CUTMASTER A120
0-5430 OPERATION
4T-7
• Air quality
• Line voltage uctuations
• Torch standoff height
• Proper work cable connection
4T.07 Gouging
WARNING
Be sure the operator is equipped with
proper gloves, clothing, eye and ear
protection and that all safety precau-
tions at the front of this manual have
been followed. Make sure no part of
the operator’s body comes in contact
with the workpiece when the torch is
activated.
Disconnect primary power to the system
before disassembling the torch, leads,
or power supply.
!
CAUTION
Sparks from plasma gouging can cause
damage to coated, painted or other sur-
faces such as glass, plastic, and metal.
Check torch parts. The torch parts must
correspond with the type of operation.
Refer to Section 4T.09, Torch Parts
Selection.
Gouging Parameters
Gouging performance depends on parameters such
as torch travel speed, current level, lead angle (the
angle between the torch and workpiece), and the dis-
tance between the torch tip and workpiece (standoff).
!
CAUTION
Touching the torch tip or shield cup to
the work surface will cause excessive
parts wear.
Torch Travel Speed
NOTE!
Refer to Appendix Pages for additional
information as related to the Power Sup-
ply used.
Optimum torch travel speed is dependent on current
setting, lead angle, and mode of operation (hand or
machine torch).
Current Setting
Current settings depend on torch travel speed,
mode of operation (hand or machine torch), and the
amount of material to be removed.
Lead Angle
The angle between the torch and workpiece depends
on the output current setting and torch travel speed.
The recommended lead angle is 35°. At a lead angle
greater than 45° the molten metal will not be blown
out of the gouge and may be blown back onto the
torch. If the lead angle is too small (less than 35°),
less material may be removed, requiring more pass-
es. In some applications, such as removing welds
or working with light metal, this may be desirable.
Workpiece
Torch Head
Standoff Height
Gouging Angle and Standoff Distance
Standoff Distance
The tip to work distance affects gouge quality and
depth. Standoff distance of 1/8 - 1/4 inch (3 - 6
mm) allows for smooth, consistent metal removal.
Smaller standoff distances may result in a severance
cut rather than a gouge. Standoff distances greater
than 1/4 inch (6 mm) may result in minimal metal
removal or loss of transferred main arc.
Slag Buildup
Slag generated by gouging on materials such as car-
bon and stainless steels, nickels, and alloyed steels,
can be removed easily in most cases. Slag does not
obstruct the gouging process if it accumulates to the
side of the gouge path. However, slag build - up can
cause inconsistencies and irregular metal removal
if large amounts of material build up in front of the
arc. The build - up is most often a result of improper
travel speed, lead angle, or standoff height.
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