What Is Plasma In Welding?

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Plasma welding is one of the newest advancements in welding technology. It is a powerful arc welding process, which creates an incredibly stable and controlled heat source. This process is now used for both large and small scale welding jobs.

It is estimated that more than 5 million welding professionals perform plasma welding on a regular basis, and the total annual cost for all plasma welding jobs approaching $7 billion.

Plasma welding offers the highest weld quality, enhancing the job’s efficiency and maximizing the ultimate strength and durability of the product. So, what is plasma in welding?

Let us explore this question further.

What is Plasma in Welding?

Plasma welding is a type of welding process that uses a stream of hot plasma to join parts together.

This process is ideal for joining thin or dissimilar metals and for making intricate welds on thin material. In plasma welding, an electric arc is created between an electrode and the workpiece using a controlled flow of argon gas. The plasma arc is hotter and more localized than an oxy-acetylene flame, making it ideal for making precise, intricate welds.

How Does Plasma Welding Work?

Plasma welding works by generating a plasma gas stream at extremely high temperatures. This plasma stream is generated between an electrode and the workpiece.

The heat generated by the plasma arc melts the metal of the two components being welded. Once the pieces are joined by the arc, the flow of gas stops and the weld is cooled down.

Advantages of Plasma Welding

Plasma welding offers a range of benefits over other traditional welding processes:
  • Plasma welding is a very precise process, which allows for intricate shapes to be welded with great accuracy
  • It is ideal for welding thin metals that may not be suitable for traditional welding methods
  • It is capable of welding metals of different thicknesses together
  • It is easy to control and gives a uniform, consistent weld
  • Parts are joined without the need for any additional metallurgical processes

Disadvantages Of Plasma Welding

While plasma welding offers many advantages over other traditional welding processes, there are some drawbacks to consider as well:
  • It is a specialised welding method; operators require specific skills and require a considerable amount of training to become proficient
  • The welding process is relatively slow when compared to other arc welding methods
  • It is not suitable for welding thicker materials as it does not generate enough heat or penetration
  • The welding equipment is more expensive than traditional welding machines

Conclusion

Plasma welding is a precise, specialised welding process that is ideal for joining thin and dissimilar metals. It is a slower process than other arc welding techniques, however, the results are higher quality and greater accuracy.

While the equipment is more expensive than traditional welding machines, it offers a wide range of benefits that can result in higher quality welds. Citation URL:https://www. lincolnelectric.

com/en-us/knowledge/articles/2019/january/plasma-weldinghttps://www. praxairdirect. com/resources/welding-how-to/welding-processes/plasma-welding-process

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