Cutting Galvanized Sheet Metal With Plasma

The zinc in galvanized steel can react with moisture from the scrap metal creating a highly flammable stream of hydrogen that shoots out when the outer layer of galvanized steel is cut.

Cutting galvanized sheet metal with plasma.

Presently we shear and punch parts from a 4x12 sheet. Jigsaws and metal cutting band saws are more work but can make most cuts in light to medium sheet metal. Average size of the part is about 12 x6 with various cut outs and holes if i could use the plasma to cut these parts out it would save a lot of time. The process of using tin snips is very similar to using scissors.

Prevent an explosion from such a reaction by treating such cutting as if high pressure gas is inside the compartment when you start cutting. A handheld cutting tool fitted with a metal cut off wheel will easily cut through sheet. How to join galvanized metal without melting the galvanized coating duration. Arrange the teeth of your tin snips over the marked line on your sheet metal.

Cut along your measured line with tin snips. Use 1 hand to lift 1 half of the sheet metal while using your opposite hand to cut along your pre marked line with slow gradual cuts.