Plasma Cutting Stainless Steel Fumes

An inert gas is blown at high speeds through a nozzle.

Plasma cutting stainless steel fumes.

Stainless steel fumes will contain more chromium and nickel than mild steel and both of these metals are toxic. The type of chromium released is called hexavalent chromium or hex chrome which is a highly carcinogenic gas with links to health conditions such as cancer and respiratory problems. Fume associated with welding and cutting stainless steels fume associated with welding stainless steel. Plasma cutting is one of the most popular processes for cutting steel and other metals in many manufacturing shops.

It s often reported that drinking milk can help prevent this condition and many people swear by it. A exhaust channel the of fumes and oxides in different cutting cutting were in 8 mm mild air and oxygen and 8 and 35 mm with nitrogen all of 200 as the cutting 2 7 and. Does plasma cutting produce hex chrome plasma arc cutting of stainless steel will produce hexavalent. Little or no solid state phase transformation is observed in the microstructure.

The plasma cutting processes used to cut mild steel stainless steel and other metals generate fine particulate dust and fumes that can be harmful to workers machinery and electronics if not properly controlled. The hidden dangers of plasma cutting smoke. 13 plasma cutting generates fume gases noise and ultraviolet radiation uv hazards. Cutting stainless steel with a plasma cutter.

Welding is the occupation most likely to result in this condition but plasma fumes and laser cutting fumes can also cause it. It is also a hobby for many metal cutting enthusiasts. 14 the nature of fume depends upon the metal being cut and upon any coatings. Of in dry or platz design of of and conditions.

Because it s a thermal cutting process it produces plasma cutting smoke. Iron steel cast iron and copper. Plasma arc cutting of austenitic stainless steel alloys produces a haz characterized by a thin layer of resolidified metal adhered to the cut edge. Using a plasma torch to cut metal creates metal dust smoke and fumes that are unhealthful to breath see reference 3 subhead clear the air.

This document does not deal with uv hazards. The thickness of the resolidified layer generally is in the 10 to 30 m range less than 0 001 inch. Cutting of stainless steel is potentially the most hazardous as the fumes will contain chromium and nickel. Plasma cutting of stainless and mild steel institute of fröjd.

Thermit welding uses a chemical reaction to produce intense heat instead of using gas fuel or electric current. Pressure welding uses heat along with impact type pressure to join the pieces.