Plasma cutting is a way of efficiently cutting through metal, but you need an air compressor to do it properly, because it’s a two-stage process, and the compressed air will give you a clean cut during the second stage. Getting the best air compressor for your plasma cutting is not just theoretically important, or a cool addition to have – it’s crucial to the whole process. Relax – we have some of the best air compressors for plasma cutting right here.
The duty of the compressor is to provide the air a plasma cutter will need and the air filter or air dryer will make sure that the cutter is remaining dry. You should not bring an air compressor that holds an air pressure of 4 CFM when your plasma cutters also need 4 CFM air pressure. In order to extend the lifetime of an air compressor, it is recommended to use an air compressor that is about 1.5-2 times the requirement of a plasma cutter.
So the 20-gallon air tank with a huge powerful v-shaped pump makes the air compressor heavy but the portable wheels of this air compressor can make your job easier and you can move this air compressor easily from here and there. So if you want a super-powerful air compressor with moderate plasma cutting tasks the let me tell you that this 30-gallon air compressor is one of the best options available in the market. Quincy is another best air compressor brand available in the market and this air compressor from Quincy comes with very high performable features and let me share with you that this is one of the best air compressors for plasma cutting operation.
An air compressor claiming of producing 5CFM can work at its best for 4CFM. Ideally, you will select an air compressor of 6CFM at 90 psi to manage your cuttings without interruption due to a lack of air pressure. It has a 165 psi max air pressure which is a sufficient amount of pressure for plasma cutting activities and the air tank stores more amount of air for long-lasting tool run time. This 8-gallon air compressor with a max of 120 psi is among the best air compressors made by California air tools.
If you are looking for a plasma cutter air compressor that has a large tank and can provide you with maximum support while cutting through with your plasma cutter, then WEN 2202 20-Gallon Oil-Lubricated Portable Vertical Air Compressor is what you need. Factors to pick the Best Air Compressor for Plasma Cutter. The Campbell Hausfeld Air Cleaner & Air Dryer is well known as the best air compressor dryer.
best air compressor for small plasma cutter Related Question:
What size air compressor do I need to run a plasma cutter?
All plasma manufacturers include minimum air flow and pressure requirements for an air compressor in the owner’s manual. These requirements differ between systems, but as an example, an air compressor for a plasma cutter like the Hypertherm Powermax45® requires 6 cubic feet per minute (cfm) at 90 psi.
How much air pressure does it take to run a plasma cutter?
To be precise, the air pressure required for a plasma cutter is about 4-8 SCFM at 90-120 PSI. This plasma cutter air pressure is a generalization for cutting steel between 3/8″ and 7/8″ thick.
Do you need compressed air for a plasma cutter?
The most commonly used plasma cutter gas type is air. Highly versatile and inexpensive, compressed air works well for lower current cutting and on most metals—mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum–from gauge sizes to one-inch thickness.
Can you use compressed air for plasma cutting?
Compressed Air is the most commonly used gas for lower current plasma cutting and works well for most metals from gauge thickness to 1 inch. It leaves an oxidized cut surface. Compressed air can also be used for plasma gouging on carbon steel.
Do I need gas for plasma cutter?
Do you need gas for a Plasma Cutter? Gas is needed for a plasma cutter in order for it to work and create the plasma. As mentioned, the most popular gases to use are oxygen, nitrogen or argon. Some plasma cutter systems include multi-gas features so a variety of gases can be used for different applications.
Can you use a plasma cutter to weld?
With the right torch design, a nitrogen-water injection, less expensive than other gases, can work well when plasma cutting aluminum and stainless material for subsequent welding. The process involves an electrode surrounded by nitrogen, which is heated by an electric arc to form the plasma.
How long do consumables last in a plasma cutter?
Typical life time of a set of consumable should last about 1 to 3 hours for about 120 A of mechanized cutting, it’s in function of the job. Cutting at lower current may gets longer consumable life.
How thick can a 50 amp plasma cutter cut?
This inverter plasma cutter has 50 amps of power on tap, able to cut up to 1/2-inch thick steel plate.
Why do plasma cutters use air?
When using oxygen plasma, the air acts as a shielding gas. Oxygen can also be used on stainless steel and aluminum, but it produces a rougher cut surface.
Is SCFM the same as CFM?
SCFM and CFM are both essential values that indicate the airflow rate in a compressor. SCFM measures this value based on ‘ideal’ temperature and pressure conditions, while CFM measures the ‘actual’ air flow rate. CFM is the recognized value for measuring the airflow rate in the United States.
What is 2 stage air compressor?
In a single stage compressor, the air is compressed once; in a two stage compressor, the air is compressed twice for double the pressure. By increasing the number of cylinder stages and pressure, these machines work more effectively with a faster recovery time, and can handle more tools at once.
How does air pressure affect plasma cutting?
For the majority of the Everlast product line, air pressure required to operate the torches is anywhere between 55 to 70 psi. Low amperage cuts will require less air pressure for more stable operation, sometimes down to 45 psi or so, or the arc will be blown out.
What gas is used in plasma cutting?
Argon gas is used when plasma marking (a whole other subject). A mixture of Argon and Hydrogen is often used when cutting thicker Stainless Steel or Aluminum. Some people use a mixture of Hydrogen and Nitrogen, or Methane and Nitrogen when cutting thinner Stainless Steel.
Can compressed air turn into plasma?
Dan Ye, Jun Li, and Jau Tang compressed air and used microwaves to ionize the air and turn it into plasma. This thruster proved to be stronger than previous plasma applications, such as the xenon plasma used by NASA’s Dawn space probe and an MIT plasma-powered glider.
Can you use CO2 for plasma cutting?
CO2 also works well, slightly improving the finish, cutting speed, and parts life over the use of air. But CO2 costs more than air and requires multiple manifold gas cylinders or a bulk system to deliver adequate flow. Water is an excellent secondary to use with nitrogen plasma if the system allows it.
