No matter what reaction goes inside the gas, cutting metal using plasma cutting is pretty simple and straightforward. As the operator, you only need to constrict a stream of gas that is conductive and force it to flow through a small orifice. The steam will be moving densely and at very high speed resulting in melting and blowing of metal. This is how a plasma torch is used to cut conductive metals. Once the plasma torch is lit, the user only needs to direct it onto the workpiece for cutting to take place.
In plasma cutting, only metals that can conduct electricity are cut. These types of metals include aluminum and stainless steel. However, metals that are conductive but have low melting points won’t produce high-quality finished products. Initially, plasma cutters were only used for metals that couldn’t be cut using oxy-fuel cutters. In one cutting table, you may find several plasma torches because they are not as costly as other cutting techs such as laser or water jet cutters.
Flow Sensors Used in Plasma Cutting
When using plasma cutting, it is vital to use proper flow sensors that help to sense if there is any equipment failure in the system. There are many types of flow sensors used in many applications. Here are some of the popular flow sensors used in plasma cutting:
Collision Flow Sensors
Using expensive machines in various industries such as plasma cutters and laser cutters, it is important to care for them to avoid collisions. Most metal cutters in larger production sites are automated, which means that they run on programs. Unless a new program is released and confirmed, these machines may collide and break down, causing huge losses. So, what device is needed to help machine failure? The answer is flow sensors. Although there are plenty of flow sensors in the metalwork industry, the most appropriate to use in plasma cutters are known as collision sensors.
Collision sensors help to prevent accidents that may happen when machines stop functioning or when they malfunction. In case of any collision, overload, or impact, these dynamic variable crash sensors use pressure drives to send a stop signal to the system controller. They also release the air chamber, absorb shock, and protect for every axis. These flow sensors are helpful in many applications like arc welding, loading and unloading, and parts mounting.
100 Series Flow Switches
If you are using a plasma cutter and you want to measure water at 25 °C or 77 °F, then 100 series flow switches offer the best options. These flow sensors only work with water. Attempting to use it with other fluids won’t give you accurate reading because of different fluid velocities. These types of flow sensors also measure fluids in various ranges.
8000XHT Series - Extreme-Temperature Flow Sensors
When dealing with liquids and fluids that transfer heat of about -60 °C to 200 °C, these types of extreme temperature flow sensors will work out just fine. Proteus produces different kinds of flow meters and flow sensors for different kinds of applications. Our flow meters offer great services due to their long lifespan if maintained and calibrated properly.
Conclusion
Plasma cutting will only work as expected when used with the right types of flow sensors. This means that you should consider the application and the type of plasma cutter you are using when choosing different flow sensors.
