| The parts that make up your plasma torch must be | | | | extend the life of your plasma consumables. The |
| inspected regularly and replaced when warranted to | | | | electrode and nozzle should be changed as a set to |
| keep your plasma cutter safe, working cost | | | | keep cut quality at its very highest. |
| effectively, and able to perform the highest cut quality. | | | | The Shield: |
| Using the correct and matching torch parts will make | | | | The shield surrounds the consumable stack, protecting |
| all the difference in cut quality and consumable life. | | | | the parts from damage. It contains an identical, |
| As the nozzle at the cutter's tip concentrates the gas | | | | perfectly round hole as the Nozzle. The most common |
| and introduces a spark from the electrode, it turns the | | | | problem associated with the shield is damage to the |
| gas stream into plasma. Inert or semi-inert gases are | | | | main orifice due to being blocked or clogged by dross |
| used to shield the area where the plasma touches the | | | | or spatter. Dross can be usually be picked off. If the |
| metal. The force of the plasma is strong enough to | | | | main orifice is out-of-round, it must be replaced. |
| blow the molten metal out of the cut. The plasma itself | | | | The Swirl Ring: |
| reaches temperatures as high as 30,000 degrees | | | | The swirl ring creates and controls the swirling action |
| Fahrenheit. This kind of temperature and force takes | | | | of the gas as it flows around the electrode and nozzle. |
| its toll on the cutter's tip and components. | | | | When inspected and cleaned regularly, the swirl rings |
| The most common plasma torch wear items are: the | | | | will outlast many electrode and nozzle changes. A |
| Electrode, the Nozzle, and the Shield. The Swirl Ring | | | | clogged swirl ring will hamper gas flow, decrease cut |
| will last several changes longer when properly | | | | quality and shorten electrode and nozzle life. Make |
| maintained. | | | | sure you match the appropriate swirl ring to the other |
| The Electrode: | | | | plasma consumables in your torch. |
| The primary function of the electrode is to provide | | | | Regular examination and care of all of the plasma |
| power to the plasma arc. Electrode wear is detected | | | | torch parts will help to maximize the service life, |
| by examining the insert and measuring pit depth. | | | | efficiency and performance of your plasma cutter. |
| Excessive electrode wear reduces cut quality and can | | | | Regular maintenance and replacement of worn |
| result in damage to the plasma torch. Premature | | | | consumable parts will help to keep your cut quality high, |
| electrode wear is most often caused by a few | | | | reduce scrap cost, reduce down-time, and lower your |
| common culprits, the most common being mismatched | | | | production costs. |
| torch parts. Other contributors may include incorrect | | | | Using genuine OEM consumable parts and |
| gas flow settings, gas leaks, moisture build-up and | | | | accessories and matching them for your plasma cutter |
| impurities in the plasma gas. | | | | and application is the only way to ensure optimal |
| The Nozzle: | | | | performance and to maintain the highest cut quality. A |
| The nozzle limits the plasma arc to a specific diameter | | | | low initial consumable cost is usually more expensive in |
| through a perfectly round hole in its' tip. It constricts the | | | | the long run. Mismatched plasma consumables will |
| plasma gas, increasing its' velocity. The most common | | | | result in shorter consumable life and reduced cut |
| cause of nozzle damage is, once again, mismatched | | | | quality. Your plasma cutter's manual will specify the |
| torch parts. Also, incorrect cut distance, cutting material | | | | correct parts for various consumable configurations. |
| thicker than the capability of your plasma cutter, and | | | | To achieve the highest cut quality and consistency, |
| incorrect gas and amperage settings will cause | | | | inspect regularly and use only genuine, matching |
| premature wear. Vigilance on the part of the operator, | | | | consumables that are manufactured to the highest |
| regular inspections and using OEM parts will help | | | | standards. |