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.
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 closer you rate the compressor output rating to the input rating of the plasma system…the more often the compressor will have to run. The more you use your plasma….the larger your compressor output should be! Most compressors that are not commercial grade have limited duty cycle ratings….if they are forced to run often…they will not last very long….expect motor and compressor failures if you are overworking your compressor. 12-13-2009, 07:41 AM #14 Something else that helps if you dont have a air dryer is, if you can to run a 25′ air line from the compressor to the paper filter, it helps keeps the filter from getting damp.
So when a plasma cutter says it needs 6 CFM, that is at the plasma cutter itself When the compressor says it can put out 6 CFM at 90PSI, that is at the compressor, but all your fittings and lines are going to slow that down, so in order to get 6CFM at the plasma cutter you should really have 8 or 10 CFM at the compressor. Higher amperage cutters seem to come with higher amperage consumables which in turn also use more air because their plasma stream needs it to cut thicker material / carry more energy. If you are cutting lighter material and can take the time to dial in lower amperage cutting settings, you can then also take advantage of the lower amperage consumables which then also use less air.
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.
Worry not as here is a detailed reviewed of some of the best air compressor for plasma cutter along with their features list and specs. The first air compressor on our list is by Powermate Vx and it is one of the top best air compressor for plasma cutters. If you are doing a lot of cutting or are using the plasma cutter to earn a living then the size of the air compressor should be 1 to 2 times then the plasma system is required.
best air compressor for cnc plasma table 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.
What air pressure is required for 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.
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.
How thick of metal 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.
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 many amps does a plasma cutter use?
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.
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
Do plasma cutters use air or gas?
Do plasma cutters use gas? Yes. All plasma cutting systems—including air plasma cutters—use gas.
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.
Do you have to use gas with a 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.
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.
At what temp does air become plasma?
At 15 million degrees not only is air a plasma, it is so hot that it emits very heavily in the extreme UV to X-ray range of the EM spectrum. If you heat a mix of Dueterium and Tritium gas to 15 million degrees you actually start to get measurable fusion.
What kind of gas do plasma cutters use?
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.
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.
