Plasma cutting uses compressed air as both plasma gas and cooling. Clean, dry air with stable pressure is essential for clean cuts and long consumable life.
Flow and Pressure
- Plasma cutters need a steady air supply at the rated pressure.
- Check the cutter manual for CFM and pressure.
- Choose a compressor above the minimum requirement.
Air Quality
- Moisture and oil shorten consumable life and degrade cuts.
- Use a refrigerated dryer and filtration.
- Keep the air dry at the plasma unit.
Duty Cycle
- Plasma cutting can be near-continuous duty.
- A screw compressor handles sustained load.
- Add a storage tank for pressure stability.
Why does my plasma cutter need dry air?
Water in the air damages the torch consumables and causes rough, inconsistent cuts.
Talk to an Engineer
Contact Panrui with your flow, pressure and air quality requirements to get a recommendation and factory quote for your project.