Cutting Ar 400 steel

[Giger1039]

The plasma cutter I am using can cut up to 3/8". (35amps) I am planning on cutting 3/8 ar400 with it. Will it cut the same as 3/8 mild steel? Sorry if the question seems stupid but never cut hardened steel before. I am planning on upgrading my cutter but I would like to know if I should before I waste some of a $611 plate! Thanks in advance!

[Thor]

IME it cuts the same

[cutnweld]

You may have to cut slower. Harder steel tends to have mag fields that can pull slag back up to kerf. Or so it seems to me. At least thats what I run into cutting 1" ar200 with my 85.

[Giger1039]

Awesome thanks guys

[cstroke]

Yes, very similar IMO... Most of the time its the same every once in a while you have to cut slower depending on the batch..

[bhamer62]

For laser cutting, we get it in pre blasted, most of your drossing will come from the skin on the underside of the material. If it still isn't being user friendly we slow it down to bout 80% or bump up the air pressure.