OXYFUEL CUTTING OR PLASMA? ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Plasma cutting is a technology that harnesses the fourth state of matter, consisting of the passage of electrical energy through a conductive medium — in this case, air. This phenomenon is known as plasma, which has the ability to cut metals. The temperature of this electric arc can reach between 5,000 and 30,000 degrees Celsius. However, this process is safer and more economical than oxyfuel cutting, as it does not require flammable combustible gases. In addition, its easy portability makes the plasma process the best ally in hard-to-reach locations, and the simplicity of programming combined with a stable plasma arc make the cutting process easy to operate for both beginners and experts. Today it is a myth that plasma cutting equipment is more expensive, as its advantages compared to oxyfuel cutting make this process a sound long-term investment, since it meets many industry needs and is used with increasing frequency across the different branches of metalworking, as it can cut any type of metal, such as aluminum, copper, bronze, brass, steel, stainless steel, etc.

Some advantages of plasma cutting are:

The technology used in this process provides better quality and cleaner cuts depending on the thickness of the material to be cut. The speed can be up to 6 times greater compared to oxyfuel cutting, which helps cut more material in less time, as it cuts any conductive metal. This process can also be automated with cutting tables for repeated or serial cuts, and no preheating is required to initiate the cut, reducing heat-affected zones. It is ideal for thinner material thicknesses, and the kerf is cleaner, making slag removal easier and faster (slag is the material that melts during cutting and adheres to the workpiece). The cost-benefit ratio of using this process is a very important variable to consider, as investment is only required in the power source and air compressor, providing continuous cutting capability, whereas oxyfuel cutting incurs ongoing expenses for both combustible and oxidizing gases.

Some disadvantages of plasma cutting are:

The disadvantages of this process are very few, making it highly profitable given its benefits. The most common are exposure to hazardous fumes, ultraviolet radiation, and high noise levels, as well as electrical hazards. Its initial investment is somewhat higher compared to oxyfuel cutting, and consumables tend to be more expensive. Many of these factors can be avoided by making proper use of the equipment and taking the necessary safety precautions.

Some advantages of oxyfuel cutting are:

The oxyfuel process is a chemical combustion process in which two gases are mixed to generate a flame that can reach 3,200 degrees Celsius. It should be noted that industry is in constant development, and with it, technology and its requirements tend to demand speed and efficiency. This is a factor that makes oxyfuel cutting an outdated cutting process, despite having many advantages such as lower equipment and consumable costs compared to plasma. It has a greater capacity to cut large material thicknesses, its beveling capability is quite useful, and it does not require electricity, allowing this process to be used in the most remote locations. Multiple torches can also be used simultaneously.

Some disadvantages of oxyfuel cutting are:

When comparing this process to plasma cutting, its disadvantages are overwhelming. One of the most significant is its low productivity, as its cutting speed is very slow. There is also a limitation on the metals that can be cut, as it is restricted to carbon steel with certain alloys and cast irons. This process requires greater operator skill with respect to the material being cut, heat input is very high, and the cut finish is poor, leaving a slag that is difficult to remove and generating additional work and extra costs for its removal. The flammable gases and their fire hazard lead many companies to prefer working with plasma.