AIR PLASMA CUTTERS HOW AIR PLASMA CUTTING TECHNOLOGY WORKS
AIR PLASMA CUTTING TECHNOLOGY Plasma cutters work by passing an electric arc through a gas that is passing through a constricted opening. The gas can be air, nitrogen, argon, oxygen. etc. The electric arc elevates the temperature of the gas to the point that it enters a 4th state of matter. We all are familiar with the first three: i.e., Solid, liquid, and gas. Scientists call this additional state plasma. As the metal being cut is part of the circuit, the electrical conductivity of the plasma causes the arc to transfer to the work. The restricted opening (nozzle) the gas passes through causes it to squeeze by at a high speed, like air passing through a venturi in a carburettor. This high speed gas cuts through the molten metal. Plasma cutting was invented as the result of trying to develop a better welding process. Many improvements then led to making this technology what it is today. Plasma cutters provide the best combination of accuracy, speed, and afford ability for producing a variety of flat metal shapes. They can cut much finer, and faster than oxy-acetylene torches. How a plasma cutter works: Basic plasma cutters use electricity to superheat air into plasma (the 4th state of matter), which is then blown through the metal to be cut. Plasma cutters require a compressed air supply and AC power to operate. Operation: 1. When the trigger is squeezed, DC current flows through the torch lead into the nozzle. 3. Next, compressed air flows through the torch head, through the air diffuser that spirals the air flow around the electrode and through the hole of the cutting nozzle. 4. A fixed gap is established between the electrode and the nozzle. (The power supply increases voltage in order to maintain a constant current through the joint.) Electrons arc across the gap, ionizing and super heating the air creating a plasma stream. 5. Finally, the regulated DC current is switched so that it no longer flows to the nozzle but instead flows from the electrode to the work piece. Current and airflow continue until cutting is stopped.
Air Diffuser
Electrode Insert Nozzle Plasma Stream
Electrode Shield Cup
Notes: The nozzle and electrode require periodic replacement. The electrode has an insert of tough high conductive material such as hafnium and cerium. This insert erodes with use, also the nozzle orifice will erode with use. Quality of the air used is paramount to longer life of electrodes and nozzles, in short clean dry air gives longer parts life, the cleaner and dryer the better. We recommend use of a Plasma Air Filter. What kinds of materials can the plasma cut? Virtually any metal can be plasma cut including steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper, etc. Any thickness from 30 gauge through 30mm can be cut, depending on the power of the plasma cutter used. How Does Plasma Cutting Compare to Oxy-fuel (gas) cutting? Plasma cutting can be performed on any type of conductive metal - mild steel, aluminium and stainless are some examples. With mild steel, operators will experience faster, thicker cuts than with alloys. Oxy-fuel cuts by burning, or oxidizing the metal it is severing. It is therefore limited to steel and other ferrous metals which support the oxidizing process. Metals like aluminium and stainless steel form an oxide that inhibits further oxidization, making conventional oxy-fuel cutting impossible. Plasma cutting however does not rely on oxidation to work and thus it can cut aluminium, stainless and any other conductive material. While different gasses can be used for plasma cutting, most people today use compressed air for the plasma gas. In most shops, compressed air is readily available, and thus plasma does not require fuel gas and compressed oxygen for operation. Plasma cutting is typically easier for the novice to master, and on thinner materials, plasma cutting is much faster than oxy-fuel cutting. However, for heavy sections of steel (25mm and greater), oxy-fuel is still preferred since oxy-fuel is typically faster and, for heavier plate applications high powered plasma machines are required for plasma cutting applications. What are the limitations to Plasma Cutting? Where is Oxyfuel preferred? The plasma cutting machines are typically more expensive than oxy/acetylene. Also, oxy/acetylene does not require access to electrical power or compressed air which may make it a more convenient method for some users. Oxyfuel can generally cut thicker sections (>25mm) of steel more quickly than plasma
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Section 4
1
DC INVERTER PLASMA CUTTER
Plasma - 40Amp DC Inverter Plasma Cutter Cuts: Steels, Stainless, Cast Iron, Brass, Copper. Aluminium
SITECUT 10
