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.
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.
what size air compressor do you need for a 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 a compressor for 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 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.
Do plasma cutters use air or gas?
Do plasma cutters use gas? Yes. All plasma cutting systems—including air plasma cutters—use gas.
What voltage do plasma cutters use?
Primary power Plasma cutting requires two basic elements — air and electricity — so the next question to ask is what type of input power is available. Several 30-amp plasma cutters, such as the Spectrum® 375 X-TREME™, operate using 120- or 240-volt power.
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.
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 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.
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.
What gas is needed for plasma cutter?
Nitrogen is often chosen as the plasma cutter gas for higher current systems and cutting materials up to 3″ thick. It produces quality cuts on most materials, including stainless and mild steel and aluminum. For thicker metals, however, it’s better to use nitrogen with air as a secondary gas.
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.
