All plasma manufacturers include minimum air flow and pressure requirements for an air compressor in the owner’s manual. Beyond choosing the right size air compressor for your plasma cutter, it is critical that you ensure the air that reaches your plasma cutter is high quality air. When thinking about air quality, people only focus on the plasma cutter air compressor and do not consider what happens to the air after it leaves the compressor.
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.
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.
As air is compressed it also is heated lowering the relative humidity, the ability to hold water vapor. The air in the tank is stored at a high pressure, higher than the regulated 90 psi delivered to the cutter. The fix is to add a dryer in the air line to the cutter.
how big air compressor for plasma cutter Related Question:
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 an air compressor to run a plasma cutter?
Plasma cutters need air pressure to cut in a two-stage process. First, the arc heats the metal until it’s semi-gaseous. Second, the plasma is forced by blasts of air to finish the cut. Therefore, all plasma cutters need an air compressor to generate enough air pressure for the task.
How many watts does it take to run a plasma cutter?
The power of your plasma cutter can be determined by multiplying the voltage by the amperage. For instance, when you use a 12-amp cutter with a 110-volt power source, you will have up to 1,320 watts of cutting power, which can cut through quarter-inch steel [source: Miller].
How many amps does it take to run a plasma cutter?
For 3/8” cut, 40 amps works out well for most brands of plasma cutters. For ½” cut, 50 amps works out well, etc. Keep in mind this isn’t the maximum thickness of cut that a plasma cutter is capable of cutting but rather, it is a good rule to follow for decent cutting speed and quality.
What air does a plasma cutter use?
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.
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.
Do plasma cutters use air or gas?
Do plasma cutters use gas? Yes. All plasma cutting systems—including air plasma cutters—use gas.
Why does a plasma cutter need compressed air?
Using too small an air compressor will result in the air compressor running all the time, and also the lack of correct air pressure to the plasma cutter will result in a poor consistent cut. All plasma cutters require a clean dry compressed air supply. Ensure your air compressor is drained regularly.
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.
Can I run a plasma cutter off a generator?
Spectrum plasma cutters feature special circuitry that enables them to achieve full cutting power and maintain a steady cutting arc when connected to generator power,” said Brian Schmidt, product manager, Miller Electric.
What is the voltage of a plasma cutter?
The open circuit voltage is typically in the range of 240 to 400 VDC. The output current (amperage) of the power supply determines the speed and cut thickness capability of the system. The main function of the power supply is to provide the correct energy to maintain the plasma arc after ionization.
What is amp in plasma cutting?
In plasma cutting, it’s about watts — power. In arc welding, whether stick, MIG, TIG, or whatever, it’s about amps — current. We’re accustomed to think of comparative power ratings in arc welding based on the amperage the machine is delivering through the arc.
How thick can a 30 amp plasma cutter cut?
Designed for portable repair work and small business project use, CUT-30 Plasma Cutter cuts a thickness of 3/8 in., and the max severance thickness is 1/2 in., Specifications: Type: DC Air Plasma Cutter, Supply Power: 115V/230V/60Hz/1-Phase, Rated Input Current: AC-115V/30A & AC-230V/15A, Cutter Current Range: AC-115V
How thick can a 100 amp plasma cutter cut?
The Pioneer Plasma Cut 100 Amp plasma cutter is designed for tough heavy duty plasma cutting applications with a max cutting thickness of 30mm and quality cutting thickness of 20mm.
How thick will a 40 amp plasma cutter cut?
This portable plasma cutter has a 40-amp adjustable output to cleanly slice through steel between 24-gauge and 3/8-inch thick.
