plasma arc machining intro and application.pptx

Plasma arc welding is an advanced form of tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding. In the case of TIG, it is an open arc shielded by argon or helium, whereas plasma uses a special torch where the nozzle is used to constrict the arc while the shielding gas is separately supplied by the torch.

1. Int r oduction 1 Plasma arc machining (PAM) is a non-conventional machining process that utilizes a high-temperature plasma arc to remove material from a workpiece . It is commonly used for cutting and shaping various types of conductive materials. Here are the working principles and applications of plasma arc machining:

2. General working principles 2 Generation of Plasma: PAM involves the creation of a high-temperature plasma arc. A gas, typically nitrogen, oxygen, or argon, is passed through a nozzle, where it is ionized to form plasma. The plasma is a highly ionized gas consisting of positively charged ions, negatively charged electrons, and neutral atoms. Plasma Arc Formation: An electric arc is established between the electrode (cathode) and the workpiece (anode). The electric arc ionizes the gas, creating a conductive path for current flow. The ionized gas, or plasma, is directed towards the workpiece through a focused nozzle.

3. Shaping Planning Broaching Sawing 3 Material Removal: As the plasma arc is directed towards the workpiece , the high-velocity plasma jet heats and melts the material. The molten material is then blown away by the force of the plasma jet, resulting in material removal. General working principles

4. Plasma Arc Machining

5. 5 Applications: Cutting: PAM is widely used for cutting conductive materials such as steel, aluminum, copper, and alloys. It is particularly useful for cutting thick sections or complex shapes where traditional cutting methods may be limited. Shaping and Profiling: PAM can be employed for shaping and profiling applications where precise control of material removal is required. It is used in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and metal fabrication, to create intricate shapes and contours on workpieces . Hole Drilling: Plasma arc machining can be used for drilling holes in conductive materials. It offers advantages over conventional drilling methods, such as increased drilling speed, ability to drill complex-shaped holes, and minimal burr formation.

6. 6 Applications: Surface Modification: PAM can be utilized for surface modification processes like surface cleaning, texturing, and etching. The high-velocity plasma jet can effectively remove contaminants, oxides, or coatings from the surface, resulting in improved adhesion for subsequent processes. Weld Preparation: Plasma arc machining is often employed for weld preparation, especially in cases where precise bevel angles and profiles are required. It can efficiently remove excess material and create accurate groove configurations for welding operations. Rapid Prototyping: PAM has found applications in rapid prototyping and manufacturing processes. It can be used to cut, shape, and profile prototype parts from various materials, allowing for faster development and evaluation of designs.

7. 7 Conclusion: Overall, plasma arc machining offers advantages such as high cutting speeds, flexibility in material selection, and the ability to cut complex shapes. However, it also requires specialized equipment and expertise to control the plasma arc and achieve desired results.

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