Oxy-Fuel Cutting or Plasma Cutting?

Ever wondered if oxy-fuel or plasma cutting was best for your next project? Each one has its pros and cons, so we here at Canaweld would like to talk about them in detail so you can make the right decision for your needs.

Plasma Cutting

What is it?

Plasma cutting is used for a number of different welding projects, but mainly used to perform gouging or cutting procedures. The average system will be able to cut a max metal thickness of around one inch. Usually, with this process, plasma will need a source of compressed air & electrical power. Due to the smaller and more compact design of plasma machines, the portability aspect really makes it a convenient tool to have. The need for electrical power is quite easy, as most job sites will provide them.

The Advantages

• It’s versatile: Plasma cutters work great for cutting a wide variety of different metals including aluminum, steel and cast iron. These are materials that have become quite popular in a number of different fields and industries.
• Clean Cuts: Plasma cutters are often extremely precise, cutting quicker than normal with very little slag.
• No need to preheat: Since plasma doesn’t need to be heated prior to operation, you save a lot of money and time.
• Generally safer: Worried about storing or handling explosive gases or working with open flames? No need when you utilize plasma cutting.

Oxy-Fuel

What is it?

When you decide to use oxy-fuel cutting, an oxygen/gas flame heats up the steel to its temperature of ignition. Afterwards, a powerful oxygen jet is directed towards the metal creating slag. The jet then removes slag from what is known as the kerf.

A lot of aspects will interfere with how your oxy-fuel cutting process works, specifically when it comes to your choice of fuel gas. In general, there are a total of four basic gases commonly used and they are; acetylene, propane, natural gas and propylene.

The Advantages

• Best suited for thick metal: While plasma cutters only work to cut a maximum metal thickness of an inch, oxy-fuel cutters can cut up to six to twelve inches thick!
• It’s portable: Just like plasma cutters, oxy-fuel cutters can be purchased in smaller sizes and brought with you almost anywhere. They also don’t require electrical power, which maximizes overall portability.
• Versatile Use: Whilst plasma cutters are versatile in the sense of cutting different metals, oxy-fuel cutters are versatile because they can be used to do more than just cut. They can also weld, solder, gouge, heat and braze certain materials.

Let Our Team Help

If you need plasma cutters that truly do the job right and with the utmost precision, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Canaweld, we offer a wide variety of different welding machines, equipment, tools and safety gear so you can go about your next welding project with safety, efficiency and quality. To learn more about our products and how we can help, be sure to contact us at (416) 548-5650 today!