32 Plasma Cutting

The plasma cutting process involves:

• Using a high-velocity jet of ionized gas to cut through metal.

• Melting metal with a laser beam.

• Cutting metal with a mechanical saw.

• Using water pressure to cut through metal.

Metals best suited for plasma cutting are:

• Aluminum, stainless steel, and mild steel

• Copper, plastic, and wood

• Glass, rubber, and ceramic

• Lead, zinc, and tin

The functions of plasma cutting equipment components are:

• To generate and control the plasma arc for cutting metals.

• To provide only mechanical support for the workpiece.

• To cool the metal after cutting is complete.

• To sharpen the cutting blade before use.

Take appropriate safety precautions when plasma cutting.

• Wear proper protective gear and follow safety guidelines.

• Ignore safety instructions and work quickly.

• Use plasma cutter without any protective equipment.

• Work in a cluttered and poorly ventilated area.

Proper techniques should be used to produce what kind of cut with a plasma torch?

• A clean cut

• A rough cut

• A jagged cut

• An uneven cut

CNC plasma cutting equipment and processes are best described as:

• Computer-controlled machines that use a high-velocity jet of ionized gas to cut through metal.

• Manual tools used for woodworking and plastic cutting.

• Laser-based machines for engraving on glass surfaces.

• Mechanical saws operated by hand for cutting wood.

What is plasma in the context of plasma cutting?

• A solid metal

• A gas heated to an extremely high temperature and ionized to the point that it becomes electrically conductive

• A type of liquid

• A type of plastic

Plasma cutting melts a concentrated area in ________ base metal.

• conductive

• insulated

• non-metallic

• plastic

Plasma cutting blows through metal and blows molten metal away.

• True

• False

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of plasma cutting?

• A) Easier to cut intricate patterns

• B) Keeps heat in base metal lower

• C) Only cuts non-metal materials

• D) Can cut straight lines and beveled edges