by
Alistair McDonald
Posted on
30/01/2025
The torch’s pilot arc will initiate, but will not transfer. Causes can be:
- The work cable is not making good contact with the cutting table or the cutting table is not making good contact with the workpiece.
- The torch-to-work distance is too large.
The workpiece is not totally penetrated, and there is excessive sparking on the top of the workpiece. Causes can be:
- The consumables are worn and need to be replaced. For optimized performance in a mechanized application, replace the nozzle and the electrode together.
- The work cable is not making good contact with the cutting table or the cutting table is not making good contact with the workpiece.
- The current (amperage) is set too low. See Section 3, Torch Setup for more information.
- The cut speed is too high. See the cut charts in Section 3, Torch Setup, for more information.
- The metal being cut exceeds the maximum capacity for the selected amperage. See Section 1, Specifications.
Dross forms on the bottom of the cut. Causes can be:
- The consumables are worn and need to be replaced. For optimized performance in a mechanized application, replace the nozzle and the electrode together.
- The cutting speed is not correct. Refer to the cut charts in Section 3, Torch Setup, for more information.
- The current (amperage) is set too low. Refer to the cut charts in Section 3, Torch Setup, for more information. The cut angle is not square. Causes can be:
- The consumables are worn and need to be replaced. For optimized performance in a mechanized application, replace the nozzle and the electrode together.
- The direction of the torch travel is incorrect. The high-quality cut is always on the right with respect to the forward motion of the torch.
- The distance between the torch and the workpiece is not correct.
- The cutting speed is not correct. Refer to the cut charts
Consumables not lasting long. Causes can be:
- The arc current, arc voltage, travel speed, and other variables are not set as recommended in the cut charts.
- Firing the arc in the air (beginning or ending the cut off of the plate surface). Starting at the edge is acceptable as long as the arc makes contact with the workpiece when started.
- Starting a pierce with an incorrect torch height.
Related Posts
Skilled operators and well-maintained plasma arc cutting (PAC) equipment are essential for maximizing efficiency and minimizing costs in any cutting…
Hypertherm plasma cutters are known for their high quality cuts. However, there are a few common problems that can occur…
Many fabrication shops struggle with parts requiring rework due to dross or dimensional inaccuracies. While some issues stem from machine…
Work with us today
For more information on our products, services, and solutions, and to get pricing, please click on the button below.