Operating Information; Cut Quality - ESAB Esp-1000 Plasmarc System Manual De Instrucciones

section 5
5.3

operating information

Maximizing consumable Life
Plasma torch electrode and nozzle life is a function of many factors, some of which are under control of the operator. When
using oxygen as the plasma gas in a properly operating system, electrode wear and life is a function of the number of arc
starts, the total duration of the cutting time and the current level. The longer the cut time for a part being cut, the fewer the
number of arc starts on an oxygen electrode before it must be replaced. The graph below shows the relationship between
the two.
Oxygen electrode and nozzle life are also affected by the current setting. If parts are operated above their recommended
current level, life deteriorates quickly. Improper cutting and parts programming can adversely effect oxygen consumable
life, so it is important that proper techniques be used. Oxygen plasma nozzles and electrodes are less forgiving of improper
operation than nitrogen nozzles and electrodes. When using nitrogen or argon/hydrogen as a plasma gas, nozzle and elec-
trode life are primarily a function of current level. The higher the current the shorter the life.
cleaning oxygen nozzles
As the electrode wears considerable deposits of hafnium oxide and silver can build up in the nozzle. Calcium carbonate can
also build up at the nozzle exit if the cut water is not adequately treated. These deposits can sometimes cause substantial
reductions in cut quality, speed and consumable life.
Nozzle performance can be restored by removing these deposits from the inside of the nozzle and the nozzle exit. A twisted
piece of very fine sandpaper or crocus cloth usually cleans the nozzle well enough. Care must be taken not to damage the
thin copper edge at the nozzle exit. The 340 amp nozzles have a heavier less easily damaged exit as compared to the 260
and 300 amp nozzles.
Nozzle performance is also degraded by nicks and elongation of the orifice due to double arcs or mechanical damage.
Cleaning will not restore a damaged nozzle.
Whenever a nozzle is removed for cleaning the electrode should be inspected. If the wear is greater than 0.090 inch or very
irregular, the electrode should be replaced.
SECTION 4
4-3. OPERATING INFORMATION
MAXIMIZING CONSUMABLE LIFE
Plasma torch electrode and nozzle life is a function of
many factors, some of which are under control of the
operator. When using oxygen as the plasma gas in a
properly operating system, electrode wear and life is a
function of the number of arc starts, the total duration
of the cutting time and the current level. The longer the
cut time for a part being cut, the fewer the number of
arc starts on an oxygen electrode before it must be
replaced. The graph below shows the relationship be-
tween the two.
DURATION OF CUT
Duration Of Cut
Figure 4-3. Oxygen Electrode Life Graph
Figure 5-3 oxygen electrode Life Graph
Oxygen electrode and nozzle life are also affected by
the current setting. If parts are operated above their
recommended current level, life deteriorates quickly.
Improper cutting and parts programming can adversely
effect oxygen consumable life, so it is important that
proper techniques be used. Oxygen plasma nozzles
and electrodes are less forgiving of improper opera-
tion than nitrogen nozzles and electrodes. When using
nitrogen or argon/hydrogen as a plasma gas, nozzle
and electrode life are primarily a function of current
level. The higher the current the shorter the life.
ELECTRODE LIFE
LINE
Electrode Life Line
304
CLEANING OXYGEN NOZZLES
tRoUBLesHootinG
As the electrode wears considerabl
hafnium oxide and silver can build up
Calcium carbonate can also build up at
if the cut water is not adequately treat
posits can sometimes cause substantia
cut quality, speed and consumable life.
Nozzle performance can be restored by r
deposits from the inside of the nozzle a
exit. A twisted piece of very fine sandp
cloth usually cleans the nozzle well enou
be taken not to damage the thin copp
nozzle exit. The 340 amp nozzles have
easily damaged exit as compared to th
amp nozzles.
Nozzle performance is also degraded by
gation of the orifice due to double arcs
damage. Cleaning will not restore a dam
Whenever a nozzle is removed for clea
trode should be inspected. If the wear
0.090 inch or very irregular, the electr
replaced.

CUT QUALITY

Maximum attainable cut quality is highly
the material being cut. With the wide v
mercial metals and alloys being cut with
mum cut quality can vary widely from s
ation. Suggested cut parameters given
are starting points only for general case
of the various parameters may be requ
best possible cut of a specific material.
als, including certain steels, are difficul
sible to cut dross free. Likewise, in carbo
tions in plate composition, treatment wh
taminants and other factors can cause
erated to vary from heat to heat, plate to
to area on a plate. As a general rule, us
a plasma gas produces less dross varia
steel as a result of these factors, but is
tee that "dross free" cuts will be produc
70
TROUBLES