What materials can a plasma cutting machine cut?

Plasma cutting was introduced in the 1960s and revolutionized the way sheet metal was cut. Prior to that time, manufacturers relied on metal-to-metal cutting and oxy-fuel cutting, both of which created a lot of sparks and debris and posed a significant safety hazard to personnel. Plasma cutters, on the other hand, greatly reduce the amount of sparks and metal shavings, making them a safer process that also produces cleaner edges with no burn marks on the material.

1. How plasma cutting works

A plasma cutter fires an electric arc through compressed air, which ionizes the air through an increased flow of electrons and creates a flame powerful enough to cut metal. In fact, the flame is so powerful that it almost melts the material, creating a smooth edge with a polished look and feel.

2. What can a plasma cutter cut?

Because plasma cutters use high velocity ionized gas to generate a flame, they can cut any conductive metal. Examples include:

Soft steel

Stainless steel

Carbon steel

Stencil

Aluminum

Copper

Brass

Other ferrous (including iron) and non-ferrous materials

Heavy duty plasma cutters can process sheet metal in sizes from 1 mm to 1 inch.

3. What can't a plasma cutter cut?

Plasma cutting cannot be used to process non-conductive materials because the material must be electrically conductive in order to react with the ionized gas from the torch. For example, plasma cutters cannot cut wood, glass and plastics, or poorly conductive metals such as manganese, lead, tungsten and tin.

4. Advantages of Plasma CNC Machines

Some heavy-duty plasma cutting machines utilize computer numerical control (CNC) technology. This advanced software allows the manufacturer to upload a given contour or shape, which is then handled entirely by the machine. Automated operations can provide many benefits, including minimizing cutting errors, reducing labor costs and streamlining production.

Finding the right plasma cutter for your custom fabrication shop is easy when you work with SUNNA. We specialize in automating and manufacturing heavy-duty CNC plasma cutters, and all of our solutions are based on your business itself. Contact SUNNA today to get started.