Plasma Arc Machining (PAM)

Plasma Arc Machining is used to remove material from the workpiece. In this
process, a high velocity jet of high-temperature gas is used to melt and remove
material from the workpiece. This high velocity of hot gas is also known as plasma
jet.

Plasma arc machining (PAM) is a non-traditional machining process where a high-

temperature plasma arc is used to melt and remove material from a workpiece.
The process involves ionizing a gas to create plasma, which then generates intense
heat to cut or shape materials like metals. PAM is known for its precision and
ability to handle various materials, but it can be complex and requires careful
control of parameters for optimal results.
Construction of Plasma Arc Machining:

In a tiny chamber, the tungsten electrode is picked up by the plasma arc

cutting torch. These electrodes are linked to a D.C. power supply’s
negative terminal, Thus, it serves as a cathode and the nozzle serves as
an anode. To provide gas to the chamber, a small entrance is
constructed on one side of the flame. The water circulated around the
torch to maintain its temperature.
1. Chamber: Contains a tungsten electrode that acts as a Cathode
2. Base: Contains a copper nozzle that acts as an anode.
3. Gas:Introduced around the cathode and flows through the anode.
4. Arc: Generated between the cathode and anode.
5.Temperature: Can reach 28,000 °C in the narrow orifice around the
cathode.
 Working:
1. In PAM Machining, constricting an electric arc through a nozzle generates the
basic plasma jet. Instead of diverging into an open arc, the nozzle constricts
the arc into a small cross-section.
2. This action greatly increases the power of the arc so that both temperature
and voltage are raised.
3. After passing through the nozzle, the arc exists in the form of a high-velocity,
well-illuminated and intensity hot plasma jet.
4. The basic heating phenomenon that takes place at the workpiece is a
combination of heating due to the energy transfer of electrons
5. Recombination of dissociated molecules on the workpiece, and the
convective heating from the high-temperature plasma that accompanies the
arc.
6. Once the material has been raised to the molten point, the high-velocity gas
stream effectively blows the material away.
Advantages of Plasma Arc Machining:
1) Hard as well as brittle metals can be easily machined with this process.
2) Plasma Arc Machining gives a faster production rate.
3) Small cavities can be machined using this process with good dimensional
accuracy.
4) It can be used for rough turning of very hard materials.
5) It is also used in machines that are used to repair jet engine blades.

Disadvantages of Plasma Arc Machining:

6)The equipment used in Plasma Arc Machining are very costly.
7)Metallurgical changes take place on the surface of the
workpiece.
8)The consumption of inert gas is high.
9)As oxidation and scale formation takes place, shielding is
required.
Applications of PAM:
1)It is used in mill applications.
2)It is also used in the nuclear submarine pipe system.
3)Used in welding rocket motor case.
4)Used in welding of stainless steel tubes.
5)PAM is an ideal choice for cutting titanium plates up
to 8 mm in thickness, providing precise and efficient
machining capabilities.