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READING THE DROP CUT

Step-by-step instructions for perfecting your plasma cutting technique. Similar to how an archeologist can read the history of a canyon wall, an experienced plasma cutting operator can take one look at the surface and tell you what went right, what went wrong, and how to correct your mistakes.

Posted: December 31, 2019

Three examples of a good cut made with Esab’s Cutmaster 58 manual plasma unit. Cut A shows the maximum capacity on 1-inch steel. Cut B (on ½-inch steel) shows steady travel but room to move faster as indicated by perpendicular lines.

Cut B (on ½-inch steel) shows steady travel but room to move faster as indicated by perpendicular lines

With its 15-degree drag lines and smooth surface, Cut C demonstrates the maximum travel speed and perfect torch mechanics.

Knock off dross by using another piece of metal or chipping hammer and orient the blow parallel to the plate.

To create a smoother cut surface, the operator braces his left elbow on the table and use his left hand to support the torch.

Excess dross indicates insufficient travel speed. The “jog” in the middle happened when the operator “lost the cut,” meaning the arc went from a cutting arc to a pilot arc because there was no more metal to remove.

Because the plasma jet exits the bottom of the plate at an angle, pause at the end of cut so the plasma jet can cleanly sever the bottom corner. That obviously did not happen here.

Similar to how an archeologist can read the history of a canyon wall, an experienced plasma cutting operator can take one look at the surface and tell you what went right, what went wrong, and how to correct your mistakes.

Their ability starts with understanding the plasma jet is a swirling, three-dimensional, superheated column. With temperatures up to 30,000 degrees F, the plasma jet blasts through any metal that conducts electricity. After knowing the nature of the tool, next comes understanding how to use the tool—controlling travel speed, torch height, torch angle, and torch manipulation—to produce a good cut that enables the part to move to the next fabrication step with as little additional work as possible.

DEFINING GOOD

The swirling plasma jet leaves striations, or “drag lines,” on the cut surface. A good cut has fine, consistent, and parallel drag lines from top to bottom. They may be perpendicular or angled by up to about 15 degrees, with the variability caused by a combination of travel speed and torch angle.

A good cut also has a square top edge, no top splatter, and very little dross on the bottom of the cut. Dross results from metal that melted and re-solidified instead of being ejected by the force of the plasma jet. A small amount of dross is acceptable.

Good cuts result from good mechanics. For cutting with an exposed tip, hold the torch 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch over the top of the workpiece (or use shield cap that provides a built-in standoff). Because an unsteady hand will appear as inconsistencies in the drag lines, brace yourself properly; trace the cut path to ensure you can move freely before triggering the torch. A torch with a consumables design that offers a clear view of the cut path can help.

TRAVEL SPEED

When cutting, a proper travel speed causes the plasma jet to exit the bottom of the workpiece at a 5-to-15-degree angle. Moving too slowly causes the arc to “over-burn” the kerf (cut width). At a minimum, this can cause fit-up issues. In addition, dross builds up on the bottom of the cut because the arc burns more metal than it needs to, so the cut requires more cleaning time.

Excessive travel speed makes sparks fly in all directions. Because the arc hasn’t fully penetrated the plate, the molten metal has no place to go. Below the plate, it shoots out a rooster tail of sparks at an extreme angle, which will be evidenced by J-shaped drag lines. In all probability, you won’t sever the metal and will need to re-cut the piece.

TORCH POSITION

During the cut, hold the torch mostly perpendicular. That said, it’s OK to tilt the top edge of the torch 5 to 10 degrees toward the direction of travel (a “drag technique” if you want to equate it to welding).

However, too much tilt extends the arc more than necessary, and the arc might struggle because you’re trying to cut through more material than required. J-shaped drag lines and excess dross can also indicate too much of a tilt. Straightening the torch will create a cleaner cut, as well as increase travel speed by as much as 20%.

Other cut imperfections include top-edge rounding, likely caused by holding the torch too close to the plate. The excess heat digs into the material and rolls over the edge of the cut.

PAUSE AND ROLL

If you’re familiar with the sounds of swearing while swinging a hammer to slam off a part hung up at the beginning or end of the cut, correct the problem by moving the torch like pendulum on a grandfather clock.

Assuming a left-to-right travel direction, use this order to make a drop cut. Position the top of the torch over the edge of the plate, point the torch at the 7 o’clock position, trigger the arc, and roll the torch to the 6 o’clock position. Pause for a second on the edge of the plate, allow the arc to penetrate through to the bottom of the material, and then move forward. The “roll” ensures you sever the plate’s top edge and the pause ensures you catch the bottom corner.

Exiting the cut requires reverse the technique. When the top torch of the torch has reached the end the plate, remember that the plasma jet is lagging by 5 to 15 degrees. If you’ve been using a slight drag angle to the torch, roll the torch to a perpendicular position and pause for a moment to allow the plasma jet to catch up. Finish the cut by rolling the torch toward the 3 o’clock position to sever the top corner, then enjoy the sound of a clean drop cut.

Kris Scherm is global manual plasma business and product director for ESAB Welding & Cutting Products in Annapolis Junction, MD. Email kristofer.scherm@esab.com.

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