title = "Plasma Arc Cutting: Process and Safety"

content = """
Plasma arc cutting (PAC) uses a constricted, high-velocity jet of ionized gas (plasma) at temperatures exceeding 30,000°F (16,650°C) to melt and blow away metal, cutting through electrically conductive workpieces of virtually any metal. At Ridgecrest Metalworks, plasma cutting is used for shape cutting of steel plate, stainless steel, aluminum, and other conductive metals in thicknesses from 24 gauge sheet to 2-inch plate.

The plasma torch generates plasma by passing a gas (air, nitrogen, argon-hydrogen, or oxygen) through an electric arc struck between the electrode and the nozzle or directly to the workpiece (transferred arc mode). The arc superheats the gas to plasma state; the constricted nozzle orifice accelerates the plasma jet to high velocity, which melts and forcibly ejects the molten metal from the kerf. Secondary shielding gas around the plasma jet further confines the arc and improves cut quality and edge squareness.

Cut quality is characterized by kerf width, edge squareness (angularity), dross (solidified material adhering to the bottom edge), and heat-affected zone (HAZ) width. Higher-quality plasma systems (precision plasma, high-definition plasma) use tighter arc constriction and better torch design to produce near-laser-quality cuts with edge angles within 1–2 degrees of vertical, minimal dross, and narrow HAZ.

Plasma cutting parameters include: current (amperes, matched to plate thickness and material), cutting speed (IPM), torch standoff height (distance from torch tip to work surface), and gas type/flow rates. Too slow a speed produces excessive dross and a wide HAZ; too fast produces incomplete penetration or top-edge rounding. Standoff height is typically maintained by arc voltage feedback in CNC applications.

CNC plasma cutting tables use Cartesian positioning to cut complex programmed shapes accurately and repeatedly. Nesting software maximizes material utilization from plate stock.

Safety requirements: plasma arc ultraviolet radiation intensity is very high—operators must use shade 9–12 filter lenses. Fumes from cutting galvanized, coated, or stainless steel require local exhaust ventilation and/or respiratory protection. The torch nozzle and electrode are consumables and must be replaced when worn to maintain cut quality and prevent torch damage.
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version = "0.0.1"
