Steel is one of the hardest metals you can find, except if it’s annealed to increase ductility. In fact, the only difference between steel and cast irons is the malleability and ductility of steel.
That’s why steels are strong and possess almost the same futuristic as cast iron, but they can’t replace one another in most cases. For instance, steel constitutes iron and carbon and likewise cast irons.
However, cast iron only comprises 4% of carbon or more, while steel comprises 2% of carbon or less. The two are so hard, and using a typical metal cutter for either of them can be time-consuming. But a plasma cutter is what you need to ease out the stress.
Plasma cutters will distinctly cut your workpiece with precision. All it does is ionize the conductive surface of the metal while the compressed air reacts with the metal at high temperature and cut.
Indeed, there are different types of steel. Steels are alloys and are of different types. Therefore, asking How Thick of Steel Can a Plasma Cutter Cut is likewise making reference to the capacity of a plasma cutter on the types of steel.
So, why not come along if you really want to know more about steel and how plasma cutters work on them explicitly? So, let’s begin!
How Thick Of Steel Can A Plasma Cutter Cut: 4 Tips To Follow
1. How Thick Does Plasma Cutter Cut A Mild Steel
Mild steel is not as hard as typical steel because it is neither tempered nor hardened with heat. The percentage of carbon constituents in it varies anyway. However, its carbon content is between 0.04% and 0.25%.
Carbon reduces its corrosiveness and susceptibility to abrasions. And that makes it more malleable and more ductile than steel. A handheld plasma cutter can cut a mild steel’s thickness by 1.5-inch, i.e., 38mm, while a computerized plasma cutter machine can cut 6-inch.
Nevertheless, the most suitable gas that works for mild steel cutting is nitrogen, especially when one opts for a high amperage level.
2. How Thick Does Plasma Cutter Cut A Bearing Steel
Bearing steel is an alloy that comprises high carbon and about 1.5% of chromium. It’s different from mild steel because it’s not ductile but brittle.
Plasma cutters can cut it still because it conducts electricity as well. A handheld plasma cutter could cut a minimum of 12mm and a maximum of 35mm. Those built for industrial purposes can go farther than that.
It ionizes the moles of atoms on the bearing steel. The torch’s nozzle constricts the pressure of the heated gas running from the tank all through to the tip of the torch to create a plasma cut as the electrode relates with the workpiece.
3. How Thick Does Plasma Cutter Cut A Stainless Steel
Stainless steel constitutes 10.5% of chromium to enhance its aesthetic looks and 1.5% of carbon to increase its resistance to corrosion. At low current, one can cut up to 25mm stainless steel with a plasma cutter that uses compressed gas.
However, using nitrogen gas for cutting stainless steel is assumable at a high current. It will make the outcome to be fast and keep to precisions.
Meanwhile, in a case that one wants to retain the attractiveness of stainless steel and speed is not a criterion, then argon-hydrogen blend gas will do the magic. You can cut a 1-inch precision on stainless steel with argon-hydrogen gas.
4. How Thick Does Plasma Cutter Cut Steel
Steel is harder than the rest that was stated in the prequel sections. Steel comprises carbon and iron. Plasma cutters are suitable for the cutting of steel flawlessly. You can cut up to 6-inch. Nonetheless, the type of plasma cutter you use is what matters in the real sense. You can check the steps to cutting steel with a plasma cutter below:
- Read the manual to learn about the capacity of the plasma cutter you’re using. You could also learn about some directions that could help you as you go on with the unit’s operation.
- Put on your safety wears to adhere to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) rules before you begin the unit’s operation.
- Choose your favorite air supplier. Using compressed air is preferably considered for cutting steels because it could work distinctly at low amperage and could cut as low as 1.5-inch.
- Set the amp before pulling the trigger (if you’re using a handheld plasma cutter). Mark the spots on the workpiece and make a sample cut if you intend to make a very long cut so that you can put precisions in view while cutting.
- Turn on the compressed gas and the power of the unit after you’ve connected it to a power outlet. Hold the trigger of the plasma torch steadfastly as you cut through the precisions.
- Position your hand in a 45-degree to ensure you keep your cuttings flawless. Keep safety as your priority while others follow.
- You can switch off the power when you’re done and save the unit as you should after cooling it.
Can Plasma Cutter Cut Steel?
Yea, that’s because steel conduct electricity. Although it’s an alloy, yet it conducts electricity. Moreover, plasma cutters work on both ferrous and non-ferrous metal, making them exceptional. The ultimate thing is to learn how to use a unit before using it.
Can A Plasma Cutter Cut 1/2 Inch Steel?
Yes, it can cut up to 6-inch if the appropriate gas is used. Operators advise that enthusiasts/newbies are to learn about the thickness of their workpiece before they start working on setting the amperage and choosing the right gas for their need.
Can A Plasma Cutter Cut Through Concrete?
Concrete? No, except if it’s a concrete plate of metal. It can cut a concrete plate of steel provided the necessary tools are provided. In such a case, the amperage is to be set at a high rate, and using nitrogen in place of oxygen will keep the output faster as it should be, really. At high amperage and voltage, the power will be capable of cutting up to 52mm concrete plate of steel.
Final Thoughts
Here is the climax of everything. Steel is the hardest alloy and is popular among metal fabricators in manufacturing foods and all sorts. Now that you’ve learned how potent a plasma cutter can work on steel and its alloys, you can as well put out some try to see how you can make your impacts. You can check the steps to cutting steel; you can use it as well for your workpiece as long as it’s a metal.
