Can a Hypertherm Plasma Cutter Cut All Sorts of Metals?

Are you looking for an efficient way to cut a variety of metals? Then you need to know about the Hypertherm Plasma Cutter, a powerful tool that can make quick cuts on different types of metals. Read on to learn more about this machine and discover if it can really handle all your metal-cutting needs.

What is a Hypertherm Plasma Cutter?

A Hypertherm plasma cutter is a cutting tool that uses a high-energy plasma arc to cut through electrically conductive materials. Plasma cutters are used in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, shipbuilding, and manufacturing.

There are electrically conductive materials which need to be cut through the plasma (mainly it is a stream of fuming plasma). That is all about the Plasma Cutting mechanism. Plasma cutting is fast and efficient and can be used to cut through thick or thin materials.

Hypertherm plasma cutters use advanced cutting technology that allows them to cut through thick and hard materials with ease. With a Hypertherm plasma cutter, you can quickly and easily cut through tough metals like stainless steel and aluminum.

The 45V nozzle, 45V retaining cap, 45V electrode, swirl ring, shield, and nozzle insulator are among the Hypertherm Powermax 45 consumables. These consumables combine to produce an arc during cutting.

What Types of Metals Can Be Cut by a Hypertherm Plasma Cutter?

There are a variety of metals that can be cut by a Hypertherm plasma cutter. These include stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, and even some types of mild steel. While there are other metal cutting methods available, plasma cutting is often the best choice due to its speed and precision.

How Does the Plasma Cutter Work?

When it comes to cutting metal, a plasma cutter is one of the most versatile tools you can have in your shop. But how does a plasma cutter work?

In short, a plasma cutter works by using an electrical arc to ionize a gas, which then creates a conductive channel of plasma. The plasma that we get then is used for metal cutting, and that’s how it works.

To understand how this process works, let's take a closer look at each step:

1. An electrical arc is created between the electrode and the metal being cut by using Hypertherm Powermax 45 consumables. This arc is used to ionize a gas, which can be either air, nitrogen, or argon.

2. The ionized gas becomes plasma, which is a conductive state of matter that can be used to transfer energy.

3. The plasma conducts electricity from the electrode to the metal being cut, causing it to heat up and melt.

4. The molten metal is then blown away by the high-speed airflow created by the plasma cutter, leaving behind a clean-cut edge.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Using a Hypertherm Plasma Cutter

There are many benefits to using a Hypertherm plasma cutter. One of the biggest benefits is that they are able to cut through tougher metals than other types of plasma cutters. This is because they use a higher temperature to cut through the metal, which allows them to penetrate deeper into the metal and make cleaner cuts.

Another benefit of using a Hypertherm plasma cutter is that they are much faster than other types of plasma cutters. This is because they can cut through thicker metals quicker and with less power, which means that you can get your project done faster.

However, there are some drawbacks to using a Hypertherm plasma cutter. One of the biggest drawbacks is that Hypertherm plasma cutter parts are more expensive than other plasma cutters.

Another drawback of using a Hypertherm plasma cutter is that Hypertherm plasma cutter parts are made of high-quality material, which has a high boiling point. so they are more dangerous to use than other types of plasma cutters. This is because they use a higher temperature to cut through the metal, which can cause serious burns if you are not careful.

Conclusion

Hypertherm plasma cutters are powerful, versatile tools that can be used to cut all types of metals. However, it is important to select the right nozzle and amperage for the metal you need to cut in order to achieve a successful result. With proper care and maintenance, your Hypertherm plasma cutter will last you years of reliable service and help you tackle any cutting job with ease.

Different Welding Methods and What They're Used For

When you initially learn about welding, the amount of knowledge can be overwhelming. It may be hard to break into welding without studying the various skills. Some folks are slower to catch on.

Not all welding procedures create consistent beads with minimum polishing. Metal weld? I think this deserves recognition. We collated information on some welding processes to shed light on the topic.

Here Are Some of the Different Methods of Welding

First, There's TIG, Or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)

Heliarc welding (TIG) uses inert tungsten gas. This type of welding may reuse the tungsten electrode forever. A rare technique that requires base metal and filler metal. Hand-adding filler metal is optional.

