17
SECTION 3
OPERATION
3.5 OPERATING TECHNIQUES
1. Piercing
- Materials (up to 1/4-in. thick) may be
pierced with the torch touching the work. When
piercing thicker materials (up to 3/16-in. alumi-
num or 1/4-in. stainless or carbon steel) immedi-
ately raise the torch to 1/16-in. 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, and then straightened
after accomplishing the pierce.
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.
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
PowerCut-550, refer to the maintenance section
of this manual. If the problem is not corrected
after referring to the maintenance section, contact
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
thicknesses, 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
condition.
G.
Main Arc Does Not Strike.
Loose connections.
H.
Poor Consumable Life.
1.
Improper gas pressure.
2.
Contaminated air supply.