Built In Air Compressor - 40 Amp 25 Amp 230v DC Inverter Plasma Cutter Industrial Rated, Lightweight and Portable
12 MONTH Machine Warranty
Features • • • • • • • • • • • •
Built in air compressor - eliminating the need for external compressor Advanced Inverter Technology Compact and ergonomic design Light industrial application Adjustable Amperage High quality Italian Plasma torch with drag tip technology Post flow torch cooling with auto stop for rapid restrike Suitable to cut all electrically conductive materials Non HF Arc Start for reduced electrical interference Pilot arc control allows uninterrupted arc across gaps Maximum sever cutting thickness 10mm (steel) 12 month warranty machine only
Technical Data Power Supply / Phases (V-Ph) Duty Cycle @ 40°c as per AS/NZ60974 Duty Cycle @ 25°c (approximate) Rated Power (KVA) Output Current Range (A) Plasma Max OCV Range (V) Max Current (A) Insulation Class - Inverter Insulation Class - Compressor Protection Class Plasma Arc Starting Air Flow (l/min) Max Cutting Thickness (mm) Dimensions (mm) Weight (kg) Warranty
230v - 1 +/- 15% 35% @ 25 Amps 60% @ 25 Amps 3.10 07-25 460 25 H F IP23 HF 80 10.00 420 x 185 x 380 10 12 month machine only
Overview The SiteCut 10 is a 230V Plasma cutting system produced using the latest Inverter Technology. The SiteCut 10 has a built in air compressor - eliminating the need for external air compressor. The SiteCut 10 produces a high temperature Plasma stream, enabling effortless cutting of all electrically conductive materials including steel, cast Iron, stainless steel, copper, aluminium brass etc . The SiteCut 10 is equipped with a high quality Italian manufactured Plasma Torch developed specifically to provide a non HF start of the Plasma arc for reduced interference to other electronics . The SiteCut 10 has outstanding performance with powerful, fast and accurate cutting capability, the Pilot Arc control provides uninterrupted cutting across gaps such as in expanded mesh. The SiteCut 10 is ideal for a wide range of applications including sheet metal contractors and fabricators, plumbing, site work, automotive, ducting work, farm maintenance and metal artwork industries. The Site Cut 10 is packaged with a tough PT-25C Plasma Torch including parts package, earth lead and air regulator. The fitted PT-25C Plasma torch is the latest in Plasma torch design and provides drag tip technology allowing constant contact with the work piece during the cutting process providing fast accurate cuts with minimal material distortion. The SiteCut 10 is the ultimate in plasma cutting portability. Built to our specification and manufactured in compliance to IEC 60974-1
Product Code: V0266AA SiteCut 10 package includes: SiteCut 10 Machine, PT25C Plasma Torch 4m, Torch Spares Kit, Earth Lead 16mm x 3m
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Section 4
2
DC INVERTER PLASMA CUTTER
Plasma - 40 Amp DC Inverter Plasma Cutter Cuts: Steels, Stainless, Cast Iron, Brass, Copper. Aluminium
XA-CUT40E
24 MONTH
Machine Warranty 40 Amp - 12mm Cut on Steel 230v DC Inverter Plasma Cutter Industrial Rated, Lightweight and Portable
Features • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Latest Inverter Technology Instant cut start, no preheat required Light industrial application Light weight and compact Strong metal housing Safe torch connection High quality Italian Plasma torch Tolerant to variable power supply Suitable to cut all electrically conductive materials HF Contact Arc Start Tip can be contacted and dragged on cutting material Maximum cutting thickness 12mm (steel) 24 month machine only
Technical Data Power Supply / Phases (V-Ph) Duty Cycle @ 40°c as per AS/NZ60974 Duty Cycle @ 25°c (approximate) Rated Power (KVA) Output Current Range (A) Plasma Rated Output Voltage (V) Efficiency (%) Insulation Class Protection Class Plasma Arc Starting Air Flow Draw Off (l/min) Air Flow Pressure (Bar) Max Cutting Thickness (mm) Dimensions (mm) Weight (kg) Warranty Certification Approval
230v - 1 +/- 15% 30% @ 40Amps 60% @ 40 Amps 3.50 20-40 96 85 B IP21S HF Touch 75-90 5-6 (70-87 psi) 12.00 371x155x295 12.00 24 months machine only AS/NZ60974.1
XA-CUT40E PLASMA CUT OPTIONS
Sub-Micronic Air Filter Part No. M26AIR