TIG welding requires a gas tank. So, do it indoors or in a safe environment. TIG welding produces smooth, spatter-free welds. Due to these reasons, only professionals should weld.

Flux-Cored Arc Welding follows (FCAW)

It is MIG-style welding. MIG welders can FCAW. Like MIG welding, you feed your wire electrode and filler metal through your gun. Differences are evident. FCAW uses flux-cored wire as a shield. We don't need to buy gasoline.

FCAW involves tremendous heat; therefore, it's suitable for thicker metals. It's used to fix industrial machines. This method is efficient. No gas means it's inexpensive. Before mirror-polishing a weld, the slag is removed.

Stick-Shielded-Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Follows the Next

This 1930s welding technology is still improving. Stick welding is affordable and easy to use. Spattering causes sloppy welds. Clean-up is required.

Stick filler metal. An electrode becomes filler metal when arced with the base metal. The heated flux on the stick prevents oxidation. Cooling metal condenses gas to form slag.

This method works in rain and wind because it doesn't utilize gas. It fixes rusty, painted, and unclean machines. Thin metals are difficult to weld using interchangeable electrodes. Stick welding is tricky.

It Is Followed by MIG Welding (GMAW)

MIG welding is beginner-friendly and effective. Metal inert gas welding, or MIG, is a prevalent procedure (GMAW). Gas is discharged around the wand to protect filler metal. It's not recommended outside. This method welds thin and thick metals.

An unreeled coil of wire represents the filler metal. An arc melts the wire from its tip to the base metal. The wand's wire flow is changed. MIG welding makes smooth, tight welds when done well.

Laser Beam Welding Follows

This approach works for metals and thermoplastics. As the name suggests, laser welding uses the laser as the weld's heat source. Carbon steel, stainless steel, HSLA steel, titanium, and aluminium are suitable. Its suitability for robotic automation has led to its use in automobile manufacturing.

Welding With an Electron Beam Comes Next

The kinetic energy of an electron beam travelling at high speed is turned into heat, melting the two pieces of material together. Machine welding, often performed in a vacuum, is a cutting-edge technique.
Applications of Plasma-Arc Technology in Welding

PAW is more accurate than GTAW due to its lower arc size and the use of Hypertherm plasma cutter parts. It employs a high-temperature torch. The wand makes plasma by squeezing gas. Plasma conducts electricity after ionization. Since an arc forms due to the Hypertherm plasma cutter parts, even basic metals can melt. Plasma arc welding, like TIG welding, doesn't require filler metal. These delicate and deep welds are strong and attractive. High-speed welding is conceivable. The use of Hypertherm Powermax 45 consumables also makes the process flawless.

At The End, Electroslag

This cutting-edge technology welds metal plate edges. Weld is put between plate edges, not on the joint's outside. Copper electrode wire is fed through a disposable metal guide tube to make filler metal. The weld is initiated at the seam's base and worked up, gradually replacing it. It is automated.

Conclusion

Now you understand the sorts of welding. Some approaches are automated, and others require pricey instruments. Many others are easy enough to do at home without breaking the wallet. If you need a DIY welder, check out one of our buying recommendations.

Alternative Parts manufactures and distributes mining and construction equipment replacement parts like the Hypertherm Powermax 45 consumables. The company started to give you more options for buying machine parts. Substitute for. We've always offered the best value to our growing consumer base. Each of our products meets OEM requirements. We can provide 10% to 70% off without affecting product quality.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/different-welding-methods-and-what-they-re-used-for

5 Essential Tools for Professional Sculpture Work

When we see the finest sculptures works, an idea pops up in our mind about how these sculptures are made. Such innovative artworks will be enough to astonish you and artists in these fields use a lot of tools to curate their inner thoughts through their sculpture statues.

Now, if you are a novice artist and passionate about sculpture art, you must be curious about the tools that artists generally use. We are gonna help you by sharing details of the 5 most essential sculpture tools.

• Twisted Wire Rake

Twisted Wire Rake is basically used for clay sculpting. Here two or more wires are twisted together for a loop making. With the help of this tool, you can blend lumps and bumps and clean the surface and racking of the sculpture work. It can also be used for shaping sculpture work. For any clay sculpture artist, it is a must-have tool.

