New capabilities for high-power dry June 13, 2002 The evolution
of high power dry plasma technology and other cutting methods,
such as conventional dual gas PAC, water injection PAC, high
precision PAC, and laser for metal fabrication. Variables such
as, process speed, cut quality, productivity, and cost per foot
are discussed in detail. Plasma arc cutting (PAC) technology has
come a long way since its commercial introduction to metal
fabrication 40 years ago. Advances in PAC torches and power
supplies have led to improvements in the edge quality of plasma-
cut aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steels. Today's plasma
systems can produce flatter, smoother cut surfaces; consistent
and smaller bevel angles; less dross; and, overall, more
dimensionally accurate cut pieces. Advancements in PAC
technology led to the dry plasma system, a variation of the
conventional dual-gas plasma system pioneered in the early
1980s. Looking at variables such as process speed, cut quality,
productivity, and cost per foot can he