Last Updated on May 2022
There are many different versions of “the great debate” these days, ranging from fun topics like “Star Wars or Star Trek?” to thornier political discussions. Another debate that seems to be a popular topic in certain industries is which is better, oxy-fuel cutting or plasma cutting?
There’s only one way to try to settle this debate, so let’s dig in!
While those unfamiliar with the subject may not know the difference between these two methods, the comparison isn’t as simple as some might think.
Oxy-Acetylene is the process of using a high-temperature heat source, usually a torch, to heat metal. Then, oxygen is streamed onto the metal, burning it away as a metal oxide. Meanwhile, plasma cutting cuts through conductive material by using a jet of plasma and an electrical charge.
While both cutting methods can usually get the job done, each technique has features that give it an advantage over the other. This makes choosing between the two reliant on the exact job that needs to be done and the things that are important to how you want the job completed.
This means a final verdict to this debate may not be possible, as there are pros and cons to each of them.
Pros and Cons of Plasma Cutting
Plasma cutters are the kings of precision and versatility, plain and simple. A cut made with a plasma cutter is much more precise and leaves as little mess (or slag) as is possible. When you make a cut with a plasma cutter, there’s not much cleanup on the kerf.
When it comes to versatility, the cutting method used by a plasma cutter is the winner for most. A plasma cutter will allow you to cut shapes, pierce metal, and more. While an Oxy-fuel cutter has its specialties, what puts plasma over the top in versatility is its ability to work on aluminum and stainless steel; an Oxy-fuel cutter won’t get the job done on either of those materials.
The primary downside of plasma cutting is that it struggles to handle material over two inches thick, but for cleanliness and precision, it can’t be beaten.
Pros and Cons of Oxy-Acetylene Cutting
Plasma may be precise, but Oxy-Acetylene is far and away the most powerful cutting method. While plasma can cut materials up to a couple of inches, oxy-fuel can cut through materials that are up to two feet thick. When it comes to power, it’s not even close. Of course, the drawback of this increased power is that cuts with oxy-fuel are messier and require much more cleanup.
An Oxy-Acetylene rig is usually the more affordable between the two, which is a positive that could, unexpectedly, turn into a negative If precision and clean cuts are essential to the work you need to do. A plasma rig could wind up being a cheaper investment over time, because clean-up takes time, and the cost of supplies will add up.
Additionally, if you need to work with aluminum or stainless steel, plasma is your only option.
Performance vs. Cost
The buildup of costs over time plays a large part in deciding which of these two types of cutting rigs to invest in.
Plasma cutters are usually more expensive than oxy-fuel cutters. For many, this can wind up being a case where the up-front savings don’t offset the continued expense, though, because the additional costs of using oxy-fuel can build up over the life of the machine.
With the messiness of an Oxy-Acetylene cutter, you’ll use more gases and materials to get a clean cut than you would with a plasma cutter. Also, while you’re using those extra gases to clean up an oxy cut, you’re also using up valuable work-hours that could be spent continuing the project.
When it comes to performance, plasma cutters are incredibly versatile and do things oxy-fuel cutters simply can’t handle. While an Oxy-Acetylene cutter is the choice for cutting extremely thick material, plasma does the job quickly and cleanly in other cases.
Final Thoughts
Oxy-Acetylene has been around for a long time and has been used successfully for generations for jobs large and small. Plasma, on the other hand, is a very recent invention, really coming into widespread use over the last 20 years.
Unless you need the power of oxy-fuel, you may be pleasantly surprised by what a plasma cutter has to offer.
