PrimeWeld CT520D - Consumable Condition and Air Quality

18
LAYOUTOPERATION
Torch height too high
excessive bevel, plasma
Stream may not cut all the
way through the material
Torch height too low
Reverse bevel. Tip may
contact the work piece and
short out or damage the tip.
Tip size and condition
The tip orices focus the plasma stream to the work piece. It is important to use the correct size tip
for the amperage being used,for example a tip with a 3/64" orice is good for 0-40 amps whereas a
1/16" orice is better for 40-80 amps.
The low-amp tip has a smaller orice which maintains a narrow plasma stream at lower settings for
use on thin-gauge material. Using a 25 amp tip at an 60 amp setting will blow out and distort the tip
orice and require replacement. Conversely, using an 80-amp tip on the lower settings will not allow
you to focus the plasma stream as well and creates a wide kerf.The condi tion of the tip orice is
critical to the quality of the cut result, a worn or damaged tip orice will produce a distorted plasma
stream resulting in a poor cut quality.
Electrode condition
A xed gap is established between the electrode and the inside of the cutting tip.
Electrons arc across the gap, ionizing and super heating the air creating the plasma stream. The
electrode contains an insert in the end made of a highly conductive material called hafnium. This
insert erodes with use and develops a pit in the end of the electrode, when the pit becomes too
much poor quality cuts will result and necessitate replacement of the electrode.
Air pressure and volume
Air pressure, ow rate and air quality are critical to quality plasma cutting and consumable life span.
The required air pressure and volume can vary from model to model and the manufacturer will
provide the specs.The air pressure is pre-set at 4.5 psi and requires a ow rate of 6.0 CF/M. The
volume capacity of your compressor is important, if you have a small compressor with exactly the
same l/min rating as the plasma, then the compressor will run continuously when you are plasma
cutting, a compressor with a l/min rating slightly higher than the plasma would be more adequate.
If you are doing a lot of cutting, cutting thick plate (same air consumption but slower cut speeds =
longer cut time) then choose a compressor at 1.5 to 2 times the plasma system requirement.