Use of IGBT in Plasma Cutting and Welding

The definition of plasma cutting is cutting different electrically conductive materials (mainly metals such as steel, aluminum, brass and copper) of various sizes and breadth using a plasma jet. This torch of plasma is hot enough to thaw the material which is being cut and it moves fast to blow the ragged part away from the present cut. Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) are used in plasma cutting technology to improve the efficiency of commercial plasma cutting equipments.

IGBTbased plasma cutters suit better in professional environments such as industrial constructions, salvage and scrapping operations, fabrication and welding shops, automobile repair and restorations. The main reason behind this is IGBT plasma cutters take up a different method to start the pilot arc. Significant numbers of IGBT plasma metal cutters often deploy high frequency starting technology and high voltage circuit for the starting process only where the torch enables a constant arc without touching the work piece.

IGBT vs the MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semi-conductor Field Effect Transistor) has been an agitated topic ever since the IGBT technology came into being in the 1980's. IGBT technology for welding applications has clearly proved to more effectively handle the rigorous demands the high duty cycles welders as it offers higher voltage capacities and heat tolerances than the earlier MOSFETs.