April 28, 2025

Plasma Arc Machining(PAM)

Plasma Arc Machining is metal removal process in which metal is removed by focusing a high velocity jet of high temperature on the workpiece.

When a gas is raised to a temperature of 30000 C, the atoms get ionized. This phase of ionized gas is termed as Plasma.

In Plasma Arc Machining, an arc is generated between the hot cathode and the workpiece acting as the anode.

A gas is introduced around the cathode and is allowed to flow through a narrow path towards the anode.

In the narrow path, the temperature of the gas rises close to 28000 C and the plasma trasfers heat rapidly to the workpiece and the materials get melted and vaporized.

The plasma torch is made of copper.

Typical Parameter that are used with PAM :

Velocity of Plasma Jet – 500m/s

Material Removal Rate – 150cm3/min

Specific Energy – 100W/cm3.min

Power Range – 2 to 200KW

Voltage – 30 to 250V

Cutting Speed – 0.1 to 7.5m/min

Current – Upto 600A

Advantage of PAM :

  1. It is equally effective on any electrically conductive material regardless of its hardness or refractoriness.
  2. The rate of cutting is high.
  3. It doesn’t require any special surface preparations or use any dangerous chemicals for clearing after machining.

Disadvantage of PAM :

  1. Because of intense heat used, Heat affected zone is high.
  2. Safety precautions are necessary.

Applications of PAM :

  1. The major application of PAM is in cutting.
  2. It can also be used in an operation similar to turning where the plasma torch is applied to a rotating cylindrical surface.
  3. This is chiefly used to cut stainless steel and alumiinum alloys. Profile cutting of metals particularly of alloys, turning and milling of materials which are hard and difficult to machine.

Mechanical Adda

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Rishav Kumar
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