Plasma Cutting

What to consider when choosing a plasma cutter;

-Maximum required cut capacity?

-Available electrical input. If 110 or 240 volts, is the amperage input 16 or 32 amps?

-How often you will use it?

-What is the availability of compressed air?

-Do you want to gouge metal?

The specification of the cutter you purchase, will be determined by how often you are using the machine. If you are cutting for extended periods of time you will need to ensure the machine has a good duty cycle.

Maximum cut capacity is how thick the material can be for the plasma cutting machine to execute a clean cut. For example the Hypertherm Powermax 45XP Plasma Cutter 415 Volt severs up to 29mm but has a maximum cutting capacity of 22mm, which is the level at which you can ensure a good finish. Available electrical supply will have an influence too, with 110 & 240 volt models cutting up to 29mm, whilst 415 volt models, namely the Powermax 125, offer a severance capacity of 57mm. Our entry level plasma, severing up to 16mm, is the Powermax 30 air with built in compressor and 110/240 volt input. 

Hypertherm's insistence on continuous product development, technical back up and training for sales and service staff alike, means they are stay ahead of the competition. Nowhere is this more evident than the SmartSYNC cartridge system, which allows the operator to view cutting data & consumable life.

From the Powermax range of machines to the high end mechanised models, they have the world of plasma cutting at their feet.

Our Hypertherm consumable range covers every Powermax plasma cutting spare requirement- be sure to buy the genuine article as accurancy of cut & longevity of the consumables are important cost factors.

Hypertherm Consumable kits are also an added value product- offering economies of scale, the ability to cut at different amperages and disciplined storage.

How does plasma cutting work?

Plasma cutting is a process that is used to cut many different types of metal using a plasma torch. In this process compressed air is blown at high speed out of a nozzle; at the same time an electrical arc is formed through the air from the nozzle to the surface being cut turning some of that air to plasma. The plasma cutter is sufficiently hot to melt the metal being cut and moves sufficiently fast to blow molten metal away from the cut.

Why switch from Oxy/fuel cutting to plasma cutting?

The main advantages of Plasma over older cutting methods such as Oxy/Fuel is it's quicker, cleaner, safer, requires no pre-heating, and it only uses compressed air which can be provided from an everyday workshop compressor. The metal being cut doesn't have to be clean as plasma will cut neatly through rust, mud and paint, plus it can also cut through multiple layers in one go.

At Foster Industrial we have the complete range of Hypertherm plasma cutters ex-stock. Whether you want to cut 5mm or 60mm, we have the machine to do the job. All this is underpinned by trained service engineers who undertake plasma cutter servicing & repairs in the the field or at our HQ.