8
Identify common system problems
Many common problems with Powermax
®
systems can
be solved by doing the following checks. For a more
complete list of problems like these, refer to Start here:
troubleshooting checklist in the Operator Manual.
• Examine the cartridge:
• Is the cartridge installed correctly?
• Is the cartridge worn or damaged?
• Examine the gas supply line:
• Are there any signs of contamination from oil,
water, or dirt? It is extremely important to keep
a clean, dry gas line.
• Are there any signs of leaks?
• Are any of the hoses twisted or kinked?
• Are you able to keep sufficient gas pressure
while cutting? Do a gas test if needed. Refer
to Do a gas test in the Operator Manual.
• Examine the power cord:
• Are the power cord wires connected correctly
and fully tightened in the plasma power supply
and in the power plug or line-disconnect box?
• Is the ground wire connected correctly?
• Is the power plug correct for the power cord?
• Examine the work lead and work clamp:
• Is the work lead connected correctly to the
plasma power supply?
• Is the work clamp connected to the workpiece
that you are cutting? Does it have good
metal-to-metal contact?
• Examine the torch and torch lead:
• Is the torch lead twisted or kinked?
• Is the O-ring on the torch head dry, cracked,
or damaged?
• Is the mechanized cutting system correctly grounded and
shielded? For best practices, refer to the Mechanized
Cutting Guide.
• If you see a fault code and fault icon on the LCD screen,
refer to Fault codes in the Operator Manual for more
information.
In some conditions, restarting the plasma
power supply can remove a fault condition.
© 2/2021 Hypertherm, Inc. 810510MU Revision 1
English
Identify probelms with cut quality
Optimal cut quality
What to look for
• Easy-to-see lag lines with an angle of 10°–15°
• Minimal dross
• Square edges
• No top splatter
• No discoloration
Too much of a bevel angle
Possible cause Solution
Torch is not at a 90° angle to the
workpiece
Align the torch at a 90° angle to the
workpiece
Amperage is too low Increase the amperage
Speed is too fast Decrease the speed
Worn cartridge Install a new cartridge
Hardened dross
Possible cause Solution
Speed is too fast Decrease the speed
Amperage is too low Increase the amperage