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OPERATION
Air Quality
Good air quality is essential to quality plasma cutting and consumable life span.
Compressors take in air at atmospheric pressure and increase the pressure and
store it in a tank. Humidity in the air is condensed in the tank and in the airlines
producing water, more so in humid environments. Moisture that forms in air
lines has a tendency to condense into larger drops when the air pressure
decreases as it is entering the plasma torch. When these droplets enter into the
high temperatures (as much as 19832°f) in the plenum of the torch, they immedi-
ately break down into oxygen and hydrogen, which alters the normal chemical
content of air in the torch. These elements will then dramatically change the
plasma arc which causes the torch consumable parts to wear very quickly, alters
the shape of the nozzle orifice, dramatically affecting cut quality in terms of edge
squareness, dross formation, and edge smoothness. Minimising the moisture in
the air supply is absolutely critical to quality plasma cuts and longevity of
consumable parts. As a minimum be sure to drain the receiver (tank) on the air
compressor at least daily. Most air plasma systems from reputable manufactur-
ers have an on board particulate filter and or a coalescing filter with an auto
drain that will remove some moisture from the air supply. For home workshop
and light industrial users the on board air filter is adequate. Most situations
however will require additional filtration to prevent moisture from affecting the
quality of the plasma cutter and in most cases it is recommended to install a sub
micronic particulate filter that is designed to trap water through absorption. This
style of filter has a replaceable filter cartridge that absorbs water and must be
changed after it is near saturation, it should be installed close as possible to the
air intake of the plasma cutter.
Technique Tips
•It is easier to pull the torch through the cut than to push it.
•To cut thin material reduce the amperage until you get the best quality cut.
•Use the correct size tip orifice for the amperage being used.
•For Straight cuts use a straight edge or cutting buggy as a guide. For circles, use
a template or circle cutting attachment.
•Check that the front end consumable parts of the plasma cutting torch are in
good condition.
Torch Connector cover
16
PLASMA CUTTER
OPERATION MANUAL
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