Whether it the effort involves construction projects, dismantling or disassembly, or production lines, experience confirms that the best way to cut metal involves using steam plasma. Drainage specialist FSM uses the Fronius International TransCut 300 system to cut painted duplex steels faster and more easily than it can with the angle-grinding method.

TransCut enables the metal experts at KTM to make precise cuts and improve productivity on the motorcycle exhaust line.

Fronius, headquartered in Pettenbach, Austria, produces battery charging systems and solar electronic systems, along with welding technology.

Motorcycle manufacturer KTM is impressed by the increased productivity and healthier working environment. Locksmith Helmut Geisler appreciates the handy cutting device's excellent mobility on site, because it requires neither a compressor, heavy gas cylinders, nor a compressed air connection.

The TransCut 300 steam plasma cutting system cuts structural or high-alloy steel, aluminum, copper, brass or any other conductive metals in virtually any situation. The system cuts sheets up to 6 mm thick and makes clean cuts up to 10 mm. The cut surfaces are ready for any subsequent welding work because (unlike gas plasma cutting) there is no increase in nitrogen, oxygen, carbon or hydrogen content.

Assembly manager Marcus Huth of Hesse-based machine and plant constructor FSM relates: "We had to dismantle the grab screen before we could change it. The 10-mm sheet had a coat of paint, but our workers cut through it in no time with the TransCut. They work much faster and in a more pleasant environment than with dust and spark-generating angle grinders."

The same applies to the cut surface: gas, smoke and dust emissions are low, so KTM no longer needs to use extraction systems on its production lines. "The quality of the cut is much better than with plasma gas or compressed air. We don't need to factor in any reworking of the cut surfaces of the sheets as they're a lot less oxidised. For us, this means increased productivity and a better working atmosphere," says production manager Josef Baier.

The Geisler workshop in Schöffengrund in Hesse handles around 70% stainless steel, 20% aluminum, and 10% normal steel. For proprietor Helmut Geisler, what counts are the Transcut system’s mobility and its ability to make precise cuts for connections to pipes, containers or conveyors. He says: "TransCut is ideal on construction sites because we can work without a cumbersome compressed air connection or heavy gas cylinders. The smooth, almost pore-free surfaces need almost no rework before welding."

According to Fronius, the secret to the TransCut system lies in the steam plasma medium. Plasma cuts cleanly at temperatures up to 20,000 °C. That means extremely low emissions for the environment and the cut material. The plasma is generated from a liquid similar to water stored in the 1.5-liter tank, 0.7-liter cartridges are used for refills. A simple 230-V connection or a generator is all that is required as a power supply. This, coupled with its low weight of 14.6 kg, make it almost universally mobile.