Plasma cutter questions

[candor]

I'm looking to get a plasma cutter at some stage, I'd like to be able to cut 25/30mm, doesn't have to be pretty but still useable.

I have three phase if that opens any doors with older machines, would like pilot arc.

 

[Forestryengineeringservic]

For that thickness you will need a 100A plus machine. For the cost it's proberly cheaper using gas.

 

[dan.taylor.1]

Do you need a clean cut or just the odd severance cut job? I'm sure I've seen a 45a hypertherm cut over an inch plate, it didn't look neat and wasn't quick but it did it, so a 65/85 amp version should be able to do a neater job.

Dan

 

[dannyp]

auctions near somewhere that used to build ships.

id be useing gas tho

 

[astro_al]

Dunno what they're all on about.

Any of the larger hypertherms will cut it easily, or as Dan said, a smaller one for a rougher occasional cut.

Al.

 

[candor]

Only really the odd rough cut, most would be around the 10mm mark, I'd like a clean cut at that though.

 

[Jim Davey]

What's your budget? Technical Arc have just launched a range of high performance Plasmas at reasonable prices.

 

[Plasmatech]

When sizing any plasma system a good rule of thumb to use for a clean cut with an edge start is the 100;1.00 ratio (100amps for 1.00" (25mm)). For piercing you should then half the thickness per amperage. You will always get claims and counter claims but stick with this ratio and you wont go far wrong. As such a 40 or 50amp plasma will edge cut your 10mm cut or, as has been suggested, an 80amp system which should then do 25mm but slowly and not so clean. 30mm might be better with gas!

 

[candor]

I'm open to spending over £1000 on the right machine, 30mm would be the max I'd ever want to severance cut on, can always dress it up afterward. That would be very rare though.

 

[dan.taylor.1]

Hypertherm are hard to beat afaik but you won't even get a 45a one for less than 17-1800 now new.

Dan

 

[Jim Davey]

That puts you firmly in second hand territory then. I'm just about to buy the new Tech Arc Opticut 230v machine as a demonstrator/hire fleet workhorse to replace my ageing Procut 25s, so I can let you know my thoughts when it arrives if you like. Specs look good, 230v 32a and clean cut up to 28 mm and severance up to 40mm.

 

[candor]

Hypertherm 45 is around that price in Euro, but it's at the dear end alright.

Be interested to hear from other Tec arc users too. Thanks

 

[candor]

How do the rtech compare against the Tec arc?

 

[candor]

What are the older hypertherm machines like? Saw a max 100 for sale, also a few 600 and 1000 machines.

 

[Welderpaul]

What are the older hypertherm machines like? Saw a max 100 for sale, also a few 600 and 1000 machines.

2 of my earlier Hypertherms were used machines. Other than some torch consumables and a good clean when i got them they worked perfectly. I sold them to upgrade to bigger machines.

 

[candor]

2 of my earlier Hypertherms were used machines. Other than some torch consumables and a good clean when i got them they worked perfectly. I sold them to upgrade to bigger machines.

They look to be worth a punt alright, I'll keep an eye out.

 

[LuckyXie]

For only odd rough cut at 25/30mm,we can maximum cutting thickness.For most would be around the 10mm mark,we can quality cutting.In this case,I would like to introduce CUT80 with pilot,singel phase,220V.But please remember if the fuse current is sutable.This model is good enought to meet your demand. I hope you can give it a try.

 

[LuckyXie]

One additonal information,you can buy a aire pressure 3P is also good enough to make free air source for cutting.

 

[aidank]

is it possible to heat steel with a plasma like u can with oxy-acetylene ?

 

[Welderpaul]

is it possible to heat steel with a plasma like u can with oxy-acetylene ?

No, you cant heat it without cutting.