• Mini Wire Brush

This tool has the look of a chopstick but it is way more useful for modern sculpture-making. Some clump wires are embedded at the head of a chopstick-looking piece of stick.

Mini Wire Brush is used for smoothing hard areas of a sculpture or the portion of an artwork where there is rich work. Even lumpy areas can be cleared properly with this tool. The tool is mostly used for clay sculpture-making purposes.

• Rubber Tipped Tools

The use of these Rubber Tipped Tools is broadly seen in the painting. But the tool is equivalently good for creating sculpture techniques. You can use this tool for blending purposes.

This tool works magically on those sections of work where there are requirements for blending different varieties of materials together. The tool has different sizes and shapes and you can choose the appropriate one based on your requirement.

• Chisels

If you are going to become a stone sculpture artist, the Chisels are important and a must-have tool for you. It is one of the oldest tools of sculpture history but over time there are several changes and improvements occurred with this piece of instrument.

With the help of this tool, you can remove small pieces of unnecessary stone parts from your work even if it is very small. Artists can create the perfect shape of a stone as of their imagination. There are different types of chisels for different types of sculpture art. For example lettering chisels, carving chisels and rounded chisels.

• Hypertherm Plasma Cutter

This is one of the best tools used for metal sculpture work. Many top-class artists use this Hypertherm Plasma Cutter to make home decor art from woods, metals etc.

Famous wall art artist Jimmy Don Holmes, uses Hypertherm Powermax 45 Consumables, Powermax 65 plasma cutter and a lot more variations for his art.

Sisters Ariane and Alexia, the two famous sculpture artists combined wood and metal for creating unique art pieces with the help of this Hypertherm Plasma Cutter. Also, there are other famous artists, for example, Cindy Chinn, Kelly Phipps etc. everyone uses Hypertherm Powermax 45 Consumables, Powermax 65 plasma cutter, Powermax30 XP etc. for their works.

So, now you can surely understand which kind of tools you should require to become a sculpture artist. Among all kinds of art and sculpture work, the metal sculpture is such an art that has many practical uses. Many home decor items, creative furniture etc. are made using metal sculpture techniques. As a result, there is a huge demand for metal sculpture tools including Hypertherm Plasma Cutter tools.

We at Alternative Parts Inc. are blessed with expertise in manufacturing Hypertherm plasma cutter parts at the most affordable prices. Our products are made with the finest quality materials and are considered the best in the market.

All of our products go through strict quality parameters before fetching them to our clients. The in-house quality team takes care of all the quality tests and only the appropriate quality products are taken and defective items are segregated for reproduction or correction. Like all the other products, Hypertherm plasma cutter parts that we supply are manufactured following all the relevant quality parameters so that our clients can rest assured of the product quality. If you are also looking for parts of a Hypertherm plasma cutter, we can be your best choice.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/5-essential-tools-for-professional-sculpture-work

Why do Industries Prefer Plasma Cutting Method?

Are you looking for easy ways to cut metals? And what if I tell you that the solution is easy to use on metals like steel? The solution is a plasma cutter, a tool that has already replaced the use of traditional torches. And the great part is that it also comes with many added advantages. And so, many industries use it, as it has many applications. Keep reading further to explore more on this topic. 

What is Plasma Cutting?

To get you started, let me introduce you to plasma cutting. It is a melting process in which a jet of ionized gas works at temperatures above 20,00 degrees Celsius and is used to melt and expel the material from the cut. 

The process reverts the gas to its normal state, emitting an intense heat that melts down the metal, and the gas flows from the cut. Plasma gasses usually include Argon, Hydrogen, or Nitrogen which can easily replace the air. This process can easily be done with Hypertherm plasma cutter parts as it comes with 

Why do Industries Choose Plasma Cutting?

Plasma cutting is a globally used technique to cut steel and other metals in the industry. These cutters make use of inert gas and have four main applications discussed below.

Main Applications:

Plasma cutting tools are widely used in the aircraft industry because they majorly use metal components. It is used in the military aircraft industry and the commercial aircraft industry as well. It is also widely used in the automotive industry as well, as it helps with cutting, welding, and creating different parts for automobiles. It is also important for the people working in the locksmith industry. Because they're the use of these parts becomes really important. All in all, it is important in all those industries where there is a vast use of metal parts. These parts serve an important role in the functioning of those industries. 

