Plasma Cutting Speed Calculator
Calculate optimal cutting speed for plasma arc cutting based on amperage and material.
Cutting Capacity by Amperage
| Amperage | Quality Cut | Sever Cut |
|---|---|---|
| 45A | 6mm (1/4") | 12mm (1/2") |
| 65A | 12mm (1/2") | 19mm (3/4") |
| 85A | 16mm (5/8") | 25mm (1") |
| 130A | 25mm (1") | 38mm (1.5") |
| 200A | 38mm (1.5") | 50mm (2") |
| 300A | 50mm (2") | 75mm (3") |
Plasma Cutting Fundamentals
Speed Selection
Optimal cutting speed balances cut quality against productivity. Too slow = excessive dross, too fast = incomplete cuts. The "quality window" is typically 80-100% of maximum rated speed.
Signs of Incorrect Speed
- Too Slow: Low-speed dross on bottom, excessive top edge rounding, wider kerf
- Too Fast: High-speed dross, arc trails backward, incomplete penetration
- Correct Speed: Vertical drag lines, minimal dross, clean bottom edge
Gas Selection Guide
- Mild Steel: Oxygen plasma / Air shield - best edge quality and speed
- Stainless Steel: N2 or H35 plasma / N2 or CO2 shield - prevents oxidation
- Aluminum: N2 or Ar/H2 plasma / N2 shield - cleaner cuts
- Air/Air: Economical for mild steel, acceptable quality