The 5 Best Air Dryer For Plasma Cutter (Two Our Favorite)

Is your plasma cutter not working as it used to? High chance that the air being supplied to the cutter is contaminated.  It means you will have to get into the market and shop for the best air dryer for plasma cutter. 

According to research findings by Market Analysis and Insights, the air dryer market was valued at $2652.8 million back in 2019 and it is anticipated the market size will reach 3407.5 million in 2026. This has led to the emergence of different types of brands and models which has made it quite challenging for buyers, especially first-time buyers, to identify the right dryer.

We carried out extensive research, consulted plasma cutter professionals, and read through customer reviews before arriving at our five best dryers.  We have also listed important factors to consider when shopping for the dryer to help make it easier for interested buyers.

Why Use Air Dryer For Plasma Cutter?

This device for use with a plasma cutter to help keep it free of condensed moisture. Its used in many metal fabrication and shipbuilding work, but may not be needed in an environment such as a small garage or workshop.

1. Lowers heat and extends life of the plasma.
2. Eliminates “hogging” effect.
3. Reduces noise levels.
4. Lower maintenance costs.
5. More efficient use of consumables.

Check Top 5 Comparison Table

Image	Product	Features	Price
	Motor Guard M-60 1/2 NPT	Power Source: ‎Air-powered Diameter: ‎5.5 Inches Warranty: ‎1 yr	Check Price!
	Hypertherm 128647	Differential Pressure Indicator 1/4 inch port Flow Capacity: 20 scfm at 100 PSI	Check Price!
	Motor Guard M-100-KIT 1/2 NPT	Filtration Rating: .01 Micron. Maximum Pressure: 125 PSI. Temperature Range: 32-175 F.	Check Price!
	Edge Industrial Desiccant	Weight: ‎5 pounds. Style: ‎3/4″ NPT. Air Flow: ‎140 Cubic Feet	Check Price!
	In LINE Desiccant Dryer	Weight: ‎1.87 pounds Max Output Pressure: 215 PSI Moisture levels: 7 – 150 PSI Max	Check Price!

1. Motor Guard M-60 Air Filter

Motor Guard M-60 is a perfect air filter as it offers excellent defense against dirty and damaging air. It is installed at the point of use and helps in removing oil aerosols, particulates and condensed moisture to 0.01 microns in size. 

Motor Gaurd M-60 is well known for its great design, construction and low price.  It is an excellent air compressor when it comes to cleaning out polluted air and enhancing the cutting abilities of plasma cutters.  The construction design is capable of removing moisture, oil aerosols together with other harmful things from the air.

Features of Motor Guard M-60

Construction

The body of the Motor Gaurd M-60 comes well coated with aluminum housing which helps in making it durable. It is made in a way that it can easily be installed in lines larger than ½ inch ensuring it delivers the cleanest and best flow of air to the plasma cutter. 

Eco-Friendly 

All materials used in making Motor Gaurd M-60 are environmentally friendly. They do not have any negative impact on the environment or humans in any way.  

Ease of Use

One of the main reasons why most people prefer using Motor Gaurd M-60 is because it is easy to use.  One does not need any professional assistance to operate it. Its user manual is easy to understand. 

Containment Removal 

Since plasma cutters require compressed and clean air to work well, Motorguard M-60can remove up to 0.01 microns of contaminants from the air. There is also a wound that helps in trapping contaminants.

PROs

• Friendly to the environment.
• Effective cleaning of the air.
• Compatible with different plasma cutters.
• It is durable and long lasting.

CONs

• Compressor requires frequent maintenance.

2. Hypertherm 128647 Eliminizer

Hypertherm 128647 is considered by many as the best ever made air dryer kit. This dryer assures improved performance thanks to its increased cut capacity of 16mm and faster-cutting speeds together with automatic adjustment of gas for simple operation and set up.

Features of Hypertherm 128647 Eliminizer Air Filtration Kit

Easy to Use

Hypertherm 128647 is of lightweight and small size ensuring it is highly portable. It uses a patented drag cutting technology that makes it very easy to use especially for first-time users. It uses a smart sensor technology that helps in ensuring the pressure of air is set correctly.

Versatile

Has an optional FastConenct torch and CNC interface connection which allows for mechanized and handheld operation. It also has an extended array of application potential via particular consumables to ensure extended reach cutting, fine feature cutting, marking, and precision gouging.

Maximum Productivity

Hypertherm 128647 will help finish jobs faster thanks to its 1.5 times faster cutting speeds than most of air dryers.  The quality of the gouge together with its superior cut helps in reducing grinding time and preparation of edge. There is also a new torch disable switch feature that ensures easier, faster consumables change out.

PROs

• Comes with a three year warranty.
• Perfect for wide range work loads.
• Fast and smooth metal cutting.
• Comes with a smart sense technology for air pressure.

CONs

• A bit costly.
• There is no 120V support.

3. Motor Guard M-100-KIT

Motor Guard M-100 is an excellent air dryer as it offers protection against dirty and damaging air.  Its filter is capable of removing condensed moisture, particulates, and oil aerosols. It is difficult to get a filter that offers such a type of protection that is combined with a drop of low pressure and is very easy to use.

Features of Motor Guard M-100-KIT

100% Filtration Rate

Motor Guard M-100 can trap contaminants and absorb oil and moisture. It offers a high flow filter ensuring direct inline installation. It can remove oil vapor from the air that is compressed and is an excellent final stage in existing and new air management systems.