Precise Cutting:

The major advantage of using metal cutting tools is the precision in the results. Hypertherm powermax 45 consumables are plasma cutter parts that can help you figure out these things for you. Apart from normal functions, these tools precisely cut the metals along curved lines. This is done with the help of templates, making it possible by creating a heat-affected zone. This enables smooth cutting.

No Effect on Surrounding Area:

Another advantage of such plasma cutting tools is that the area being cut, the metal surrounding is not affected in the process, mostly it is cold, while the heat affected area is made such that it is easy to cut. This is the most used technique where the surrounding metal needs to be protected from heat.

Fast Functioning:

Speed is what differentiates between a traditional cutting tool and a plasma cutter. A plasma cutter can cut metals five times faster than traditional cutters.

You can choose the plasma cutters according to your use because it comes in different sizes. The other best thing is that these are highly portable tools, and as it uses inert gasses, these tools are way safer than other traditional tools. 

The plasma cutters are computer-based, making the cutting process easy and simple. It also helps with the cutting of different dimensions and specifications.

The only disadvantage of these tools is that they are not equipped to cut wood or plastic use.

Conclusion:

A plasma cutter is one of the efficient tools for people working with metals. Buyers of these tools need to choose the most suitable one amongst those available in the market. These plasma cutting methods are used in almost all industries where there is a large use of different metal parts. So, if you want quick and accurate results on metal cutting parts, go with it. What are you waiting for?

Source: https://writeupcafe.com/why-do-industries-prefer-plasma-cutting-method/

What is Plasma Cutting and What are Plasma Cutter Consumables?

Plasma cutters have the capability to cut the metals in simple and complex shapes like holes, edges, markings, etc. Plasma cutters are cost-effective and practical compared to oxy-fuel, laser, and water jet cutting processes. Let us understand how plasma cutters work and what consumables you will need.

What is Plasma Cutter?

Plasma cutting is a cutting technique that uses an accelerated jet of hot plasma to cut through conductive metals like steel, aluminum, brass, titanium, copper, etc. It is widely used in manufacturing, automotive repair, industrial construction, restoring, scrapping, etc. Plasma cutting can be done using a handheld plasma torch also known as plasma arcs, guns, or cutters. For that, you will need hand held plasma cutter parts.

Due to high speed, precise cuts, and low cost, plasma cutting is widely used by small companies and industries using CNC. 

Why You Need Plasma Cutter Consumables?

Using plasma cutter over time, components start wearing off gradually. Worn consumables can ruin metal while cutting. Your operator can tell which consumables are worn by sound, color, etc. 

The best way to keep a check on the condition of your consumables is to periodically inspect consumables. If you see that the quality of the cut is deteriorating, you have an indication that it needs to be changed. 

It is a good practice to maintain a record of the average life of parts over time and prepare a guideline for consumables based on the thickness of the material, amperage, and material. So operator will know after what time he needs to check the components thoroughly to prevent catastrophic failure.

It is essential that you run all your parts at the correct amperage. High or low amperage can impact the cut quality. However, using incorrect consumables can also lead to shortened life and cut quality. 

List of Consumables With Their Purpose

You can choose from different consumables like Hypertherm powermax 45 consumables, Powermax 45 XP, Powermax 65, etc. Here is the list of the consumables you might need.

Electrode

The electrode provides power to the plasma arc. Electrode conducts high voltage or high-frequency energy while you start the cut. This adds energy to ionize the cuttings gas that creates plasma and allows the arc to start.

Swirl Ring

A swirl ring is made of ceramic or volcanic ash. It controls and swirls the plasma gas around the electrodes and inside nozzles. It basically controls the point where the arc is attached to the emitter and also the plasma flow through the nozzle that affects the edge angularity. It usually swirls in clockwise rotation but their counterclockwise swirls are to assist for mirror cutting.

Nozzle

Nozzle constricts the gas stream flowing through the orifice in the center of the nozzle. A nozzle that is worn out or improper will cause the part to have an improper size or edge. The orifice must be a circle and not oval or egg-shaped. 

