Best size air compressor for Plasma Cutter
When choosing an air compressor for a plasma cutter, the most important factor to consider is the compressor’s CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating, as this determines how much air the compressor can deliver to the plasma cutter.
The CFM rating should be at least as high as the plasma cutter’s CFM requirements, which can typically be found in the cutter’s specifications.
Other factors to consider when choosing an air compressor for a plasma cutter include the compressor’s PSI (pounds per square inch) rating, which should be at least as high as the cutter’s PSI requirements, the compressor’s tank size, and the compressor’s portability.
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As a general rule, for a Plasma cutter that requires at least 5 CFM at 65 PSI, you would want an air compressor that can provide that amount of flow at that pressure, with some headroom.
A good example would be a compressor that can provide at least 6CFM at 90 PSI.
In short, when selecting an air compressor for a plasma cutter, make sure the compressor can deliver the required CFM and PSI, and consider additional features such as the compressor’s tank size and portability.
What Size Compressor Works Best for Plasma Cutter?
The size of the air compressor that works best for a plasma cutter will depend on the specific requirements of the cutter and the type of work you will be doing.
For most plasma cutters, a compressor with a CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating of at least 5 CFM at 65 PSI is recommended. This will ensure that the compressor can deliver enough air to the cutter to support its operation.
However, it’s important to check the specifications of your plasma cutter to determine its exact CFM and PSI requirements, as these can vary between different models.
Additionally, if you plan to use the plasma cutter for heavy-duty cutting or for extended periods of time, a compressor with a higher CFM and PSI rating may be necessary.
Furthermore, the compressor’s tank size is also important to consider, a larger tank will provide more air storage, allowing you to cut longer without stopping to wait for the compressor to fill up.
When cutting larger pieces of metal or working on bigger projects, a larger compressor with a higher CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating may be necessary to support the operation of the plasma cutter.
A compressor with a higher CFM rating can deliver more air to the cutter, which can improve the cutter’s performance and efficiency, allowing you to make bigger cuts with less downtime.
For example, Hypertherm Powermax125 plasma cutter requires 260 l/min (550 scfh) @ 5.9 bar (85 psi) for cutting operations.
Tips for buying best Compressor for Plasma Cutter
When selecting an air compressor to use with your plasma cutter, it’s crucial to match the compressor’s CFM rating with the CFM consumption of your cutter.
This is because the compressor’s CFM rating determines how much air it can deliver to the cutter, and the cutter’s CFM consumption determines how much air it needs to operate efficiently.
If you’re using a plasma cutter for occasional or hobby projects, a compressor with a CFM rating slightly above the minimum recommended in the manual will suffice.
However, if you’re doing frequent cutting or cutting thick steel, it’s recommended to use a compressor that is 1.5 to 2 times the plasma cutter’s requirement.
Maintaining a well-functioning compressor is crucial for achieving precise and clean cuts with a plasma cutter.
A compressor is a vital component of a plasma cutting system, as it provides the air pressure needed to create the plasma arc. The plasma arc is what actually cuts through the metal, and the air compressor is responsible for providing the air that is ionized to form the plasma.
If the compressor is not functioning properly or if the air pressure is too low, the plasma arc will not be able to cut effectively and the cuts will be of poor quality.
In addition, a poorly maintained compressor can also lead to increased wear and tear on the plasma cutter and other parts of the cutting system, resulting in costly repairs or replacements.
Therefore, keeping the compressor in good condition is essential for achieving high-quality plasma cuts.
