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HD Plasma Cutting: Technology & Applications

High-definition or HD plasma cutters are set apart from standard cutters not only by the technology they use, but also by the quality, accuracy, and speed of the cuts they produce. Even if cut quality isn’t high on your list of priorities, it’s vital to know about these tools if you do decide to expand or upgrade your production line.

What is HD plasma cutting?

The HD plasma cutting process uses a jet of ionised gas at temperatures above 20,000°C to melt and expel material when forming the desired cut. This type of metal cutting works best on thicknesses between 3mm and 25mm.

How does HD plasma cutting work?

High-def plasma cutting works in the following way: The ionised gas jet expels pressurised gas such as oxygen, air, nitrogen, or a mix of gases at high speed. While this happens, the plasma cutter channels an electrical arc through the gas flow to transform the gas into plasma. The plasma reaches temperatures hot enough to cut right through metal at a pace fast enough to expel the molten metal from the cut.

Benefits of plasma cutting It’s no secret that conventional plasma metal cutters are effective at cutting an array of ferrous as well as non-ferrous metals, so why should you upgrade your production line to include HD plasma cutters? The answer to this question comes down to the benefits that these machines offer. The greatest benefits of high def plasma cutting is that it allows you to cut thinner metals at a higher speed, and that the parts you cut with one of these tools have a high-quality finish. While these tools are similar to standard CNC machines, they outshine them when it comes to the level of control over their plasma arcs. This high level of control results in a superior cut quality. Another benefit of HD plasma metal cutters is that they can be a more cost-effective solution than cheaper, less advanced alternatives, thanks to their constituent parts’ consumable life and remarkable cutting speeds.

Benefits of plasma cutting

It’s no secret that conventional plasma metal cutters are effective at cutting an array of ferrous as well as non-ferrous metals, so why should you upgrade your production line to include HD plasma cutters? The answer to this question comes down to the benefits that these machines offer.

The greatest benefits of high def plasma cutting is that it allows you to cut thinner metals at a higher speed, and that the parts you cut with one of these tools have a high-quality finish. While these tools are similar to standard CNC machines, they outshine them when it comes to the level of control over their plasma arcs. This high level of control results in a superior cut quality. Another benefit of HD plasma metal cutters is that they can be a more cost-effective solution than cheaper, less advanced alternatives, thanks to their constituent parts’ consumable life and remarkable cutting speeds.

Common applications and industries

The excellent performance of HD plasma cutters has led to their adoption for numerous cutting applications by a wide range of industries. The most common cutting applications include:

  • Bevel cutting
  • Extended reach cutting and gouging
  • Fine feature cutting
  • Gouging
  • Hole cutting
  • Marking
  • Straight cutting

High def plasma cutting tools are used in industries and markets such as:

  • Artwork, signs, and ornamentation
  • Automotive restoration
  • Civil service construction
  • Construction equipment
  • Energy
  • Farming and ranching
  • General construction
  • General fabrication and job shops
  • HVAC and mechanical fabrication
  • Mining
  • Pipes and pipelines
  • Shipbuilding
  • Steel service centres

Professional plasma cutting services

Upgrading your production line to include HD plasma cutters certainly is something to consider, but if doing so isn’t an option now, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits of improved steel/metal cutting technology. Take advantage of IMS’ professional HD plasma cutting services.

FAQs

What’s the difference between HD plasma cutting and plasma cutting?

The high def plasma cutting process uses multiple gases to create the gas jet which the electrical arc passes through when cutting metal. These gases usually include oxygen, air, nitrogen, argon/nitrogen, and argon/hydrogen. The result is a high quality cut with a minimal angle. Conventional plasma metal cutters use oxygen, air, and nitrogen for cutting. Although the cut quality they produce is good, the cut surface will have some angle, and the minimal hole quality they produce is 3:1 to the plate thickness.

What thickness of steel can a plasma cutter cut?

Most HD plasma cutters can cut carbon steel up to 76mm thick, with some being able to cut steel up to 150mm thick. However, most of these tools work best on steel with a thickness between 3mm and 25mm.

What can you cut with a plasma cutter?

You can use plasma cutters to cut steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass, and copper, as well as other conductive metals.

Does a plasma cutter cut through rust?

Yes, HD plasma cutters can cut through rust, as well as through metal that has been painted.

Posted by Craig Silvain
23rd August 2023

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