Plasma cutter

STAMOS plasma cutter for professionals and beginners 

Plasma cutters cut metal workpieces using a plasma arc. The so-called plasma is an electrically conductive gas with a temperature of around 30,000 °C. The plasma cutting devices from the STAMOS Welding Group only use compressed air, which is added via a compressor. In contrast to mechanical or manual metal cutting methods, a plasma cutter can be used to cut a piece of metal very quickly and precisely. 

How do plasma cutters work? 

For plasma cutting, you need a source of compressed air, i.e. a compressor, in addition to a plasma cutter. After igniting the arc, the compressed air forms the plasma arc which, with a great heat of up to 30,000 °C, is capable of separating even thick metals. In this process, the plasma arc is guided through a nozzle cooled with gas or compressed air, which concentrates the energy to melt the metal. The strength of this plasma jet depends primarily on the current intensity. 

The compressed air not only generates the plasma and cools the ceramic nozzle on the cutting torch, but also ensures that the kerf does not stick together. To prevent the melting metal from settling in the joint, the compressed air literally blows out the interface and prevents it from reconnecting. Thus, the air jet ensures a high-quality cut edge that requires little reworking. 

What you can separate with a plasma cutter? 

All electrically conductive metals can be cut with a plasma cutter, so cutting steel, aluminium, copper or other common materials is no problem. First, a pilot arc is activated between the nozzle and the electrode by means of high-frequency ignition. The pilot arc is initially low in energy. Only when it touches the workpiece does the power automatically increase to a value at which the metal can be cut. With a pilot arc, in addition to solid materials, you can also conveniently cut grids or coarse-meshed fences, as the arc does not require permanent contact with the workpiece.  

What do I have to pay attention to when plasma cutting? 

Similar to welding, the decisive parameter is the current intensity, which must be adapted to the metal and the depth of cut. STAMOS offers the optimum device for every current intensity. The cutting current usually starts at 10 A and reaches a considerable 125 A in powerful devices.  The wider the range of amperage, the more versatile the plasma cutter can be used. 

Furthermore, the strength of the compressed air should be right, as it keeps the kerf free and thus contributes decisively to the cutting quality. On the plasma cutter, the pressure can often be checked with a manometer and adjusted via an external pressure reducer. Some units also offer regulation of the air pressure directly on the unit. As a rule, a pressure of 2.5 to 6 bar is required. If no source of compressed air is available, you can use plasma cutters with a compressor from the STAMOS Welding Group range. 

In addition to the basic functions such as amperage and compressed air, modern plasma cutters from the STAMOS Welding Group offer further functions that either increase the cutting quality or positively influence the handling. For example, you can set the gas afterflow time for the plasma cutter with an extra regulator to cool the torch even further after cutting and to ensure that the kerf is blown out cleanly, especially at high cutting depths. Optimum handling is ensured by switching between 2-stroke and 4-stroke operation of the plasma torch. 

Can my plasma cutter also do CNC cutting? 

The STAMOS Welding Group offers a wide range of plasma cutters. In order to provide plasma cutting equipment for automatic cutting systems as well, STAMOS has developed special CNC plasma cutters that can be used for automatic cutting. In addition to the connection to a CNC control, these units are equipped with a special cutting torch that is not bent and can be optimally installed in a cutting system. In addition, the hose package is longer than that of manual plasma cutters so that it can easily follow the movements of the cutting system. 

What should I pay attention to when I want to buy a plasma cutter? 

The STAMOS Welding Group relies on high-quality components, precise processing and optimal handling of its products. This allows the customer to focus entirely on their needs when choosing a plasma cutter. Which metal is to be cut, which cutting depths are to be expected or in which environments is the unit to be used? 

Most plasma cutters require a 400 V connection to achieve very high amperages. Alternatively, STAMOS also offers units that can be connected to 230 V and can therefore be used more flexibly. If there is no source of compressed air in the workshop or on the construction site, then you can fall back on devices with an internal compressor. 

Furthermore, it is worth considering a combination welder with plasma torch as an alternative. If you only want to cut metals occasionally and do not require too great a depth of cut, these plasma cutters can be an inexpensive way to flexibly process metals. 

Also remember to wear protective clothing when plasma cutting! 

Sparks, high heat generation or glaring light – there are many sources of danger to be aware of when plasma cutting like welding. The STAMOS Welding Group provides comprehensive protection with a wide range of welding helmets, welding clothing such as welding gloves or welding jackets. For the protection of the surrounding area, you will find professional welding protection walls in the range, which can also be used as mobile units.