Hypertherm SYNC Powermax 105, Operator'S Manual

Page: 107 / 174

Cut with the Hand Torch
4
Powermax65/85/105 SYNC Operator Manual 810470 107
Get the most out of your cartridges
How often it is necessary to change the cartridge on your hand torch relates to the following:

Gas supply quality

It is extremely important to keep the gas supply line clean and dry. Oil, water, vapor, and
other contamination in the gas supply can degrade cut quality and cartridge life. Refer to
Gas supply source on page 55 and Add additional gas filtration (if necessary) on
page 60.

Cutting technique

Whenever possible, start cuts from the edge of the workpiece. This helps to extend the
life of the cartridge. Refer to
Start a cut from the edge of the workpiece on page 99.

Use the correct piercing method for the thickness of the workpiece that you are cutting.
In many conditions, a rolling pierce method is an efficient way to pierce the workpiece
while you decrease the cartridge wear that naturally occurs during piercing. Refer to
Pierce a workpiece on page 101 for an explanation of the straight pierce and rolling
pierce methods and when to use each.

Thickness of the workpiece being cut

In general, the thicker the workpiece being cut, the more quickly the cartridges become
worn. For best results, 80% of the workpieces that you cut should be equal to or less
than the thickness specified for this system and cartridge. Refer to
Cutting
specifications on page 35.

For best results, do not cut material that is thicker than what is specified for this system
and cartridge.

Expanded metal cutting and pilot arc time

Expanded metal has a slotted or mesh pattern. Cutting expanded metal wears out
cartridges more quickly because it requires a continuous pilot arc. A pilot arc occurs
when the torch is fired but the plasma arc is not in contact with the workpiece.

Make sure that the operating mode is not set to Expanded Metal mode if you are not
cutting expanded metal. Refer to page 77 .

Fire the torch only when necessary to keep pilot arc time to a minimum.

Frequent pilot arcs cause the nozzle in the cartridge to wear more quickly. You can see
the cumulative pilot arc time for a cartridge in the
PT field on the CARTRIDGE DATA
screen. Refer to Monitor data for individual cartridges on page 79.

Arc stretch when cutting

To get maximum cartridge life, only stretch the arc when it is necessary. Drag the torch
on the workpiece whenever possible. Refer to
Guidelines for hand torch cutting on
page 106.

Arc stretch when gouging

The correct arc stretch while gouging keeps distance between the torch tip and the
molten metal that builds up during the gouge. For recommended arc stretch lengths,
refer to
Gouge with the hand torch on page 112.