Inner Retaining Cap

The purpose of the retaining cap is to hold all the internal stack components in proper alignment. A damaged or improper retainer will cause the rest of the consumables to fit improperly and it can cause a gas error, coolant leaks, or poor cut quality.

Shield Cap

As the name suggests, a shield protects all the consumables from sparks and molten metals. There are mostly made of copper and provide a proper distance between nozzle and workpiece.

Water Tube

It works as a coolant to the tips of the electrodes to prevent overheating. The size of the tube is important otherwise it will cause premature electrode failure due to overheating.

Conclusion

It is important to invest in a good-quality hand held plasma cutter parts. Because poor quality will have less shelf-life. You can find different Hypertherm consumables like Hypertherm powermax 45 consumables, powermax 45XP, powermax 65, etc. easily from certified suppliers.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/what-is-plasma-cutting-and-what-are-plasma-cutter-consumables

Top 5 Types of Plasma Cutting Consumables You Must Know of

First, let us start with what plasma cutting consumables are? They are different parts of a plasma cutting machine. What does it do? It receives the electrical current from a cathode block present inside the torch to which the consumable is connected. It also focuses the charge with its tip that causes it to arc on the workpiece. Below are some of the common consumables useful in plasma cutting:

• Nozzle
• Shields
• Torch
• Electrodes
• Swirl Rings

These consumables are useful for cutting through thick and thin metal at a consistent speed. In the process, some consumables wear out quickly however some remain sturdy for a more extended period.

And how long a plasma cutter consumable will last depends more on its quality and usage frequency. But you need to make sure that you keep a daily check on all the consumables and change the faulty ones.

It is because if there is any fault in a single plasma cutting component then the whole system may malfunction and as a result, your output will not be as expected.

Also, investing in quality parts like Hypertherm consumables, amada consumables, or specific types like Hypertherm powermax 45 consumables serves as an excellent installing or replacing option. This will provide you with better outcomes and add life to your consumables.

Let us know more about different consumables:

1. Swirl Ring

A swirl ring is made up of ceramic or volcanic ash. It controls and swirls the plasma gas into the nozzle and around the electrode. This way it also controls the point where the arc attaches to the emitter. It regulates the plasma flow via nozzles that affect the edge angularity.

Additionally, the swirl ring insulates the nozzle from the electrode by aligning the emitter and nozzle in the metal’s orifice. This minor component is present inside the torch to swirl the gas molecules surrounding the plasma arc. This swirling process keeps the machine cool. A swirl ring usually swirls the gas in a clockwise rotation, however, there are swirl rings available that swirl counterclockwise to assist with mirror cutting.

2. Retaining Cap

The main purpose of this cap is to hold the consumables of the torch altogether. As we know, the temperature at the end of the machine is incredibly high. This temperature holds a high chance of wearing down the parts that create and focus the arc and also the components that hold the arc together. This can wear down the parts that create and focus the arc but also the components that hold them together.

3. Shield Cap

Just like its name, a shield is necessary to protect all the other consumables from molten metal and sparks. Most shields contain copper and it also provides the proper stand-off distance between the workpiece and the nozzle. An improper or damaged shield can cause poor cut quality of the final output.

4. Electrode

An electrode is a narrow piece of copper with hafnium. It focuses the charge by its tip and receives an electrical current by a cathode block. This cathode block is inside the torch to which the electrode is connected. This provides an arc to the workpiece.

5. Nozzle

Manufactures design the nozzle to constrict the gas stream flowing through the metal’s orifice in the center of the nozzle. This will focus on the plasma arc which directly affects the size of the kerf. A nozzle that is faulty can have an adverse effect on the metal by making its edges and sizes improper. Here, the orifice needs to be perfectly circular, not oval or egg-shaped.

Factors Affecting Life of Consumables

There are a lot of factors that can create problems that can affect plasma cutting consumable life, and troubleshooting such problems can be complicated and time consuming. So here we have a list of common factors that you can look if you are experiencing a reduction in plasma nozzle or electrode life:

• Low gas flow
• Low coolant flow
• Torch crashing/ Damaged torch
• Inaccurate pierce height
• Incorrect current setting
• Snapping off the plate edge
• Contaminated gas or water
• Improper cutting parameters
• Faulty or incorrect consumable set
• Faulty or incorrect coolant type

Here replacing the consumables with good quality parts like Hypertherm consumables or amada parts is the best option. Keeping a regular check on these factors will save your machine from further malfunctions.

