Cut Quality - ESAB CIGWELD CutSkill 60 Operating Manual

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 material may be removed, requir-
ing more passes. In some applications, such as
removing welds or working with light metal, this
may be desirable.
Torch Head
Standoff Height
Workpiece
A-13887
Figure 4-7: Gouging Angle and Standoff Distance
Standoff Distance
The tip to work distance affects gouge quality and
depth. Standoff distance of 1/8 - 1/4 inch (3 - 6
mm) allows for smooth, consistent metal removal.
Smaller standoff distances may result in a sever-
ance cut rather than a gouge. Standoff 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 accumu-
lates to the side of the gouge path. However, slag
build - up can cause inconsistencies 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
standoff height.
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OPERATING MANUAL

4.04 Cut Quality

Cut quality requirements differ depending on applica-
tion. For instance, nitride build - up and bevel angle
may be major factors when the surface will be welded
after cutting. Dross - free cutting is important when
finish cut quality is desired to avoid a secondary clean-
ing operation. The following cut quality characteristics
are illustrated in the following figure:
35°
Spatter
Figure 4-8: Cut Quality Characteristics
Cut Surface
The desired or specified condition (smooth or
rough) of the face of the cut.
Nitride Build - Up
Nitride deposits can be left on the surface of the cut
when nitrogen is present in the plasma gas stream.
These buildups may create difficulties if the material
is to be welded after the cutting process.
Bevel Angle
The angle between the surface of the cut edge and
a plane perpendicular to the surface of the plate.
A perfectly perpendicular cut would result in a 0°
bevel angle.
Top - Edge Rounding
Rounding on the top edge of a cut due to wearing
from the initial contact of the plasma arc on the
workpiece.
4-5
CutSkill 60
NOTE!
Cut quality depends heavily on setup and pa-
rameters such as torch standoff, alignment with
the workpiece, cutting speed, gas pressures, and
operator ability.
Refer to appendix pages for additional information
as related to the power supply used.
Kerf Width
Top
Dross
Build-Up
Cut Surface
Drag Lines
Cut Surface
Bevel Angle
Top Edge
Rounding
A-00007
OPERATION