Cutting aluminium

Improvise · Post by **Improvise** » Fri Mar 25, 2022 7:25 am

I am in the process of setting up a plasma cutting business. Mainly doing deco screens, mail and house plates, wall art etc.
I like the idea of mainly cutting aluminium. It seems to cut quite nicely and doesn't need much clean up and can be sold raw or painted. Obviously it is light which is great for shipping and doesn't have any issues with rust.
The only concern I have is from what I have read about explosions caused by hydrogen being created when cutting on a water table. I understand that I should never leave a sheet on the table after cutting over night (trapping in the hydrogen) and proceed to cut the next day which may cause an explosion.
I was wondering if anyone here does mainly aluminum cutting and if they have ever had any problems or explosions or just any advice in general regarding the safety of cutting aluminium? If I try to remove as many as the cut pieces from the water table, always remove sheets off the table overnight, and clean the table twice a year (or whatever you guys recommend), is this enough to operate safely??

I will mostly be cutting 2mm and 3mm 5005 aluminium.

Are the any other health concerns I need to be aware of cutting aluminium vs mild steel?

Thanks in advance....This forum has been a great source of knowledge to help me get started on my new venture!

Post by **robertspark** » Fri Mar 25, 2022 8:15 am

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=28791&p=174300&hili ... en#p174300

Improvise · Post by **Improvise** » Fri Mar 25, 2022 9:25 am

robertspark wrote: Fri Mar 25, 2022 8:15 am viewtopic.php?f=3&t=28791&p=174300&hili ... en#p174300

Thanks Robert. I feel much more comfortable cutting aluminium after reading those posts!

Post by **robertspark** » Fri Mar 25, 2022 10:14 am

Improvise wrote: Fri Mar 25, 2022 9:25 am
robertspark wrote: Fri Mar 25, 2022 8:15 am viewtopic.php?f=3&t=28791&p=174300&hili ... en#p174300
Thanks Robert. I feel much more comfortable cutting aluminium after reading those posts!

The one to look at is the one from Jim Colt who used to work for Hypertherm and has a lot of experience for many many years. Take any of his posts as gospel on plasma cutting, everything else is opinion unless it's in a reputable manufacturers manual.

Improvise · Post by **Improvise** » Fri Mar 25, 2022 10:48 am

Yes I have noticed that Jim Colt seems to be the "guru" on all things plasma. Seems to be a very well respected and knowledgeable man

Post by **Larry83301** » Fri Mar 25, 2022 1:32 pm

Improvise wrote: Fri Mar 25, 2022 10:48 am Yes I have noticed that Jim Colt seems to be the "guru" on all things plasma. Seems to be a very well respected and knowledgeable man

Yes he is! And very helpful!

Larry

Cutting aluminium

Cutting aluminium

Re: Cutting aluminium

Re: Cutting aluminium

Re: Cutting aluminium

Re: Cutting aluminium

Re: Cutting aluminium