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A plasma cutter uses superheated gas to slice through metal as if it were paper. Plasma is the fourth state of matter, distinguished by breakdown of molecules at the atomic level and extremely high temperatures. Plasma is what happens after matter is heated beyond the point where atomic bonds can exist. Protons, neutrons and electrons separate from one another and collide chaotically in a superheated soup. This soup can be focused like a laser to cut metal into pieces and shapes. Plasma cutting makes much cleaner cuts and is highly valued by precision manufacturers. Automobile and aircraft parts as well as machine tools are made with plasma cutting because of the need for accuracy and speed. Nothing forms metal like plasma cutting. When combined with another technology known as computer numerical control or CNC, the results are astounding. The operator programs the computer with a specific set of instructions. The computer activates the plasma cutter and cuts out a shape or design from the metal step by step automatically. Such complete automation removes human error entirely and greatly increases productivity. CNC plasma cutters are popular for their ability to make exact cuts accurate to within a fraction of an inch. A particular example is the Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry. Ductwork is an essential part of this industry. CNC plasma cutter has been used to make customized ducts for installation in unique houses. Plasma cutting serves a valuable function in the HVAC world as it does in other industries. A plasma torch controlled by a CNC machine can deliver vastly superior results over alternative methods. A CNC plasma cutter can cut from multiple angles and the machine will cut at depths of up to three inches. They are much cheaper than laser cutters. It all depends on the type of cut and the thickness of the material. Plasma cutters only work with ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The heat of the plasma will incinerate anything else such as wood, paper or cardboard. The type of material determines the efficacy of the cut when it comes to plasma cutting. Sometimes using a water jet cutter may be appropriate. Some models combine a plasma cutter with a water jet cutter to be able to handle a broader range of materials. Experimentation may be required to determine what types of metals work best under what conditions. Plasma cutting seems to be the best option available. CNC Wood Routers: Overview
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