cutting ar 500 steel

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if plasma is your only option for cutting AR 500 1/4" steel how much of the cut edge hardness will be effected by the heat? I plan on using a liquid heat shield on metal while cutting which helps keep heat down
Reply:For cutting 1/4" with the plasma, I wouldn't waste my time or money with a liquid heat shield.  The cut edge hardness differential will be negligible.  I'm not a paid professional with AR500, but I am an experienced amateur with that grade of steel.  I've cut dozens of AR500 plate for steel shooting targets.Lincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:On AR plate the edge is usually softened (yes, softened, the opposite of what happens on A36 plate!) in an area that is roughly .005" to .010" from the edge. For targets I cannot see how this would have any effect on the performance of the product.  If that section of haz is a problem, cut the part a bit larger and grind of the affected edge.Jim Colt  Hypertherm Originally Posted by integrityautobodyif plasma is your only option for cutting AR 500 1/4" steel how much of the cut edge hardness will be effected by the heat? I plan on using a liquid heat shield on metal while cutting which helps keep heat down