Hypertherm ArcGlide Torch Height Control User Manual

ArcGlide THC Instruction Manual 4-13
MAINTENANCE
Additional improvements
Some of these improvements involve trade-offs, as described.
Piercing
The pierce delay should allow sufficient time to penetrate the full thickness of the material, but not so long that it allows
the arc to “wander” while trying to find the edge of a large pierce hole. As consumables wear, this delay time may need
to be increased. Pierce delay times given in the cut charts are based on average delay times throughout the life of the
consumables.
Using the Pierce Complete signal during piercing maintains the shield-gas pressure at the higher preflow pressure,
which provides additional protection for the consumables.
When piercing materials close to the maximum thickness for a specific process, there are several important factors to
consider:
• Allow a lead-in distance that is about the same as the thickness of the material being pierced. 50 mm (2 in) material
requires a 50 mm lead-in.
• To avoid damage to the shield from the build up of molten material created by the pierce, do not allow the torch to
descend to cut height until it has cleared the puddle of molten material.
• Different material chemistries can have an adverse effect on the pierce capability of the system. In particular, high-
strength steel and steel with a high manganese or silicon content can reduce the maximum pierce capability.
Hypertherm calculates mild steel pierce parameters with certified A-36 plate.
• If the system has difculty piercing a specic material or thickness, increasing the shield preow pressure can help in
some cases. This may reduce starting reliability.
• Starting torch motion immediately after transfer and during the pierce process can extend the piercing capability of
the system in some cases. Because this can be a complex process that can damage the torch or other components, a
stationary or edge start is recommended.
How to increase cutting speed
Decrease the torch-to-work distance. This will increase the negative cut angle.
Note: The torch must not touch the workpiece while piercing or cutting.

Hypertherm ArcGlide Torch Height Control Specifications

General

Brand	Hypertherm
Model	ArcGlide Torch Height Control
Category	Cutter
Language	English