Understanding capacity ratings

There is no industry standard for rating plasma systems, so it is important to take care when comparing products from different manufacturers.

Handheld cut capacity

Recommended
The thickness of mild steel on which the system delivers good cut quality and speeds at or greater than 20 ipm (500 mm per minute). Eighty percent or more of cutting should be at the recommended thickness.

Severance
The thickness of mild steel that can be reasonably severed at a minimum of 5 ipm (125 mm per minute) but with poor cut quality. Cutting the severance thickness should be infrequent.

Mechanized pierce capacity

The thickness of mild steel that may be pierced with good cut quality and without excessive wear on the consumable parts. If edge starting, the cut capacity is the same as handheld capacity.