Final Words

As you read about the roles of each consumable, you can say that plasma cutter consumables are extremely important in the operations of the machine. But what matters the most is the quality of the consumables. It will affect the output of the machine and the consumable's longevity. Suitable quality consumables such as Hypertherm powermax 45 consumables can provide you incredible accuracy and longer consumable life.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/top-5-types-of-plasma-cutting-consumables-you-must-know-of

8 Different Types of Welding Methods

 When you start learning to weld, it may be overwhelming to take in the sheer amount of information available on the subject. It may be challenging to begin a fixing journey without knowing all the necessary information about the same.

 

Before starting your welding business, you need to know the types, processes, what and how it affects the metal, etc. But no matter which method you choose, the types of consumables used in it will affect its longevity and final output. So, using good quality parts like Hypertherm powermax 45 consumables and Hypertherm powermax 45xp parts is advisable. Thus, to guide you with the same, we have following article explaining the types of fixing processes:

 

MIG - Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)

This is a simple form of fixing that is easy for any new welder to perform and practice. MIG stands for inert metal gas and it is also sometimes called gas metal arc fixing (GMAW). It is a quick welding process that involves the filler metal being fed through the wand. Here, the gas expels around it to shield it from outside elements. This means it is not great for outdoor use. But still, it is a versatile process and can be useful to weld many different types of metal with different thicknesses.

 

The filler metal is usually a consumable wire fed through a spool. This filler metal also works as an electrode. Whenever the tip of the wire creates an arc to the base metal, the wire melts and becomes filler metal and creates weld. Then the wire is continuously fed through the wand, allowing one to dial in your preferred speed. If done correctly, MIG welding produces a smooth and tight fix which is visually appealing.

 

TIG - Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)

TIG welding is also known by the names of Heliarc and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). Here, the electrode is non-consumable and made of tungsten. It is one of those types of welding process that one can complete with no filler metal.

 

One just needs to use only the two metals that need welding together. A gas tank is essential with TIG welding for providing the constant flow of gas. This gas is necessary to protect the weld. This means it generally performs better indoors.

 

TIG welding is a precise process of welding. It creates visually appealing welds and does not require cleanup because there is no spatter. Due to these traits, it is best reserved for experienced welders.

 

Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)

This is similar to MIG welding. Just like in MIG fixing, in flux-cored arc welding, a wire that serves as the electrode and the wand is useful to feed the filler metal. Now let us come to the difference - for FCAW, the wire has a core of flux which creates a gas shield around the weld. This shield eliminates the need for an external gas supply.

 

Since it is a high-heat welding method, FCAW is better suited for thicker and heavier metals. It is often useful for heavy equipment repairs for this very reason. It is an efficient process that does not create much waste. Since there is no need for external gas, it is also low in cost. Though there will be a bit of slag left over which will need a bit of cleanup to make a beautifully finished weld.

 

Laser Beam Welding

This type of welding is useful on metals or thermoplastics. And as the name implies, this method involves using a laser as a heat source for creating the welds. One can use it on carbon steels, titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, and HSLA steels.

 

It easily automates with robotics and is therefore often useful in manufacturing, like in the automotive industry. And when we talk about the automotive industry, precision is a must. Thus, using quality parts like Hypertherm powermax 45xp parts can save you from messing up the final output.

 

Electron-Beam Welding

This is a method of welding where a high-velocity beam of electrons creates heat through kinetic energy by welding two materials together. Electron-beam welding is a highly sophisticated form of welding performed by the machine, usually in a vacuum.

 

Plasma Arc Welding

This welding method is similar to GTAW, but it uses a smaller arc than GTAW. This increases the precision of the weld. It also utilizes a different torch to achieve much lower temperatures. Gas is pressurized inside the wand to create plasma. The plasma then goes through the ionization process by making itself electrically conductive. This produces an incredibly high temperature that is capable of melting the base metals. This allows plasma arc welding to perform with no filler metal which is a similarity to TIG welding.