Overview The XA-CUT40 is an inverter-based Plasma cutting machine produced using the latest in IGBT technology. Low cost and portable this machine is reliable, robust and stacked with features that you can expect from a quality Plasma Cutter. The XA-CUT40 produces a high temperature plasma stream enabling effortless cutting of all electrically conductive materials including steel, cast Iron, stainless steel, copper, aluminium brass etc . The XA-CUT40 is equipped with a high quality Italian manufactured Plasma torch with Euro connection, developed specifically to enhance and improve the cut quality of the XA-CUT40 machine. Connection of the TD35 Plasma torch provides effortless starting of the cut with powerful, fast and accurate cutting capability, additional is the benefit of longer life cycle consumable electrodes and cutting tips. The HF contact start function allows the torch tip to be placed directly onto the work piece during start up and also during the cutting process helping to provide more accurate cutting and cleaner start of the cut. The XA-CUT40 is an exceptional machine that is suitable for a wide range of applications including sheet metal fabrication, light industrial use, site work, automotive, ducting work, repair and maintenance services. The XA-CUT40 is packaged with a tough TD35 Plasma torch including parts package, earth lead and air regulator. The XA-CUT40 gives you the best of both worlds – great portability, with the power to get the job done. Built to our specification and manufactured in compliance to AS/NZ60974.1
Product Code: XA-CUT40E-K CUT40K includes:
www.esseti.co.nz
XA-CUT40 Machine, TD35 Plasma Torch 4m, Torch Spares Kit, Earth Lead 16mm x 4m and Air Regulator
Section 4
3
DC INVERTER PLASMA CUTTER
Plasma - 55 Amp DC Inverter Plasma Cutter Cuts: Steels, Stainless, Cast Iron, Brass, Copper. Aluminium
XA-CUT55
24 MONTH
Machine Warranty 55 Amp - 20mm Cut on Steel 415v DC Inverter Plasma Cutter Industrial Rated, Lightweight and Portable
Features • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Latest Inverter Technology Instant cut start, no preheat required Industrial application Safe Euro style torch connection High performance Italian torch Strong metal housing Auto protection of over-voltage and over current supply Auto protection of short air pressure and thermal overload Tolerant to variable power supply Suitable to cut all electrically conductive materials HF Start Maximum cutting thickness 20mm (steel) 24 months machine only warranty
Technical Data Power Supply / Phases (V-Ph) Duty Cycle @ 40°c as per AS/NZ60974 Duty Cycle @ 25°c (approximate) Rated Power (KVA) No Load Voltage (V) Output Current Range (A) Plasma Rated Output Voltage (V) Air Flow Draw Off (l/min) Air Flow Pressure (Bar) Efficiency (%) Power Factor Insulation Class Protection Class Plasma Arc Starting Max Cutting Thickness (mm) Dimensions (mm) Weight (kg) Warranty Certification Approval
415 - 3 +/- 15% 30% @ 55Amps 60% @ 55 Amps 11.0 270 20-55 104 150-220 5-6 (70-87 psi) 85 0.93 F IP23 HF 20.00 540x220x370 21.00 24 months machine only AS/NZ60974.1
XA-CUT55 PLASMA CUT OPTIONS
Sub-Micronic Air Filter Part No. M26AIR
Circle Cutting Kit Part No.51851
Overview The XA-CUT55 is an inverter-based Plasma cutting machine produced using the latest in IGBT technology. Low cost and portable this machine is reliable, robust and stacked with features that you can expect from a quality Plasma cutter. The XA-CUT55 produces a high temperature plasma stream enabling effortless cutting of all electrically conductive materials including steel, cast Iron, stainless steel, copper, aluminium brass etc . The XA-CUT55 is equipped with a high quality Italian manufactured Plasma torch developed specifically to enhance and improve the cut quality of the XA-CUT55 machine. Connection of the T100 Plasma torch provides powerful, fast and accurate cutting performance, additional benefit is the T100 longer life cycle consumable electrodes and cutting tips. The HF start function allows effortless and clean cut start and stand off cutting, contact cutting is possible by installing the contact cutting torch parts. The XA-CUT55 is an exceptional machine that is suitable for a wide range of applications including general engineering, fabrication, site work, agricultural, repair and maintenance services. The XA-CUT55 is packaged with a tough T100 Plasma torch including parts package, earth lead and air regulator. The XA-CUT55 gives you the power and performance to get the job done. Built to our specification and manufactured in compliance to AS/NZ60974.1
Product Code: XA-CUT55-K CUT55K includes:
www.esseti.co.nz
XA-CUT55 Machine, T-100 Plasma Torch 6m, Torch Spares Kit, Earth Lead 25mm x 4m and Air Regulator
Section 4
4
DC INVERTER PLASMA CUTTER
Plasma - 105 Amp DC Inverter Plasma Cutter Cuts: Steels, Stainless, Cast Iron, Brass, Copper. Aluminium
XA-CUT105
105 Amp - 28mm Cut on Steel 415v DC Inverter Plasma Cutter Industrial Rated, Portable
24 MONTH Machine Warranty
Features • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Latest Inverter Technology Instant cut start, no preheat required Industrial application Safe Euro style torch connection High performance Italian torch Strong metal housing Auto protection of over-voltage and over current supply Auto protection of short air pressure and thermal overload Tolerant to variable power supply Suitable to cut all electrically conductive materials HF Start Maximum cutting thickness 28mm (steel) 24 months machine only warranty
