14.4 Chapter Conclusion
Karl Fulton
Summary
Plasma arc cutting is an amazing process that harnesses the ability of electricity and air (or other gasses) to cut almost anything that conducts electricity. This is a very fast and easy process to use that makes it extremely advantageous to production and very versatile for CNC tables and other mechanized operations. There are drawbacks in portability and start up cost. Once you get past the initial start up cost PAC is extremely easy to maintain a low cost to run. There are also minimal safety concerns when working with PAC. Throughout your welding career you will want to have a firm understanding of PAC as you will see it often.
Review Questions
- What does PAC stand for?
- What are two benefits of PAC?
- What are two drawbacks of PAC?
- What is PLasma?
- How hot is plasma?
- 18,000-40,000 degrees F
- 4,000-6,500 degrees F
- 60,000-100,000 degrees F
- 500-2,000 degrees F
- Using oxygen will increase cut speeds on carbon steel.
- True
- False
- Using oxygen on stainless steels is the cheapest way to go.
- False
- True
- What shade should you use when cutting with 30 amps?
- Why would you mechanize a plasma torch
- What would the benefit of having a hand held torch be?