Development of a novel pulsed arc system for precision plasma cutting

The current pulsation is one of effective manners to contract and thus stiffen plasma cutting arc. The present work develops a novel pulsed arc system for precision plasma cutting, by paralleling the ultrasonic-frequency pulse generator with conventional plasma cutting power supply. The implementation of the system is introduced, and then its electrical and vibration characteristics are investigated in detail. Cutting experimental results finally show that the pulsed arc process can improve plasma cut quality obviously while increasing the electrode life, and thus demonstrate the effectiveness of the system.