the fourth state of matter. • For ex. If we add heat energy, the ice will change from a solid to a liquid, and if more heat is added, it will change to a gas (steam). When substantial heat is added to a gas, it will change from gas to plasma, the fourth state of matter. Plasma can be defined as a “superheated, electrically ionized gas. System Components Torch Power Supply Arc Starting Circuit Gases used Primary Gases: Gases that are used to create the plasma arc. Examples are nitrogen, argon, hydrogen, hydrogen, or mixture of them
Secondary Gases or Water:
Surrounds the electric arc to aid in confining it and removing the molten material. Safety Precautions
• Maintain constant distance between torch
and work piece. • High labor safety (i.e. goggles, gloves, etc…). • Proper training for operators. • Protection against glare, spatter and noise from the plasma. Advantages - Disadvantages • Cuts any metal. • Large heat affected • 5 to 10 times zone. faster than oxy- • Rough Surfaces fuel. • Difficult to produce • 150 mm thickness sharp corners. ability. • Smoke and noise. • Easy to automate.