What Gas Do You Use with a Plasma Cutter?
Plasma cutting is a powerful yet simple process that uses an electric arc sent through a gas passing through the constricted opening of a copper nozzle. The extreme heat created elevates the gas's temperature, converting it to plasma, the fourth state of matter. The plasma's electrical conductivity causes the arc to transfer to the workpiece, and the high-speed gas cuts the metal effortlessly. To work effectively, the material must be conductive, meaning a plasma cutter works on carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass, and cast iron. The dense stream slices through these metals, and gas is also directed around the perimeter of the cutting area to shield the cut from contamination. As you can see, the choice of plasma cutter gas is a crucial component of the plasma-cutting process. Selecting the right gas ensures optimal performance and results. You'll need to choose a gas that matches the type of metal you're cutting. In most cases, a single gas is ...