Plasma cutters are fast and efficient for cutting thick metal, but can be expensive and require proper handling to avoid damage. They don’t need preheating and can cut up to 6 inches deep. Slag buildup and hardened edges are common issues, but can be managed with regular cleaning and careful use.
Plasma cutters are hailed as the best cutters on the market for the automotive and industrial markets, as well as other markets where workers commonly cut thick metal. While there are multiple benefits to using a plasma cutter, there are some drawbacks associated with using it. Most pros and cons lists list price as the main drawback, but there are also some serious functional problems with plasma cutters, especially when workers cannot handle the cutters properly. If workers know how to mitigate weaknesses, plasma cutters can be efficient for most industries.
The cutting speed and depth of plasma cutting units are superior to most other contemporary cutters. In terms of speed, plasma cutters operate four to five times faster than other cutters. This allows workers to cut metal much faster than with other cutting units. Along with the high speed, the plasma cutter can also punch through metal without any additional tools. In depth, a plasma cutter can cut 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) or more in any conductive metal, depending on the model of the cutter.
Another factor that makes plasma cutters run faster is that no preheating is required. Most cutters need a few minutes to an hour to warm up before the cutter can start working on the metal. With a plasma cutter, the operator can cut metal the moment the cutter is turned on, allowing workers to be more efficient.
Inefficient workers and employees who are just starting to use plasma cutters can use the cutter incorrectly. This includes pushing the cutter too hard or not letting it cool down after use. If used improperly, parts of the plasma cutter can break easily. This increases operating costs, but can easily be mitigated if the cutter is in the right hands.
When the cutter is used often, slag builds up on and around the parts. Slag is a useless material that can interfere with the efficiency and use of the cutter and, if not removed, can lead to parts breaking or shorting out. Higher-end cutters tend to have less dross, but they should still be cleaned regularly for the cutter to perform at its best.
Plasma cutters normally produce precise cuts, but edges affected by heat can be hardened. These hardened edges can reduce the efficiency of the part being created or, when the edge cools, it can look sloppy. If workers are able to take this into account when creating parts, this weakness can usually be mitigated or worked around.
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