 

Atomic Hydrogen Welding

This is an extremely high-heat form of fixing, known as arc-atom welding. This welding method involves using hydrogen gas to shield two electrodes made of tungsten. This shield can reach temperatures above those of an acetylene torch. Also, it can perform with or without a filler metal.

 

Electroslag

This is an advanced method of welding used to join the thin edge of two metal plates together vertically. Instead of applying the fix to the outside of a joint, it will take place in between the edges of the two plates. Here, a consumable metal guide is useful to feed copper electrode wire. This later acts as filler metal.

When electricity generates through the metal, it creates an arc and then the weld begins. It begins at the bottom of the seam and it gradually moves up. This creates the weld in place of the seam as it goes. This is an automated process performed by machine.

 

Conclusion

Hopefully, now you have a basic understanding of the different methods of welding. One can perform some types easily through machines while some require expensive specialty equipment. Also, the quality of consumables that you use in your fixing method also affects your overall budget and result.

So, you should invest in quality consumables like Hypertherm powermax 45 consumables to secure the quality of outcome and save repair costs.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/8-different-types-of-welding-methods

Top 5 Tips to Select the Right Plasma Cutting Consumables

 Choosing the correct plasma cutting consumables is one of the significant steps in ensuring a perfect plasma cutting operation. If not chosen correctly, poorly fitted consumable parts can have a major impact on cutting performance. Damaged or poorly fitted consumables can result in blow-outs, melting, and oddly pitted areas around the nozzles. This is why consumables must be fitted correctly, or else nozzles and body won’t contract that can damage the consumables.

You can avoid these mishaps by selecting the right plasma cutting consumables like hypertherm powermax 45 consumables, hypertherm plasma cutter swirl ring, hypertherm powermax 65 parts, and more. Keep reading this blog post, where we have discussed the top five tips to select the right plasma cutting consumables.

1. Choose the Right Consumables

The first and foremost tip is to select the right consumables for your machine. You might think, what kind of a tip is it? Isn’t this pretty obvious? Well, the answer is both yes and no. You would be surprised to know how many times people pick up the wrong consumables and install them. For instance, the requirement is of hypertherm powermax 45 consumables and you by mistake picked up hypertherm powermax 65 parts. It’s mainly because many consumables look similar. To avoid this, you can verify if the consumables part numbers match the numbers shown in the operator’s manual.

2. Set Amperage as per Your Consumables

The amperage that you choose is based on the amperage of your nozzle. That’s the reason why you won’t find the amperage details in the charts or manual. For instance, if you’re using a 60-amp nozzle, then you should set the amp to 60 as well.

You should ensure that you don’t set the amperage lower than the nozzle requirement. Because if you do it, it will generate a low-density cost that can prevent plasma arc from penetrating the material. At the same time, you should not exceed the amperage value more than the capacity of consumables. If you fail to do it, then it will wear down the nozzle quickly.

Setting a higher amperage will offer you a faster cutting rate. In comparison, the lower amperage will offer a better quality of cut.

3. Know When to Choose Shielded and Unshielded Consumables

You should choose unshielded consumables if your CNC machine does not have ohmic sensing. Similarly, you should go for shielded consumables if your CNC cutting table comes with an ohmic sensing circuit that determines the location of the surface with the use of electrical contact with the material and shield.

4. Use the Proper Pierce and Cut Height

Maintaining height control is essential once the machine starts cutting. If the height of the torch gets increases even by 0.0005 inches, then you’ll see wider kerf, angularity, dross, warpage on thin materials. Similarly, if the torch is a little closer, then the materials are bound to collide. 

Along with the cut height, you also have to maintain the pierce height to ensure the longevity of consumables’ life. High piercing can prematurely damage the nozzle. Whereas, with the low pierce height, the splatter blown can damage the nozzle. The suitable height for piercing is half of two times the distance between work and torch.

 

5.  Check Arc Voltage Measurement

Arc Voltage Measurement is an essential factor in choosing suitable plasma cutting consumables. It’s the unit of measurement between cutting material and electrode. It’s also directly proportional to the plasma arc. Higher the value of arc voltage measurement, the longer the arc. That’s the reason why you must be aware of it. You can check the measurement from the manual and set it.

