Plasmalõikamine

Plasmalõikamine is a thermal cutting process that uses a high-velocity jet of ionized gas, known as plasma, to cut through electrically conductive materials. The process begins by establishing an electric arc between an electrode and the workpiece. This arc heats a gas, such as compressed air, nitrogen, or argon, to extremely high temperatures, creating a plasma stream. The plasma, moving at high speed, melts and blows away the material along the cut line.

The intense heat and the force of the plasma jet are what enable the cutting action. The temperature of the plasma can reach tens of thousands of degrees Celsius. This process is highly versatile and can be used to cut a wide range of metals, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. The thickness of the material that can be cut depends on the power of the plasma cutter and the type of gas used.

Plasmalõikamine offers several advantages over other cutting methods, such as oxy-fuel cutting. It generally produces a cleaner cut with less dross, can cut non-ferrous metals, and is faster for certain applications. The precision of the cut can be very high, especially with modern automated systems. The equipment typically consists of a power source, a plasma torch, and a gas supply. Safety precautions are necessary due to the high temperatures, intense light, and fumes produced during the process.