Plasma Cutting and Welding
A process that thermally ionizes an electrically conductive gas through a constricted nozzle, creating a heavily focused, high-energy plasma jet.
Plasma cutting and welding work in principle the same: you create an arc that is forced through a narrow nozzle. This heats the gas so much that it transitions into a plasma state – an extremely hot, focused beam. The advantage in welding is the high energy density. You get into the workpiece with less heat than with normal TIG welding, which keeps distortion and discoloration small. When cutting, the beam simply blows the molten material out. It's important to set the distance and current properly. If the beam is too weak or the distance too large, the cut becomes unclean or the weld doesn't bond properly. Too much energy and you burn the material or the nozzle. Ensure a clean gas flow, otherwise the electrode burns off or the beam flickers. And check the nozzle regularly – it wears out fastest in the whole process.