Plasma Welding Equipment

Plasma welding is similar to TIG welding. The difference is that in plasma welding, the arc is sharply constricted by a cooled gas nozzle through which a flow of plasma gas is directed. The shielding gas flows through the outside gas nozzle, providing an optimum gas shield to the weld seam. The result is a concentrated arc with maximum energy focus.

The plasma process has been used in a variety of operations ranging from high volume welding of strip metal, to precision welding of surgical instruments, to automatic repair of jet engine blades, to the manual welding of kitchen equipment for the food and dairy industry.

Plasma gases are normally argon. The torch also uses a secondary gas, argon, argon/hydrogen or helium which assists in shielding the molten weld puddle thus minimizing oxidation of the weld.

Brands You Trust

Minneapolis Oxygen carries the highest quality plasma machines and accessories (and gases) from the leading manufacturers—including ESAB, Hypertherm and Victor—in the industry:

  • Plasma machines
  • Torches
  • Consumables

For more information on plasma equipment and supplies, visit one of our many locations or talk to our experts for free at 800-236-3902

When choosing a welder, it is important to understand the basic welding processes and their uses. The four basic welding processes are listed below.

MIG Welding

MIG Welding, also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), is a process developed in the 1940’s that is considered semi-automatic and requires electricity to produce heat, an electrode to fill the joint and a shielding gas to protect the weld from the air. A MIG welder utilizes a constant DC current while wire and gas are fed continuously through the welding gun and leads as the gun’s trigger is depressed. It is most commonly used in fabrication environments where production needs are high.

Common shielding gases include:
  • Argon
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • 75/25 Mixed Gas
  • Helium

TIG Welding

TIG Welding, also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), is a manual welding process that requires the welder to use two hands. One hand holds the TIG torch that produces the arc and the other hand is used to add the filler metal to the weld joint. TIG Welding is the most difficult process to learn but is the most versatile. When done correctly, TIG Welding produces the highest quality weld. It is heavily utilized for critical weld joints, welding metals other than common steel and for where precise, small welds are required.

Common shielding gases include:
  • Argon
  • Helium
  • Ar/He Mix

Stick Welding

Stick Welding, also known as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), is a manual process that is often used in high wind outdoor repair situations. It utilizes a power source connected to an electrode holder. Current passes through the leads to the electrode. Shielding gas is not needed for this process because the electrode is covered in flux which protects the arc during a weld.

Flux Cored Welding

Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) is very similar to MIG welding. The main difference is the filler metal is hollow and filled with flux, so a shielding gas is not required for this process. Flux cored welding is often used in high wind outdoor repair situations.