Current to cut 304

[AndyStobbs]

I need to cut some shapes out of 10mm thick 304 stainless. What is the minimum current requirement for a clean cut guys?

Been after a plasma for a while, but not having much luck with the second hand offerings on ebay. Ideally i wanted something 3phase and atleast 60Amps, and faulty.
Time is against me now though so I may have to stump up for a working second hand unit - again 3phase.

Thanks

 

[Plasmatech]

The rule of thumb for plasma current is normally '100amps for every 1.00 inch' in mild steel. As such, to cut 10mm you will require a minimum of 40amps. Most stainless is similar albeit a little bit slower speeds used to cut than on mild steel. A 60amp should do your job but if you can stretch to an 80amp it would beneficial so as not to have the plasma on the edge of its duty cycle.

 

[langy]

I cut 10mm stainless quite cleanly at about 45

 

[Jim Davey]

Depends a lot on the machine and it's torch. Some plasmas will make a right pigs ear of stainless. What machine have you got?

 

[langy]

Depends a lot on the machine and it's torch. Some plasmas will make a right pigs ear of stainless. What machine have you got?

I have a CUT50 and run it at 55-60psi