Plasma Cutting Defined…
In simplest terms, plasma cutting is a process that uses a high speed jet of gas that is delivered from a constricting orifice. The plasma cutter conducts electricity from the torch of the plasma cutter to the work piece. The plasma heats the work piece, melting the material. The high velocity stream of ionized gas blows the molten metal away, separating the material.
The Difference between Gas Cutting and Plasma Cutting…
Plasma Cutting can be performed on any type of conductive metal, where as Gas Cutting can only be used on steel and other ferrous metals.
Metals such as aluminium and stainless steel form an oxide that reduces further oxidization, making conventional gas cutting impossible.
Gas cutting requires an oxyfuel combination, the fuel gas being either acetylene or propane, where as plasma cutters run of many gasses, conventionally compressed air, or can even be purchased with a built in compressor, waiving the need for any gas.
Plasma cutting is typically easier for the novice to master, and on thinner materials, plasma cutting is much faster than gas cutting. However, for heavy sections of steel (15mm plus), oxyfuel is still preferred since gas cutting is typically faster and, for heavier plate applications as very high capacity power supplies are required for plasma cutting applications.