PrimeWeld CT520D - Terminal Connections and Air Pressure

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LAYOUTOPERATION
11. Positive
Connector (Work
Piece on some
models)
DINSE 25
DINSE 25 Location of the positive terminal connection.
Dinse-style connector. For Stick: Torch connection. For TIG,
Plasma: Work Clamp Connection.
12. Air Pressure
Gauge.
75 psi max
supply 55-65
psi operating
Use the air pressure to measure air supply pressure for the
plasma cutting process only. The pressure is irrelevant while
being used for TIG welding, although some pressure may
register while the gas is actively owing. Supply air pressure
should not exceed 85 psi from the air compressor or internal
leaks may develop. Adjust the operating pressure while air
is owing. Adjust the air pressure to 55-65 psi and increase
or decrease pressure from there to achieve optimum cutting
results while air is actively owing. To adjust air pressure with
torch, briey re torch with post ow set to maximum. Adjust
air ow while the air is still owing. Use air only for cutting. If a
large di󰀨erential in air pressure is observed (more than 10-12
psi), check for restrictions, kinks or blown connections. If all
checks out ok, you may need to use a larger diameter supply
hose or compressor.
Air quality
Good air quality is essential to quality plasma cutting and consumable life span. Compressors take
in air at atmospheric pressure and increase the pressure and store it in a tank. Humidity in the
air is condensed in the tank and in the airlines producing water, more so in humid environments.
Moisture that forms in air lines has a tendency to condense into larger drops when the air pressure
decreases as it is entering the plasma torch. When these droplets enter into the high temperatures
(as much as 19832°f) in the plenum of the torch, they immediately break down into oxygen and
hydrogen, which alters the normal chemical content of air in the torch. These elements will then
dramatically change the plasma arc which causes the torch consumable parts to wear very quickly,
alters the shape of the nozzle orice, dramatically a󰀨ecting cut quality in terms of edge squareness,
dross formation, and edge smoothness. Minimising the moisture in the air supply is absolutely
critical to quality plasma cuts and longevity of consumable parts. As a minimum be sure to drain
the receiver (tank) on the air compressor at least daily. Most air plasma systems from reputable
manufacturers have an on board particulate lter and or a coalescing lter with an auto drain that
will remove some moisture from the air supply. For home workshop and light industrial users the
on board air lter is adequate. Most situations however will require additional ltration to prevent
moisture from a󰀨ecting the quality of the plasma cutter and in most cases it is recommended to
install a sub micronic particulate lter that is designed to trap water through absorption. This style
of lter has a replaceable lter cartridge that absorbs water and must be changed after it is near
saturation, it should be installed close as possible to the air intake of the plasma cutter.
Technique Tips
• It is easier to pull the torch through the cut than to push it.
• To cut thin material reduce the amperage until you get the best quality cut.
• Use the correct size tip orice for the amperage being used.
• For Straight cuts use a straight edge or cutting buggy as a guide. For circles, use a template or
circle cutting attachment.
• Check that the front end consumable parts of the plasma cutting torch are in good condition.