Hints For Increasing Life Of Consumables; Operating Instructions; Torch Movement; Arc Starting - Century Tool 118-009 User Manual

current nozzle and low current nozzle (see Figure 11).
One nozzle is best suited for materials that require
higher amperage settings. The other is best thinner
materials, that require lower amperage settings.
Low Current
Identifying
Nozzle
Line
Use On
30 Amp
Settng
Figure 11. High Current & Low Current Nozzles
ELECTRODE – The electrode has a life expectancy of
approximately 45 minutes of actual cutting time. As it
deteriorates, the arc will become weaker and break up
of the arc may occur. Untimely replacement can lead to
shorter swirl ring life expectancy.
SWIRL RING – The swirl ring has a life expectancy of
approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes of actual cutting
time. It needs to be replaced when visual evidence of
cracks, chips, or burn spots begin to occur.
NOZZLE CAP – The nozzle cap should be replaced
when any cracks or any burn through holes begin to
develop. Always inspect the swirl ring when replacing a
nozzle cap and replace both, if necessary.
TORCH STAND OFF – The torch stand off allows you
to set the spacing between the nozzle and the work
piece to be cut. It attaches to the nozzle cap and
should be adjusted so the gap between the nozzle and
the work is 1/16 inch. This gap is extremely important
for clean cuts in thicker materials when cutting at the 40
or 50 amp setting. The torch stand off is also useful for
following patterns or guides when cutting.
O-RING – The o-ring is very important to cutting
performance and must be replaced when it flattens or
takes a physical set due to pressure. To extend o-ring
life, lubricate it with the silicone lubricant (packed with
your cutter) every second or third time that the nozzle
cap is removed. The lubricant should be applied only to
the o-ring after it is in place on the torch. Be careful not
to get lubricant on any of the other consumable parts or
they may be destroyed. Always wipe excess lubricant
from fingers before handling any of the other
consumable parts.
HINTS FOR INCREASING LIFE OF
CONSUMABLES
1. Use clean, dry, oil-free compressed air only.
2. Establish and maintain a good electrical
connection with the ground clamp to the material
being cut.
3. Establish and maintain a consistent distance of
about 1/16 inch between the material being cut
and the torch nozzle.
High Current
Nozzle
Use On
40 and 50
Amp Settng

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

The following paragraphs provide the information/
instructions necessary to operate your plasma arc
cutting torch.

TORCH MOVEMENT

The proper movement speed will vary with material type
and thickness. Moving the torch too fast and/or not
cutting completely through the metal while continuing to
move the torch will result in shorter consumable life.

ARC STARTING

When the trigger is pressed, compressed air flows
through the torch. When it reaches the end of the torch,
the electrode is pushed back away from the nozzle by
the force of the air. When the gap between the
electrode and nozzle becomes great enough, an arc is
created and quickly becomes a plasma arc.

DUTY CYCLE

The duty cycle rating is expressed as a percentage of
an industry recognized cycle, based on a 10 minute
working time period. The duty cycle rating of a plasma
arc cutter tells the operator what portion of the 10
minutes of working time the cutter can be used for
cutting and what portion of the time the cutter must be
allowed to rest and cool. The 50 Amp plasma arc
cutters have a duty cycle rating of 40%. This means
that out of the 10 minute working time period, you may
cut for four minutes, but must allow the cutter to cool for
the remaining six minutes of the working time period.
4. Establish and maintain proper movement speed.
The optimum torch movement speed for
maximum consumable life is that which results in
the main shower of sparks trailing approximately 5
degrees behind the main axis of the torch as
depicted in Figure 12.
Direction Of Movement
Workpiece
5°
Figure 12. Torch Movement
1. Hold cutting starts to a minimum. Starts wear on
the nozzle and electrode more than actual cutting.
2. Use the highest air pressure setting, typically
between 61 and 65 PSI, that will work for you.
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