At Pulmans, we simply love plasma cutting. Why? Well aside from its
exceptional accuracy, high speed and low operating costs, we also find
ourselves fascinated by the science-fictionesque technology behind it.
When
the word plasma is mentioned, people tend to assume that it must use
some kind of advanced technology, and in this case, theyre not wrong!
An incredible amount of science and research preceded the introduction
of the plasma cutter, with inspiration taken from the universe itself!
In
simple terms, plasma is a state of matter, along with solids, liquids
and gasses. Plasma is created when energy is added to a gas, and this
causes some of the electrons to leave the atoms, resulting in positively
charged ions and negatively charged electrons a process known as
ionisation.
Around 99% of the matter in the visible universe is
believed to be plasma, but here on earth, its not quite as common.
Naturally occurring plasma is very rare on earth (mainly limited to
lighting strikes), but mankind has managed to manipulate plasma for
several common uses, such as neon signs, televisions and of course,
cutting tools.
Plasma cutters work by taking superheated ionised
gas (plasma) and channelling it at high speed from the plasma cutter to
the material being cut. In order for plasma cutters to work, the
material being cut must be electrically conductive in order to receive
the plasma.
As plasma is a near-perfect conductor, it allows
electricity to travel to the material uninhibited, creating incredibly
high temperatures as it hits the material. The compressed gas also adds
the benefit of blasting away the molten material, exposing the material
beneath. This allows the plasma cutter to cut both thin and thick metals
alike, making it an incredibly versatile cutting tool.
Combined
with computer numerical control (CNC), which allow for extremely precise
guidance of the cutting head, plasma cutters produce much cleaner and
more accurate cuts than traditional cutting methods such as
metal-on-metal and oxy-propane.
At Pulman Steel, we have four
state-of-the-art plasma profiling machines for bespoke profiling needs.
So next time you order some high-definition plasma cut steel profiles
from Pulmans, take a second to think about the incredible technology
that went into producing your bespoke profiled components.