Best Plasma Cutter Reviews Australia: Top 8 of 2023

How to Choose a Plasma Cutter

While plasma cutters come in all shapes and sizes, from large CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines for industrial use to cheaper, portable plasma cutters, here we will be focusing on the small variety most suited to hobbyists, DIYers, artists, and light cutting business needs. Plasma cutting machines are used to cut through various types of metal through the use of super-heated ionized gas known as plasma. Their methods vary from cutting different shapes and designs in the creation of metal art, to cutting rumpled sheets of metal in industries such as auto repair shops, salvage yards, and construction sites. Nowadays plasma cutters are the de-facto method of cutting metal in professional and home environments as their prices have been drastically reduced in recent years, and their cut quality and ease of use are second to none.

plasma cutting
Cutting the metal sheet using a portable plasma cutter

metal art deer
Metal art was done using a plasma cutter

What Should You Look For In a Plasma Cutter

There are several things to take into account before making a purchase. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:

Inverter: Yes or No

Not all plasma cutters come with a built-in inverter. Those that do are more expensive, but the added price is often offset by the unit’s added portability. The inverter takes direct current (DC) and feeds it through a high-frequency transistor inverter, generally, from 10 kHz to about 200 kHz. This allows the unit to be much smaller in size and thus easier to transport by those who offer mobile services and need to carry the group with them.

Power Specifications:

Pricing on plasma cutters can be affected by its power specs as this determines how thick a piece of metal it can cut and how fast it can do so. Power specs are based on two things: voltage and amperage.

Voltage

Machines that only operate off regular 110/120V wall outlets are less expensive but restricted in the level of work they can do. Plasma cutters that offer dual-voltage capabilities can also work off of 220/240V heavy-duty utility junctions and are able to cut thicker materials. They cost a bit more.

Amperage

The more you know about amperage and how it affects your plasma cutter the better you will be able to get the right cutter. Plasma cutters use electrical currents which are measured in amps (A) to generate the cutting arc. Cutters are available in a variety of rated amps, and consumers must match the amps with the thicknesses of metal they plan to cut and the available power source they will be using.

Most cutters for home use produce between 40 and 50 amps. This is fine for most cutting jobs. Units that double as welders often provide up to 200 amps and are more expensive.

Metal Thickness

For cutting metals that are 1/4-inch thick or less, a low-cost, low-amperage cutter can be used, as low as 25 amps will work. For cutting 1/2-inch-thick metals, 50 amps is acceptable. However, if the metal is more than 3/4 to 1 inch thick, 80-amp or more is best.

Cutting Speed:
Amperage and cutting speed are related as well. A basic rule of thumb is: the higher the amperage, the faster you’ll be able to cut.

Indicators and Controls

All cutters must have at least a power switch and some way to adjust for the proper current setting for the type of material being cut. Above that, many new cutters now include LED indicators that are easy to read, located on the front panel of the unit and cost a bit more. Some groups come with precise digital controls or very high-quality inverters, again, a bit more expensive.

Housing

Some cutters can only be used indoors. However, many cutters now come in houses that allow them to be used in a variety of conditions. The more secure housing units may cost a bit more than the less secured groups, but for those who work outdoors, the added cost is well worth it.

Automated Functions

Many of the newest plasma cutters come with specific computerized functions that, as you might imagine, add to the cost. One of the most popular automated functions is cooling fans that operate only when needed and shut off when not required. There are many other types of auto-functions as well, and units that do not include these are generally less expensive.

Duty Cycle

The duty cycle specification can also relate to cost. Duty cycle refers to the percentage of working (cutting) time to non-working (cooling off) time. For example, a 70 percent duty cycle means that in 10 minutes, seven minutes can be used for cutting continuously, followed by three minutes of cooling off time.

Consumables

Consumables include the nozzle and the electrode. Manufacturer specifications will consist of the expected lifetime of the consumables. Depending on how much you’ll be using your cutter, buying a more expensive plasma cutter that has a longer consumables life, may end up saving money in the long run.

Cut Quality

Different plasma cutter models will offer different cut qualities. Those that provide a more beautiful, more precise cut may cost more, but usually not by much. Even so, for those who will only be doing the rough cutting, savings may be found here.

