PowerMax 30XP Handheld Plasma Cutter

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Warning Safety glasses Eye protection required!



Handheld Plasma Cutter
The Metal Shop's plasma cutter
General Info
Make Hypertherm
Model PowerMax 30XP
Serial {{{serial}}}
Specs n/a
Manual PowerMax 30XP Manual
Asylum Info
Location Metal Shop
Rubric n/a
Training
Testing
Restrictions red


Description

Similar to an arc welder, a strong electric current is passed between an electrode and the workpiece. A conductive plasma forms in the gap between the two electrodes, reaching a temperature around 15,000 Kelvin (~25,000° F)

In a plasma cutter the arc is combined with a jet of air. The air jet clears molten metal from the workpiece, allowing the machine to make deep cuts in metal sheets. In some metals, especially steel, the air also contributes heat by oxidizing the metal under the arc.

Use For:

Cutting, piercing, or gouging metals

Mild or Hard steel

Stainless steel

Copper and alloys

Aluminum

Titanium

Cutting thickness up to 5/8 inch (16mm)

Piercing thickness up to 1/4 inch (6mm)

Do Not Use For:

Toxic metals (Lead, Zinc, etc)

Galvanized steel

Non-metals

Flammable materials

Safety Notes

  • Plasma radiation and UV can damage eyesight. Shade 5 eye protection or darker required.

• Wear welding gloves, face protection, cotton clothing (no synthetics) and closed toe shoes.

• Ear protection recommended.

• Toxic fumes may be emitted, especially from chromium-containing alloys such as stainless steel and tool steels. Wear a respirator in those cases.

• Arc ignites immediately when torch trigger is pushed.

- It cuts quickly through gloves and skin. - Keep hands, clothes, and objects away from the torch tip. - Keep hands clear of the cutting path. - Never hold the workpiece. - Never point the torch toward yourself or others.

* Various safety links to keep you awake at night:

Welding Fumes

Metal Fume Fever

Hexavalent Chromium

ANSI - General Safety in Welding and Cutting

Best Practices

Shaded goggles.png
  • ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION! It is mandatory in the Metal Shop, even if you aren't doing anything but looking around.
  • For the plasma cutter, wear Shade 5 goggles or better. The requirement is similar to that for the Oxy-Acetylene Torch.
  • Instant-On Torch. Before plugging in, make sure the power switch is in the OFF (O) position. Hand Torch safety catch reduces accidental firing.
  • Remove flammable objects and liquids from the work area.
  • Note fire extinguisher location and use.
  • Do not use a drum or other closed container as a cutting table.