Thermal Dynamics CutMaster 58 - 4 T.05 Gouging

CUTMASTER 58
OPERATION Manual 0-5544
4T-6
7. Clean spatter and scale from the shield cup and the
tip as soon as possible. Spraying the shield cup in
anti - spatter compound will minimize the amount
of scale which adheres to it.
Cutting speed depends on material, thickness, and the
operator’s ability to accurately follow the desired cut line.
The following factors may have an impact on system per-
formance:
• Torch parts wear
• Air quality
• Line voltage uctuations
• Torch stando height
• Proper work cable connection
4T.05 Gouging
!
WARNING
Be sure the operator is equipped with proper gloves,
clothing, eye and ear protection and that all safety
precautions 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 surfaces such as glass,
plastic, and metal.
Check torch parts. The torch parts must correspond
with the type of operation. Refer to Section 4T.07,
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 distance
between the torch tip and workpiece (stando).
!
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 Supply 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 mate-
rial may be removed, requiring more passes. In some
applications, such as removing welds or working with
light metal, this may be desirable.
35°
Workpiece
Torch Head
Standoff Height
A-00941_AB
Gouging Angle and Standoff Distance
Standoff Distance
The tip to work distance aects gouge quality and
depth. Stando distance of 1/8 - 1/4 inch (3 - 6 mm)
allows for smooth, consistent metal removal. Smaller
stando distances may result in a severance cut rather
than a gouge. Stando 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 carbon
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 incon-
sistencies 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 stando height.