Hypertherm Plasma Cutters

 

Hypetherm plasma cutters can be purchased in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. They range in models which are ideal for the home hobbyist or serious machine shops. One of the first considerations before buying a hypertherm plasma cutter is how the cutter will be used. Especially, the thickness of the metal being cut should be considered.

One of the chief benefits of hypertherm plasma cutters are their ability to rapidly cut metal both cleanly and efficiently. The costs associated with cutting metals using plasma cutters are considerably less than those for gas cutting. Since the gas used is simply an air and the electrical requirements are minimal, the overall operating costs for plasma cutting are for less than for conventional oxygen gas cutting. The skill required for making clean cuts with the plasma cutter is far easier to learn than with a gas cutting system.

Some hypertherm plasma cutters come with a built-in air compressor for the gas requirements. Others require you to have an ex journal air compressor source for supplying the air. Usually the cutters with built-in air compressors are rated for cutting thinner metals. The more heavy duty hypertherm plasma cutters all require external sources of compressed air. Always choose a plasma cutter which is rated to cut metals slightly thicker than ones you think you will need. This way the plasma cutter will always be suited to your needs.

Another great benefit of using hypertherm plasma cutters is their ability to cut all metals that conduct electricity. Oxygen gas cutting does not have this benefit. For example cutting copper aluminum and stainless steel is not possible with oxygen gas cutting. However, since all these metals conduct electricity a plasma cutter is a perfect option and will make perfectly clean cuts even in these materials.

When buying a plasma cutter requiring an external air compressor always knows the pressure requirements of the cutter before making your purchase. Check those air requirements, in other words how many cubic feet per minute does the cutter require, before making your purchase. Be sure your air compressor in the shop is capable of supplying the required air supply. Additionally, a dryer on the air supply line is required. It is important to filter out any moisture which may come from the air compressor before it reaches the cutting surface.

The overall output capacity of the hypertherm plasma cutter and the thickness of the metal being cut our factors related to the speed of cutting. It is important to match the cutter to the projected uses it will be applied to. Make sure the voltage requirements of the plasma cutter can be met with your current electrical system. If the hypertherm plasma cutter is to be used in a portable environment with a generator, make sure the generators output is rated well above the requirements of the maximum output needs of the plasma cutter.

Lastly, always where proper safety equipment when using a plasma cutter. Remember that hypertherm cutters require the same safety precautions as welders. Be sure I protection and protective clothing and gloves are always worn. Additionally when using a hypertherm plasma cutter ensure there is proper ventilation as the vapors resulting from plasma cutting on metals can be harmful.