Operating Techniques; Common Cutting Problems - ESAB HandyPlasma 380 Instruction Manual

SECTION 3
Cutting Speed Range — HandyPlasma
(Using Air with XT Consumables @ 70 psi)
Thickness
Material (In.)
Carbon 1/16
Steel 1/8
(AISI 1020) 3/16
1/4
3/8
Stainless 1/16
Steel 1/8
(AISI 304) 3/16
1/4
3/8
Aluminum 1/16
(6061) 1/8
3/16
1/4
3/8
NOTE:
The speeds given here are typical for best quality
cuts. Your actual speeds may vary depending on
material composition, surface condition, operator
technique, etc. If cutting speed is too fast, you may
lose the cut. With slower speeds excessive dross may
accumulate. If speed is too slow, the arc may
extinguish. Air cutting typically produces a rough
face on stainless steel and aluminum.

3.5 OPERATING TECHNIQUES

1. Piercing - Materials may be pierced with the torch
touching the work. When piercing thicker materials of
1/4" or more, immediately raise the torch to 1/16"
standoff after initiating the cutting arc. This will reduce
the chance of spatter from entering the torch and
prevent the possibility of welding the tip to the plate.
The torch should be angled at about 30° when starting
to pierce. After completing the pierce, bring the torch
to an upright position and proceed to cut by dragging the
torch along the workpiece. Reference Figure 3-4.
2. Grate Cutting - For rapid restarts, such as grate or
heavy mesh cutting, do not release the torch switch.
This avoids the 2 second preflow portion of the cutting
cycle.
® 380
Output Cutting
Current Speed
(Amps) (ipm)
30 170
30 75
30 48
30 25
30 12
30 170
30 72
30 45
30 23
30 10
30 170
30 75
30 50
30 26
30 12
25

3.6 COMMON CUTTING PROBLEMS

Listed below are common cutting problems followed by the
probable cause of each. If problems are determined to be
caused by the HandyPlasma
nance section of this manual. If the problem is not
corrected after referring to the maintenance section, con-
tact your ESAB representative.
A. Insufficient Penetration.
1. Cutting speed too fast.
2. Damaged cutting nozzle.
3. Improper air pressure.
B. Main Arc Extinguishes.
Cutting speed too slow.
C. Dross Formation. (In some materials and thick-
nesses, it may be impossible to get dross-free cuts.)
1. Cutting speed too fast or too slow.
2. Improper air pressure.
3. Faulty nozzle or electrode.
D. Double Arcing. (Damaged Nozzle Orifice.)
1. Low air pressure.
2. Damaged cutting nozzle.
3. Loose cutting nozzle.
4. Heavy spatter.
E. Uneven Arc.
Damaged cutting nozzle or worn electrode.
F. Unstable Cutting Conditions.
1. Incorrect cutting speed.
2. Loose cable or hose connections.
3. Electrode and/or cutting nozzle in poor condi-
tion.
G. Main Arc Does Not Strike.
1. Loose connections
2. Missing torch parts
3. Air pressure too high or too low
4. Work lead not properly connected
H. Poor Consumable Life.
1. Improper air pressure.
2. Contaminated air supply.
OPERATION
®
380, refer to the mainte-