Upshire-based Esab Group (UK) Ltd (www. esab.co.uk) has released its iSeries power sources for the automated plasma cutting of stainless steel.

With a maximum cutting and piercing capability of 50mm, iSeries plasma power sources will benefit fabricators in the food, drink, pharmaceutical, chemical, oil and gas, processing, shipbuilding, marine, offshore and nuclear industries.

According to Esab, the Water Mist Secondary (WMS) process, which uses nitrogen as the plasma gas and tap water for shielding, allows the iSeries to cut up to three-times faster and reduces the cost per cut by 20% or more, compared with systems using argon-hydrogen for the plasma gas.

HeavyCut technology is also used to ensure that cut quality and precision are maintained, so parts can go directly from the cutting table to welding or fabrication without the need for secondary operations.

The iSeries achieves a cut quality of ISO Class 3 or better. The power source is available in 100-400A configurations, and one of its advantages is upgradability.

If a customer purchases a 100, 200 or 300A model, they can subsequently upgrade by purchasing StepUp inverter block modules that can be installed by a field engineer in less than 30min.

The maximum output is 400A, but even when a power source is rated at this maximum, the current output can still be turned right down to 5A for cutting thin sheet.

Should an inverter block malfunction (indicated via the LED display), cutting can continue with the remaining blocks.

Another way in which the iSeries saves money for customers is the use of XTremeLife wear parts for cutting at 300 and 400A.

These consumables use a multiple hafnium insert as opposed to a single insert, and they feature a two-piece tip that is designed to run cooler.

Better cooling extends part life and cut accuracy across the life of the tip, especially when piercing at higher amperages.