Consumable Life; Cut Quality - Lincoln Electric FlexCut 80 CCC Operator's Manual

FLEXCUT 80 CCC
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CONSUMABLE LIFE

Use the following guidelines to maximize consumable parts life:
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1. The FLEXCUT 80 CCC utilizes the latest advancement in
technology for extending the life of the torch consumable parts.
To maximize the life of the consumable parts, it is imperative
that the shutdown procedure of the arc is carried out properly.
The arc must be extinguished while it is still attached to the
workpiece. A popping noise may be heard if the arc extinguishes
abnormally. Note that holes are usually programmed without
lead-outs to prevent loss of the arc during shutdown.
2. Use the recommended pierce height given in the cutting charts. A
pierce height that is too low will allow molten metal that is
ejected during the piercing process to damage the shield cap
and nozzle. A pierce height that is too high will cause the pilot
arc time to be excessively long and will cause nozzle damage.
3. Minimize firing the torch in the air. Nozzle damage will occur.
4. Make sure the torch does not touch the plate while cutting.
Shield cap and nozzle damage will result.
5. Use a chain cut when possible. Starting and stopping the torch is
more detrimental to the consumables than making a continuous
cut.

CUT QUALITY

Before the optimum cutting condition can be achieved on a particular
material type and thickness, the machine operator must have a
thorough understanding of the cutting characteristics of the
FLEXCUT ® 80 CCC. When the cut quality is not satisfactory, the
cutting speed, torch height, or gas pressures may need to be adjusted
in small increments until the proper cutting condition is obtained. The
following guidelines should be useful in determining which cutting
parameter to adjust.
Before making any parameter changes, verify that the torch is
square to the work piece. Also, it is essential to have the correct
torch parts in place and to ensure that they are in good
condition. Check the electrode for excessive wear and the nozzle
and shield cap orifices for roundness. Also, check the parts for
any dents or distortions. Irregularities in the torch parts can
cause cut quality problems.
1. A positive cut angle (top dimension of piece smaller than the
bottom dimension) usually occurs when the torch standoff
distance is too high, when cutting too fast, or when excessive
power is used to cut a given plate thickness.
2. A negative cut angle (top dimension of piece larger than the
bottom dimension) usually occurs when the torch standoff
distance is too low or when the cutting speed is too slow.
3. Top dross usually occurs when the torch standoff distance is too
high.
4. Bottom dross usually occurs when the cutting speed is either too
slow (slowspeed dross) or too fast (high-speed dross). Low-
speed dross is easily removed, while high-speed dross usually
requires grinding or chipping off. Bottom dross also occurs more
frequently as the metal heats up. As more pieces are cut out of a
particular plate, the more likely they are to form dross.
5. Note that different material compositions have an effect on dross
formation.
6. If the material is not being completely severed, the likely causes
are that the cutting current is too low, the travel speed is too
high, the gas pressure is incorrect, the incorrect consumables
are installed in the torch, or the consumables are worn.
B-17
OPERATION