Uses Activated Carbon Media

The carbon media helps in trapping oil, dirt, and other types of molecules. It uses an absorption process while the filter delivers air to a spray gun which is free from oil vapor. Apart from the oil vapor, the filter is capable of removing desiccant dust, silicone vapor, and organic compounds that are volatile.

Pressure Regulation

There is a special unit in this Motor Guard M-100 that helps in regulating both the incoming and outgoing pressure.  The maximum pressure is 125 PSI while its temperature range is 32-175 F. It has a port size of ½ NPT while the nominal airflow is 100 CFM.

PROs

• Comes with two replacement elements.
• Offers great defense against damaging dirt.
• Has a maximum pressure of 125 PSI.
• Has a filtration rating of 0.01 Micron.

CONs

• Quite expensive.
• Difficult to get its spare parts.

4. In LINE Desiccant AIR Filter

In LINE Desiccant is an excellent product for anyone in need of an efficient and long-lasting air dryer.

Features of In LINE Desiccant

Construction

It is a well-built air dryer which makes it very durable. The materials used in making it are of high quality and long-lasting.

100% Effective Filter

This dryer comes with a new 3/8 inches compressed air filter capable of removing debris and liquid from the airline. This helps in extending your tool’s life together with the accessories of the compressor. Its wide compressed air filters help in ensuring the equipment is well protected from water, oil, dirt, and dust.

Pressure

It has an output pressure of 150 PSI and an input pressure of 215 PSI. The pressure is enough to drive out any form of contaminant from the plasma cutter.

PROs

• It is well built up hence very durable.
• It is of unbeatable price.
• Process of absorbing moisture is very fast.
• Its sides are transparent hence one can see what is happening.

CONs

• Quite small in size.
• Lacks a mounting bracket.

5. Edge Industrial Desiccant Air Filter

Edge industrial desiccant is well known for its ability to remove moisture/condensate from compressed air lines which helps in extending the pneumatic tools and equipment’s life. It is capable of removing all moistures which measure up to 5 microns in the first step. 

When using this air filter, you can be sure your plasma cutter will be capable of cutting even the hardest metals with precision.  It is a perfect dryer for industrial use and never leaks thanks to its solid body. 

Features of Edge Industrial Desiccant

3-Stage Air filter 

When using the Edge industrial desiccant, air delivered to the plasma cutter is free of any contaminants and 100% clean since it is passed through three different cleaning and drying stages. This helps in increasing plasma cutter efficiency and its life span. 

Maximum Pressure Input 

Edge Industrial Desiccant comes with a unit that helps in regulating outgoing and incoming pressure according to its user’s preferred settings when removing oil, moisture, or water from the air and ensures 100% clean air is delivered to the plasma cutter. 

Auto-Drain Feature 

It has an auto drain feature that ensures the plasma cutter can cut metals precisely since there is no air loss.  Its ½ inch NPT fits the plasma cutter pipe well ensuring there is no leakage making it perfect for heavy-duty projects. 

PROs

• Delivers 100% clean air.
• Made of durable and sturdy body.
• No leakage.
• Uses an industrial grade filter.

CONs

• Has a limited bead capacity.
• Quite expensive.

Buyers Guide: Important Factors to Consider When Buying

The wide variety of air dryers in the market has made it difficult for interested buyers to identify the right one. In this section, we will be taking you through important factors you need to consider when shopping. 

Power Input 

Plasma cutters are known to work on AC as the input source of power. A good number can work at either 110V/120V or 110/220V. However, there are times when you might find automatic dual voltage power sources in some plasma cutters. Changing the input power depending on the power requirements will be much easier. 

Before you settle on a particular air dryer, ensure that your place of work has 110V or 220V outlets. You also have to ensure the breakers have sufficient amps that will endure the units’ amperage. 

Duty Cycle 

Duty cycle is an essential factor that you should never forget to consider when shopping for the air filter. The duty cycle will denote the plasma cutter’s ability to perform under a specific load for some duration of time. 

Air dryers with low duty cycles suggest optimal performance for a specified period. When the duration is over, there are possibilities the performance will degrade taking more time to see off your project.  When dealing with heavy-duty projects, a duty cycle of 50% to 60% will be enough. 

Consumables 

Standard plasma cutters use up to five different consumables namely: Swirls, Shield, Retaining cap, Nozzle, and electrode.  Shield helps in protecting the consumables from sparks and molten metal.  Retaining cap helps in ensuring the consumables are retained collectively. 

The nozzle will focus on the plasma arc. The size of the nozzle will play an integral role in ensuring the arc is focused. 

Portability 

There are times when you might want to use the plasma cutter in different locations. It simply means that the mobility of the air dryer will be an important factor.  

You have to consider the weight since it will determine how easy it will be to move the air dryer from one location to another.

Accessories 

You need to ensure that the dryer you are about to purchase comes with the right accessories that will ensure you are safe when using it and that it works as it should. For example, you will need to ensure it comes with a helmet to help protect your head. 

There should be a pair of safety gloves to help protect your hands. When such accessories are missing, there are possibilities of you hurting yourself. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion 

We hope this plasma cutter air filter review guide has been of great help to you. However, before you settle on the product you want to purchase, ensure that you read through the buyer’s section to familiarize yourself with important factors to consider.  In case you have any questions or suggestions do not hesitate to contact us.