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BOC Smoothcut Plasma 40 Operating manual
3.4 Process Comparisons
Process comparisons
Characteristic
Air plasma cutting
Oxy-fuel cutting
Metals
Any conductive material. Cutting thickness depends on power
source capacity. Typically very thin to 50 mm
Restricted to steel. The formation of an oxide during cutting
of Aluminium and SS prevents the process being used
Industries
All forms of metal fabrication, art sculptures, hobby and DIY
All forms of metal fabrication, art sculptures, hobby and DIY
Pre‑heating
Not required
Required on most steel to prevent cracking
Productivity
• Due to the fact that no pre‑heating is required the
overall cutting process time is reduced.
• High speed cutting of thin materials.
• Produces a small, thin kerf width and minimal post
cut cleaning is required
Highly portable and relatively low cost to set up
Versatility
Highly versatile, stack cutting of material and combinations of
different materials can be cut.
No additional gas cylinders required
The process can be adopted to welding, brazing and
heating of materials
Safety concerns
Electrical process, therefore a risk of electrocution exists.
Appropriate safety clothing must be worn
Gas process therefore a risk of flashbacks occurring leading
to explosion of cylinders.
Appropriate safety clothing must be worn
3.5 Work Return Cable Assembly
The work return cable and clamp forms an integral part of the plasma
cutting process and if it does not make proper contact the efficiency of
the process is greatly reduced.
It is therefore essential to ensure that the correct size cable and clamp
is fitted to the machine and that the work return clamp is properly
connected to the workpiece to be cut.
24799 Smoothcut Plasma 40 OP Manual CC D7.indd 9
16/04/2014 1:00 pm