Technical Data Power Supply / Phases (V-Ph) Duty Cycle @ 40°c as per AS/NZ60974 Duty Cycle @ 25°c (approximate) Rated Power (KVA) No Load Voltage (V) Output Current Range (A) Plasma Rated Output Voltage (V) Air Flow Draw Off (l/min) Air Flow Pressure (Bar) Efficiency (%) Power Factor Insulation Class Protection Class Plasma Arc Starting Max Cutting Thickness (mm) Dimensions (mm) Weight (kg) Warranty Certification Approval
415 - 3 +/- 15% 30% @ 105Amps 60% @ 105Amps 16.5 340 20-105 124 150-220 5-6 (70-87 psi) 85 0.93 F IP23 HF 28.00 580 x 335 x 590 30.00 24 months machine only AS/NZ60974.1
XA-CUT105 PLASMA CUT OPTIONS
Sub-Micronic Air Filter Part No. M26AIR
Circle Cutting Kit Part No.51851
Overview The XA-CUT105 is an inverter-based Plasma cutting machine produced using the latest in IGBT technology. Low cost and portable this machine is reliable, robust and stacked with features that you can expect from a quality Plasma cutter. The XA-CUT105 produces a plasma stream enabling effortless cutting of all electrically conductive materials including steel, cast Iron, stainless steel, copper, aluminium brass etc . The XA-CUT105 is equipped with a high quality Italian manufactured Plasma torch developed specifically to enhance and improve the cut quality of the XA-CUT105 power source. Connection of the T150 Plasma torch provides powerful, fast and accurate cutting performance, and additional benefit is the T150 longer life cycle consumable electrodes and cutting tips. The HF start function allows effortless and clean cut start and stand off cutting, contact cutting is possible by installing the contact cutting torch parts. The XA-CUT105 is an exceptional machine that is suitable for a wide range of applications including heavy fabrication, general engineering, site work, agricultural, repair and maintenance services. The XA-CUT105 is packaged with a tough T150 Plasma torch including parts package, earth lead and air regulator. The XA-CUT105 gives you the power and performance to get the job done. Built to our specification and manufactured in compliance to AS/NZ60974.1
Product Code: XA-CUT105-K CUT105K includes:
www.esseti.co.nz
XA-CUT105 Machine, T-150 Plasma Torch 6m, Torch Spares Kit, Earth Lead 25mm x 4m and Air Regulator
Section 4
5
PLASMA AIR FILTERS Sub-Micronic Compressed Air Filters
PLASMA AIR FILTERS Contaminants in your compressed air system - dust, scale, condensed moisture and oil mist - seriously effect the quality of your plasma cuts.
M-26 / M-60 Sub-Micronic Compressed Air Filter
Contaminants in your compressed air system dust, scale, condensed moisture and oil mist seriously effect the quality of your plasma cuts. Installation of a Motor Guard Sub-Micronic Air Filter on your plasma machine will effectively remove these contaminants; eliminating arc sputter and producing cleaner faster smoother cuts. In addition, Motor Guard filters virtually pay for themselves by reducing wear and prolonging the life of expensive tips and electrodes.
Cleaner, faster, smoother plasma cutting with ultra-clean air Prolongs the life of expensive plasma gun tips Removes oil aerosols, condensed moisture and particulates Installs on or near equipment for ultimate protection Ideal for plasma cutters and all air consuming equipment
D-13 Disposable Sub-Micronic Air Filter
Ideal for small plasma cutters, air tools, blow guns and spray equipment Removes oil aerosols, condensed moisture and particulates Lightweight and disposable Mounts directly on tool for ultimate protection
New! DD-1008 Disposable In-Line Desiccant Filter
M-723 Replacement Filter Element for M-26/M60
Unique point-of-use desiccant dryer Ideal for small plasma cutters, air tools, blow guns and spray equipment Removes oil aerosols, condensed moisture and particulates Exclusive color-change indicator signals when replacement is needed Mounts directly on tool for ultimate protection
SPECIFICATIONS PAR T #
DES CR I PTI ON
PI PE S I ZE
MAX FLOW @ 80 PS I
MAX PR ES S UR E
MAX TEMP
R EMOVAL R ATI NG ( Nom)
R EPLACEMENT ELEMENT
S I ZE
M-26
Sub-Micronic Compressed Air Filter Mounting bracket included
1/4” NPT
2700 SCFH
125 PSI
175 F
.01 Microns
5” x 7”
M-723
M-60
Sub-Micronic Compressed Air Filter Straight-through piping design
1/2” NPT
6000 SCFH
125 PSI
175 F
.01 Microns
5” x 7”
M-723
D-13
Disposable Sub-Micronic Air Filter
1/4” NPT
1800 SCFH
100 PSI
175 F
.01 Microns
2-1/2” x 3”
None
DD-1008
Disposable In-Line Desiccant Filter
1/4” NPT
1200 SCFH
100 PSI
120 F
5 Microns
1-1/2” x 3-1/2”
None
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Section 4
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