Before Buying Your New Plasma Cutter

If you have not already decided which unit you’d like to buy, here are a couple of things to keep in mind in addition to the above.

Perhaps one of the most important things to consider is the machine’s cut rating. This refers to the thickness of material that you will be able to cut cleanly while moving the tip at about 10 inches per minute (IPM). Remember that the cut rating is in direct relation and proportion to the machine’s output amperage which can be found on the spec sheet.

Second, select a plasma cutter that cuts the metal thickness you will be cutting most often. If you do not expect to rip through ¾ metal, then there is no reason to buy such a heavy-duty machine. There is an exception to this rule, however, and it is essential.

If you begin many of your cuts by piercing the metal, as opposed to starting from an outside edge, then you should seriously consider selecting a cutter that is capable of cutting twice the thickness you will need. It is essential that the cutter be able to pierce the material quickly, or molten material can splash back onto the tip of the torch, and that will significantly shorten tip life. An affordable way to get around this problem is to check out the LTP5000D which is an excellent choice for home DIY jobs and light duty small business projects.

Important Note About Air Compressors:

Virtually all plasma cutters require the use of an external air compressor. There are a very few models, light-duty in nature, that do not, but for the vast majority of cutters, you will need to have an air compressor to create the pressurized air flow required to operate the cutter.

Consumers should select the model of the plasma cutter that they want before they buy the air compressor. Each plasma cutter has its own air pressure and airflow requirements which you can find on its “Specifications” sheet. The air compressor must be able to meet this requirement or performance will suffer a great deal. Match the air compressor to the cutter; not the other way around.

Industrial Steel in Melbourne | Steel Fabrication Services

Industrial steel in Melbourne is ubiquitous. Steel fabrication for industrial purposes can allude to any number of different sectors, and Steel Fabrication Services is proud to operate as a full line steel service.

The depth of practicality that industrial steel has in the modern world is truly incredible, and there’s a reason why it is so widely used.

Types of Contemporary Industrial Steel

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel accounts for 90% of all industrial steel production in Australia. It has remained mostly unchanged for hundreds of years, due mainly to its inherent simplicity: it is made from only two elements, iron, and carbon. These kinds of steels are often galvanized, through either a hot-dip or surface treatment with zinc.

Alloy Steel

Alloy steels are a combination of multiple elements to create a more pliable material. Stainless steel is a typical example which contains a minimum of 11% chromium, plus nickel, to avoid corrosion. Tool steels are alloyed with tungsten or cobalt to maximize solution hardening. Whether iron, Englin steel, and Maraging steel are other examples of modern industrial alloys.

Use of Industrial Steel

Iron is extremely versatile and is prime for use in a wide variety of industrial applications:

Construction – The majority of steel produced is used in the construction industry. Steel is exceptionally recyclable as it loses very little integrity in the reproduction process and can be reapplied in any number of ways. It is favored by designers due to its adaptability and can be implemented in almost any infrastructural environment. From railways to skyscrapers, steel has contributed to the enormous growth of humanity in recent centuries. Quite literally.

Transport – Steel is the backbone of Australian carrier. Industrial steel is favored in the manufacturing of cars, trucks, boats, trains, and planes due to its strength, versatility, and resistance to corrosion.

Energy – Steel is also an integral part of the energy industry, used mainly in oil and gas production, pipeline distribution, wind turbines, transmission towers, and electrical turbine components.

The Appliance Industry – Over 70% of household appliances are made from industrial steel. Think ovens, stovetops, fridges, washing machines and sinks.

Packaging – Steel cans have been one of the most reliable forms of food and beverage packaging for over 200 years. It is air-tight and fully recyclable.

The depth of practicality that steel fabrication has in the modern world is truly incredible. Steel Fabrication Services are proud to work in a range of fields in the steel industry, from steel detailing and drafting, steel installation and delivery and working with structural steel.

If you need professional advice from a steel fabricator, or to get a steel quote from us, contact us here, because no one knows steel as we do.

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Huntsman W20 490P Welding Helmet Review

Australian General Engineering is a Melbourne based General Engineering business that provides a comprehensive range of complete sheet metal fabrication Services