[TheForge] air comperssor specs (ot)

[Ries Niemi]

When plasma cutters were first invented, in the late 50's, they did  
indeed use nitrogen.
But all commercial models for the last 15 to 20 years are set up to use  
compressed air.
Nitrogen is still used on some alloys, particularly stainless, where  
oxidisation would be a problem.
But its rare, and expensive.

The average plasma cutter needs about 50psi, and it will keep a 1 to 2  
hp compressor running all the time. A 5hp is a better idea, especially  
if you are doing long cuts.
For my machine, which is automated, and can make a cut that is hundreds  
of inches long, I have a 7 1/2hp compressor with an 80 gallon tank. And  
even it sometimes goes into continuous run mode if we are cutting big  
pieces of thick stuff.

ries


On Feb 7, 2007, at 11:12 AM, Bruce Freeman wrote:

> Kenny,
>
> "Bar" is a pseudo-metric unit of pressure.  1 bar ~ 1
> atm ~ 15 psi.
>
> The spec you quoted says nothing about air consumption
> (which is what SCFM is all about).  You'll have to
> find that out separately.  I don't know much about
> plasma cutters, but I don't think they use all that
> much air.  (In fact, I thought they used nitrogen, not
> air.  But whaddo I know?)
>
> Bruce
> NJ
>
> --- "Kenny O." <phat at cavenet.com> wrote:
>
>> Hello
>> I  understand this horse was beaten just recently.
>> I was unsuccessful at finding a resource to meet my
>> needs outside of
>> this resource.
>> This information is for an E.S.A.B. Powercut 650
>> plasma cutter.
>>
>> Here are the questions:
>>
>> a.) How does..." Air Requirements @ 80 PSIG
>> (4.8-5.2) bars"
>>     convert to type of compressor needed? Of course
>> I will need a
>> compressor
>>     that will meet these requirements,
>>
>> b.)but what are "bars" 5.2 to be precise
>>     (not the belly-up-to variety), my compressor has
>> a rating of SCFM
>>
>>
>> The compressor that I have is rated 7.6 scfm @ 40
>> PSI  w/ 20 gal tank,
>> which may work for about 6"
>> of cut ...is my guess.
>> Is there knowledge of a web site with info on the
>> pneumatics that one
>> might lead me to?
>> My Machinerys Handbook is of little help, I think
>> it's older than air.
>>
>> Thank you all
>> Kenny O
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Ries Niemi
Industrial Artist

http://www.RiesNiemi.com