The setting also includes the cut height as per the consumables. In case the consumables are old and torn, you have to maintain the distance manually.

 Conclusion

Choosing the right plasma cutting consumables is essential, and you can achieve this by following the top five tips mentioned here. Following these tips can ensure top-notch cuts along with long consumable life. Here, we have mentioned the top five tips to select the right plasma-cutting consumables.

Source:

https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/top-5-tips-to-select-the-right-plasma-cutting-consumables

What is Plasma Cutter?

Plasma cutting is a process in which a jet of ionized gas at temperatures above 20,000 C is useful to melt and expel material from the cut. During this process, an electric arc struck between an electrode and the workpiece. The electrode recesses in water or air-cooled gas nozzles constrict the arc that causes the narrow, high temperature, high-velocity plasma jet to form.

When the plasma jet hits the workpiece, recombination takes place, and the gas reverts to its normal state. It emits intense heat as it moves. This heat melts the metal, and gas flow ejects from the cut. Plasma gases are usually argon, hydrogen, or nitrogen. These inert gases replace air, but it requires a special electrode of hafnium or zirconium.

It uses compressed air and makes this variant of the plasma process very competitive with the oy fuel process. Additionally, it cuts carbon manganese and stainless steel up to 20mm thick. Hence, while choosing plasma cutter machines, make sure to choose machines that have Hypertherm hpr260 consumables, Hypertherm powermax 45 consumables. Because they are easy to find and replace if and when needed.

Plasma arcs can cut a very wide range of electrically conductive alloys, including plain carbon and stainless steel, aluminum and its alloys, nickel alloys, and titanium. This method developed to cut the materials which could not cut satisfactorily by the oxy-fuel process.

Normally, the component or sheet to which you cut stays stationary, and only the plasma torch moves. The cost of plasma torches is low compared to other products using the price of manipulation equipment; it is common to plugin multiple torches in a cutting table.

Plasma arc cutting carries out underwater using special equipment.

How Plasma Cutting Works?

The process in plasma cutting and welding is it creates an electrical channel of superheated, electrically ionized gas, i.e., plasma. Forming a finished circuit using an earth terminal is important while using the plasma cutter. To achieve this, it uses a compressed gas, which blows to the material at high speed using a focused nozzle.

Inside the gas, an arc is formed between an electrode near the gas nozzle and the workpiece itself. This electric arc ionizes part of the gas and creates an electrically conductive plasma channel. The current from the cutting torch flows through this plasma; it radiates enough heat to melt through the material. Simultaneously, high-speed plasma and the compressed gas blow the hot molten metal away and separate the workpiece.

Plasma cutting is a great way to cut thin and thick materials compared to hand torches that can cut up to 38nm thick steel sheets; stronger computer-controlled torches can cut up to 150 mm thick steel sheets. Plasma cutters are very useful for cutting and welding sheets in curved or angular shapes as they are very hot. Make sure to have plasma cutting machines which have  hypertherm hpr260 consumables, hypertherm powermax 45 consumables.

Every technology has advantages and disadvantages. Similarly, a plasma cutter has its advantages and disadvantages. Let me walk you through them in brief:

Advantages:

• The operation of one or more burners depends on the series.
• Cuts off all electrically conductive materials
• Cuts of high alloy steel and aluminum materials in medium and large thickness
• It has an excellent performance in small and medium mild steel thicknesses.
• Plasma cutters have high strength structural steel with low heat input.
• They have high cutting speeds, i.e., up to 10 times higher than oxy-fuel
• Plasma cutting guarantees automation
• Plasma cutting underwater allows very low heat exposure and low noise level at the workplace.

Disadvantages:

• It has a restriction of the use of up to 160 mm for dry cutting and 120 mm for underwater cutting
• It slightly wider kerf
• Has relatively high power consumption
• Laser offers high cutting quality
• It is very expensive compared to oxy acetylene cutting systems

Conclusion:

Plasma cutters are one of the best innovations that can help fabricators create out of the box creation and unleash their creativity. Create the next big thing, and we are waiting to see what things you can create.

Source: https://altpartsinc.wixsite.com/altpartsinc/single-post/what-is-plasma-cutter