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.
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.
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.
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 plasma table Related Question:
What size air compressor do you need for 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 do you need for 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 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.
What kind of 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.
What gas do you need for a plasma cutter?
Oxygen has become the standard gas to use when cutting steel as it offers the fastest cutting speed of any plasma gas. Nitrogen is the best choice when it comes to cutting aluminium and stainless steel and it can provide an excellent cut quality.
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 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.
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.
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.
Will a plasma cutter cut rusty metal?
Plasma can cut any electrically conductive metal including stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum and more, without pre-heating. Plasma is also great at cutting painted, dirty or even rusted metal.
How thick can a 80 amp plasma cutter cut?
The air filter is installed in the machine and is controlled automatically by a solenoid valve, which greatly improves the work efficiency. The normal cutting thickness of APC-80HF air plasma cutting machine is 1.2 inch, and the maximum cutting thickness is 1.5 inches.
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.
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.
