218 Plasma Cutting – Multiple Choice Quiz

What discovery in the 1960s led to the development of the plasma cutter?

• Use of oxygen for cutting

• Boosting gas speed and reducing orifice size

• Invention of tungsten electrode

• Addition of water cooling

What is the fourth state of matter relevant to plasma cutting?

• Solid

• Liquid

• Gas

• Plasma

What causes the plasma to produce extreme heat?

• Increased humidity

• Collisions of ions

• Low pressure

• Friction between metals

What is a key characteristic of standoff cutting?

• Tip contacts the material

• Used for cutting plastic

• Torch is held above the workpiece

• Requires no electricity

Drag cutting works best on material of what thickness?

• Over 10 mm

• Less than 5 mm

• Exactly 5 mm

What does the yellow Temp Indicator signify?

• The torch is running low on gas

• The unit is overheating

• Power has failed

• Pilot arc is active

What should you do if excessive dross is forming?

• Increase cutting speed

• Increase standoff distance

• Use thicker metal

• Turn off the gas

What should you clean off the shield cup after piercing?

• Oil

• Dross

• Spatter and scale

• Paint

What component helps transfer the arc to the workpiece?

• Water tube

• Electrode

• Shield cup

• Power switch

Why might the main arc extinguish during cutting?