How to Deal With Warpage When Plasma Cutting

The high heat generated by a plasma cutter causes thicker metals to bend toward the plasma arc. This warping creates a difficult situation when fitting pieces of metal together to form a sheet metal fitting. The nature of metal allows you to reduce the amount of heat stored around the weld and reverse distortion -- if the metal remains hot. A simple method reverses distortion without hammering the metal.

Instructions

1

Place rags in the bottom of a five-gallon bucket.

2

Pour ice into the bucket until it is half full. Fill the bucket with enough water to cover the ice. Allow the ice water to sit for 15 to 20 minutes.

3

Cut along the sheet metal with a plasma cutter.

4

Remove an ice water soaked rag from the five-gallon bucket. Inspect the warped metal. Apply the wet rag to the side opposite of the warp. For example, if the metal bends toward the plasma cut, place the wet rag on the back of the bend to pull the metal away from the cut.

5

Remove a second wet rag from the water and apply it to the metal. Continue placing cold wet rags against the bend until the metal cools or the warping straightens.