New and Used Plasma Welding Machines

What is a plasma welder?

PAW enables welding thicknesses from 2 to 8mm (stainless steel, duplex steel, super duplex, carbon steel) in a single pass at speeds ranging from 200 to 500mm/min (depending on the thickness). Perfect for road tankers, brewery - dairy - food & beverage - pharmaceuticals - chemicals storage tanks manufacturing!

Plasma TIG welding is performed in manual, mechanised, or robotic operations. If you are going to invest in a plasma welding system, you will need the following equipment:

• Power source supply
• Welding torch
• Plasma control console
• Gases (orifice and shielding gas)
• Torch coolant

Accessories include remote control for current, gas flow timers and an on-off switch.

Power Source: The power source used for plasma arc welding is similar to TIG welding (GTAW). Both TIG and plasma TIG processes use constant-current power sources. Along with a high-frequency source for arc starting.

Welding Torch: A plasma welding torch holds the electrode, allowing the current to pass through. Using an inner nozzle for the supply of the orifice gas or plasma gas. With an outer nozzle for the supply of shielding gas. The nozzles create a keyhole effect, hence the name plasma keyhole welding.

Plasma Control Console: The crucial control systems of plasma arc welding are held in a plasma console. Also known as plasma control console or console. The console is generally integrated with the power source, but it can also be available as a stand-alone unit. A typical plasma console includes controls for plasma gas flow, shielding gas flow and pilot arc current.

The most common automation for PAW is fitted to a longitudinal seam welder. A plasma welding system can be added to any of the new or used welding equipment we supply. Including a seam welder, lathe welder or automated positioner.

What is Plasma Welding?

The plasma arc welding process is an arc welding process like TIG welding. However, the electrode is situated within the body of the torch, separating the shielding gas and the plasma arc. This restricts the plasma through the nozzle, creating a constricted arc. There are 3 types of plasma welding:

• Microplasma welding (0.1 - 15A), used for fine welding and thin sheet.
• Medium current welding (15-200A), used as an alternative to conventional TIG welding.
• Keyhole welding (over 100A), used to weld thicker material with an increased current plasma gas flow

Plasma Arc Welding Applications.

Plasma welding is ideal for welding materials like stainless steel and titanium. Common applications include welding stainless steel tube and pipes. As well as small components like tooling, dies and moulds. Industries that benefit from plasma in welding are the automotive industry and cryogenic tank manufacturers. Also the medical industry and aerospace engineering.

Plasma Arc Welding Advantages and Disadvantages.

Using the plasma TIG welding process can increase welding speeds, improve results, and save money. A high plasma gas flow offers deep penetration, with greater tolerance to surface contamination. However, as with all welding processes, there is some drawbacks. These include more complex and costly equipment when compared with TIG welding. Especially taking into account any training and safety equipment. Noise levels can also be an issue, with the arc travelling at higher speeds compared to other arc welding processes. This can be harmful, and contributes to the extra PPE needed. Plasma welding procedures can also be more complex. Making them less tolerant to variables including fit-up. Other disadvantages include production of more radiation, thermal distortion and consumable wear.

Plasma Welding vs TIG Welding.

Plasma welding and TIG welding are similar arc welding processes. In that the arc forms between between the electrode and the workpiece. Plasma welding offers better control, due to the constriction of the arc. It's also very stable, making it ideal for precision welding applications. The heat affected zone is much smaller compared to TIG welding, as there is no filler material needed. Which also contributes to less material distortion too.

Learn more about plasma welding in the resources section of our website.
Take a look at our current plasma welders for sale,or if you have a plasma tig welder you're looking to sell, click here to complete the form and send details to our buying team.