Plasma 101: How Hot Is a Plasma Cutter?
Being in this business for many years, we know that one of the most common questions we are asked is ”how hot is a plasma cutter?”. And honestly? We never really knew how to answer that question because, well, it never crossed our minds!
As we began to see this question come up more and more, we decided to do a little digging and figure out just how hot plasma cutters can get. And what we discovered was pretty surprising!
In this article, we are going to answer that question once and for all. We’ll also talk about the different types of plasma cutters and their respective temperatures. Let’s get started!
How Hot Is a Plasma Cutter? | The Facts
When it comes to how hot a plasma cutter gets, there is no definitive answer. That’s because the temperature of a plasma cutter can vary depending on the type of cutter you are using, as well as the thickness and materials you are cutting.
Generally speaking, however, most plasma cutters can create flames that reach temperatures of up to a shocking 25,000 degrees Celsius, or 45,000 degrees Fahrenheit! When that’s compared to a standard Oxyacetylene flame, which burns at a mere 9,000 degrees Celsius, it’s easy to see why plasma cutters are so popular!
In fact, plasma cutters are so hot, that even looking at the flame could potentially damage your eyesight. So, let’s be very clear: if you are using a plasma cutter, do not ever look directly at the flame! Not if you want to keep your vision, at least!
How Hot Is a Plasma Cutter? | The Science
Believe it or not, some experts claim that a plasma cutter’s extreme heat is the result of a mini solar system. Yup, that’s right!
When you cut with a plasma cutter, you are essentially sending an electric current through the air. And this electric current creates a magnetic field. It is this magnetic field that then causes the gas in the air to break down into individual atoms. These atoms are then heated to such high temperatures by the electric current that they turn into plasma. And it is this plasma that is responsible for the extreme heat of a plasma cutter!
Some scientists claim that a plasma cutter is warmer than the temperature of the solar surface, which sits at 9,941 degrees Fahrenheit. This interesting tidbit is what leads some to believe that a plasma cutter can produce 4 times more heat than the sun!
In addition to what’s mentioned above, some even state that the plasma cutter is warmer than the earth’s core, which Is only 10,800 degrees Fahrenheit. So, if you ever wanted to experience some of the heat of the sun or the earth’s core, all you have to do is use a plasma cutter!
Who Can Operate the Plasma Cutter?
If the plasma cutter’s heat is similar to that of a knife cutting through cheese, we won’t worry about what would happen if it comes into touch with our skin and, if it did, the consequences would be devastating.
As a result, being aware of this feature’s limitations is critical. This mechanism must only be operated by those who have been trained and authorized to do so, with plenty of experience and safety knowledge. In other words, never try to use a plasma cutter if you are not familiar with how it works and what the risks are!
Now that we’ve covered the facts of “how hot is a plasma cutter” and learned who can use it, let’s move on to safety precautions.
Precautions for Plasma Cutting – How to Protect Yourself
As the plasma cutter is an incredibly dangerous device, beginners in the business should not try to operate or adjust it without proper guidance. The consequences could be serious and even life-threatening!
⦁ Experience: If no one is available who is sufficiently trained to work with a plasma cutter (it’s suggested that the person in charge of the novice has at least three years of expertise) then the best option is to leave the cutter alone and look for an alternative way of cutting the materials.
⦁ Clothing: As with any device that emits heat, proper heat-resistant clothing must be worn when using a plasma cutter. This means long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, and safety goggles, which all will stop sparks from coming into contact with the skin. In addition, it’s important to avoid loose clothing and jewellery, as both can easily catch on fire.
⦁ Hand Protection: We recommend leather gloves for hand protection, but if you don’t have them, welding gloves can be quite beneficial. In addition, this may go without saying, but never use a plasma cutter barefoot, or while wearing shoes that reveal your feet.
⦁ Environment: When using a plasma cutter, it’s also important to be aware of the surroundings and what could potentially happen if things go wrong. Keep in mind that the sparks produced by the cutter can easily ignite nearby materials, so always use caution when working in an environment that has a lot of flammable objects.
