Hypertherm Explains How to Choose the Right Plasma Cutter

Hanover, NH (PRWEB) January 27, 2010

There are a number of factors to consider when purchasing a plasma cutting tool. They include cut capacity, cut quality, reliability, duty cycle, ease of use, and operating cost. The first step is to figure out what type of plasma cutting is needed. Will cutting be done by hand or on a table? Some plasma cutting tools, like the new Powermax45 from Hypertherm, are capable of doing both, easily going from handheld to mechanized cutting and back again. A few systems include a CNC interface and internal voltage divider, providing even greater options for mechanized applications.

Once the type of plasma cutting has been determined, then the thickness of the material should be considered. The general rule is to choose a system with a recommended cut capacity that matches the material thickness that will be cut 80 percent of the time. For example, if the majority of the material is 1/2” thick metal, and only occasionally a little thicker (say 3/4 of an inch), then a 1/2 inch system should be chosen.

Cut quality is another important consideration. Not only does it impact the quality of the finished piece, it saves time in later stages of production. Ideally, a clean, smooth edge is preferred so as to avoid spending time on secondary work. In addition to nice clean cuts, better plasma cutting systems create a much narrower kerf (cut width), which means more precise cuts and less wasted metal.

Reliability should also be considered. The most reliable plasma cutting systems are engineered with fewer parts, use software instead of hardware where possible, are carefully manufactured to exacting ISO standards, and are thoroughly tested. A centralized fan configuration is recommended to bring cool air in through the center of the system, where the most thermally sensitive components are located. This will result in more efficient and consistent cooling and enable a higher, more industrial duty cycle.

Simple operation is a requirement in a plasma cutting tool. Obviously, for an experienced operator, ease of use allows a job to be done faster and more efficiently, but it also means that people with little or no experience can get good results. Regardless of experience level, operators using plasma cutting tools can get jobs completed quickly and with good quality, keeping time-sensitive projects on schedule.

If operators plan to move around a lot or do any work away from the shop, then size and weight will play a role in the cutting tool selection. Engineering advances mean that a lightweight system can now be attained without sacrificing power and performance. Certain plasma cutting systems also come with technology that automatically adjusts for different voltages and voltage variations, which is good if the system is going to work off a generator.

Finally, operating cost should be considered. Cut quality, cut speed, and performance play a role here but so does plasma consumable cost. Plasma consumable life can vary significantly from one brand of plasma cutting system to another. Longer plasma consumable life is important as it reduces downtime for change-outs and lowers the cost of new plasma consumables. The best systems, like those from Hypertherm, utilize patented technology to extend plasma consumable life, while also delivering high-quality cuts.

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