User Manual

Version Number: ZS-CUT50DP-20210204A1
7
maintain a constant current through the joint.) Electrons arc across the gap, ionizing and super heating the air
creating a plasma stream.
4. Finally, the regulated DC current is switched so that it no longer flows to the nozzle but instead flows from the
electrode to the work piece. Current and airflow continue until cutting is stopped.
1. Ring 2. Nozzle 3. Plasma Stream 4. Shield Cup 5. Electrode 6. Steel
Notes:
The nozzle and electrode require periodic replacement. The electrode has an insert of tough high conductive
material such as hafnium and cerium. This insert erodes with use, also the nozzle orifice will erode with use.
Quality of the air used is paramount to longer life of electrodes and nozzles, in short clean dry air gives longer
parts life, the cleaner and dryer the better. We recommend use of a Plasma Air Filter.
7. What kinds of materials can the plasma cut?
Virtually any metal can be plasma cut including steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper, etc. Any thickness
from 30 gauge through 13/16" can be cut, depending on the power of the plasma cutter used.
8. How Does Plasma Cutting Compare to Oxy-fuel (gas) cutting?
Plasma cutting can be performed on any type of conductive metal - mild steel,aluminium and stainless are some
examples. With mild steel, operators will experience faster, thicker cuts than with alloys. Oxy-fuel cuts by burning, or
oxidizing the metal it is severing. It is therefore limited to steel and other ferrous metals which support the oxidizing
process. Metals like aluminium and stainless steel form an oxide that inhibits further oxidization, making conventional
oxy-fuel cutting impossible. Plasma cutting however does not rely on oxidation to work and thus it can cut aluminium,
stainless and any other conductive material. While different gasses can be used for plasma cutting, most people
today use compressed air for the plasma gas. In most shops, compressed air is readily available, and thus plasma
does not require fuel gas and compressed oxygen for operation. Plasma cutting is typically easier for the novice to
master, and on thinner materials, plasma cutting is much faster than oxy-fuel cutting. However, for heavy sections of
steel (1" and greater), oxy-fuel is still preferred since oxy-fuel is typically faster and, for heavier plate applications high
powered plasma machines are required for plasma cutting applications.
9. What are the limitations to Plasma Cutting? Where is Oxyfuel preferred?