THE ABCs OF PAC

摘要

PRECISION plasma technology provides many operational benefits, including control of cut surface quality, minimal distortion, and precise control of the significant taper on the cut surface (see Figure 1). Several considerations should be taken into account when selecting a precision plasma cutting system for your application, but before you do that, it is useful to understand the basics of plasma cutting. Plasma arc cutting (PAC) can be defined as an electric arc cutting process that severs or cuts metal by melting a localized area with a constricted arc that removes the molten material with a high-velocity jet of extremely hot, ionized gas emerging from the constricting orifice in the torch. The high-velocity plasma arc melts and removes the base material. PAC can be used to cut any electrically conductive metal if its thickness and shape permit full penetration by the plasma jet. Typically, materials up to 3 inches thick can be cut. PAC also can be used to cut nonferrous base materials such as aluminum and copper. Cutting speed is increased on ferrous metals that are less than 3 in. thick.