Plasma Cutting
The combination of high definition plasma cutting and oxy-fuel cutting offers unparalleled versatility, precision and efficiency when working with stainless steel and other materials.
We have the latest high definition plasma cutting technology with a machine work area up to 9M x 3M, with an Oxy fuel head cutting option that comes into its own on much thicker steel parts up to 150mm thickness.
By integrating both plasma and oxy-fuel cutting heads on the same machine, we can switch between the two methods depending on the project requirements.
High Definition Plasma
High definition (HD) plasma cutting is a precision cutting technology that uses a high-velocity jet of ionized gas (plasma) to cut through electrically conductive materials like stainless steel. It operates by creating an electric arc between an electrode inside the cutting torch and the workpiece, ionizing the gas, and forming plasma. This plasma reaches extremely high temperatures (up to 30,000°C), melting the stainless steel, while a high-speed jet of gas blows the molten material away, creating a clean, precise cut.
The "high definition" aspect refers to the advanced focusing of the plasma arc, which results in narrower kerfs (cutting widths), smoother edges, and higher cut quality compared to traditional plasma cutting methods. This makes it ideal for applications requiring fine detail and accuracy.
Oxy Fuel Head
The oxy-fuel cutting head is an additional attachment or module that can be integrated into the plasma cutting system. While HD plasma cutting excels at cutting thin to medium thickness stainless steel, there are situations where oxy-fuel cutting becomes a better option, particularly when working with thicker materials or carbon steel.
Oxy-fuel cutting uses a flame fueled by oxygen and a fuel gas (such as acetylene or propane) to heat the metal to its ignition point, at which point pure oxygen is used to burn through the metal. This method is ideal for cutting thick, carbon-rich steel (typically up to 300mm or more), making it complementary to plasma cutting when cutting needs shift to different types of materials or extreme thicknesses.
Plasma Cutting Benefits
When comparing the cost of operation, HD plasma cutting is generally more affordable than both laserjet and waterjet cutting, particularly for medium to thick metals. The initial setup and maintenance costs of plasma cutting systems are lower than those of laserjet machines, and operating costs, including power consumption and consumables, are also lower. Plasma cutting consumables (such as torches and electrodes) are cheaper and have longer lifespans compared to laser optics and waterjet abrasive materials.
High definition plasma cutting is especially advantageous in industries where high-volume production, versatility in material thickness, and cost-effective solutions are paramount.
High definition plasma cutting, when combined with an oxy-fuel cutting head, this dual system offers fabricators the flexibility to handle a wide range of materials and thicknesses, including stainless steel, with exceptional accuracy.
The integration of both plasma and oxy-fuel options allows for optimised cutting processes depending on the material type, thickness, and application needs.