⦁ No Water!: This may seem counterintuitive, but if a plasma cutter is used near water – even a small amount – it can create an electrical current that will shock the user. So, it’s important to remember to keep all forms of water away from the cutter while it’s in use. Remember to dry your hands and equipment thoroughly when you’re finished using the cutter to avoid any accidents.
⦁ Double Check Equipment: Ask a professional electrician to check the equipment before use and after work. Faulty equipment can be extremely hazardous, so it’s important to have a second pair of eyes look over everything before beginning work. And yes, we mean real electricians, not just your pals who are “good with tools.” Trust us, it’ll spare your life and the life of others in the long run.
All of the instructions above should be taken seriously in order to stay safe while using a plasma cutter. With the right precautions in place, this device can be a powerful and efficient way to cut through a variety of materials – but it’s important to always be aware of the risks involved.
If you’re interested in “How to Use a Plasma Cutter,” check out the following link, where we cover the basics of the equipment and how to make your first cut in detail. See More. The above video also provides a basic overview of the plasma cutter and how it works!
You can see some very important details in this video.
Summary
Where to Place Your Plasma Cutter
This may be a small detail, but it’s actually quite important to place your plasma cutter in the right spot. Improper placement can lead to accidents and a decrease in the overall efficiency of the cutter.
Here are a few tips for where to place your plasma cutter:
⦁ Near an electrical outlet: Plasma cutters need a lot of power in order to operate, so it’s best to place it near an outlet where you have easy access to an extension cord.
⦁ On a level surface: Make sure your plasma cutter is placed on a stable surface so that it doesn’t wobble or move around while in use. This could lead to inaccurate cuts and potential accidents.
⦁ In an open area: The sparks produced by the cutter can easily ignite nearby materials, so it’s important to always use caution when working in an environment with a lot of flammable objects.
⦁ Out of reach of children: Plasma cutters are extremely dangerous tools and should be kept out of the reach of children at all times.
⦁ Next to a fire extinguisher: In the event of a fire, it’s important to have a fire extinguisher nearby to put out the flames.
Final Thoughts On How Hot Is a Plasma Cutter
We hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of “how hot is a plasma cutter.” Remember to always use caution when working with this device and to follow all of the safety precautions listed above.
Just to clarify; never operate a plasma cutter if you are not trained to do so. It’s important to have experience with this type of equipment before using it on your own. Also, please bear in mind that plasma cutters create gasses, so it’s always crucial to work in a well-ventilated environment. If your work environment is stuffy, gasses can accumulate very quickly and put your health at risk over time. Ensure doors and windows are open to allow fresh air to circulate when using a plasma cutter.
Apart from the boring stuff, plasma cutters are actually pretty fun to use. And, when operated correctly, you can make the most beautiful and precise cuts with this device. We encourage you to browse through our guides and videos to learn more about plasma cutting and how to use a plasma cutter like a pro.
If you’re ready to take the plunge and buy your own plasma cutter, we’ve got you covered. Check out our selection of the best plasma cutters on the market today.
Happy cutting!
FAQs
Our most frequent questions and answers:
Q1. Can A Plasma Cutter Cut Your Finger Off?
If you burn the plasma over it, it’s unlikely that your finger will be melted off if you cut the metal beneath. However, if your finger was beneath the metal you were cutting due to the intense heat that goes below the blade, it would do significant damage.
Q2. Are Plasma Cutters Dangerous?
Fumes, dust, and gasses produced by plasma cutting are a number of hazards to operators if not properly controlled, including: Fume inhalation – ailments will vary in severity depending on the type of metal being cut, but they may include headaches, eye irritation, nose and throat discomfort, dizziness, and nausea.
Q3. Do You Need To Wear A Mask When Using A Plasma Cutter?
When it comes to working with a plasma cutter, most people prefer wearing safety goggles (goggles that darken), but if they’re using a torch with an adequate amplifier, Zaitsa will need a face mask for safety reasons.
Q4. What Shade Is Needed For Plasma Cutting?
A shade setting of 5 is pleasant for operating a plasma cutter on 40 amps or less.
Q5. How Hot Is a Plasma Cutter?
How hot is a plasma cutter exactly? Well, generally speaking, most plasma cutters can create flames that reach temperatures of up to a shocking 25,000 degrees Celsius, or 45,000 degrees Fahrenheit!
