solid, liquid and gas. However, though not taught in many places, there is a fourth state of matter and that is plasma. In a nutshell, plasma is ionized gas. The gas has free electrons which are provided with sufficient energy by molecules or atoms to allow the existence of the two species (ions and electrons). When a gas is boosted to extremely high temperature, you get plasma. The energy produced by heating a gas to extremely high temperatures breaks the gas molecules apart and in turn, the atoms begin to split. When the fast-moving electrons come into contact with other ions or electrons, the produce an enormous amount of energy. It is this enormous energy that enables plasma to easily cut through metal and other surfaces. Take a look at this link http://plasmacutterbuzz.com for more info.
Generally, plasma cutters work by creating a high velocity flow of plasma between a positively charged electrode (metal or item to be cut) and a negatively charged one (the gas in the plasma channel). When you turn on a plasma cutter, it sends pressurized gas through a small channel in the cutting nozzle. A negatively charged electrode is at the center of this channel. When the gas comes into contact with the negative electrode, it powers it up. When you touch the tip of the nozzle to the positively charged metal, a connection is created and a very powerful spark emerges. This spark heats the gas as it passes through the channel until it becomes plasma. Plasma cutters can cut almost through anything thanks to the incredible temperature of plasma, which can reach 30,000 degrees F. Here's a good read about Lotos LTP5000D, check it out!
One of the benefits of using plasma cutters to cut metals is that the outside area where the flame passes through is not affected. The area remains relatively cool and hence the metal or surface that is cut does not end up warping nor is its paint destroyed. With other metal cutters, the high temperature of the flame usually affects the areas around where the cut is made, and in effect changing their state. Plasma does not rely on highly-inflammable gases and cuts up to five times faster than traditional torches.
The above is an overview of plasma and how plasma cutters work.