Hypertherm XPR170, Instruction Manual

Page: 234 / 438

Operation
6
234 809480 Instruction Manual XPR300
How to maximize the life of consumable parts

LongLife process settings can minimize erosion on the emitter surface of the electrodes. The
following steps occur automatically with LongLife electrode protection:

Gas and current flow automatically ramp-up at the start of a cut

Gas and current flow automatically ramp-down at the end of a cut

To achieve the full benefits of Hypertherm’s LongLife and Arc Response Technology, avoid
firing the torch into the air. Refer to
Arc Response Technology on page 234.

It is acceptable to start a cut at the edge of the workpiece.

Use the pierce settings in the cut chart database. Refer to Piercing on page 217.

To achieve the full benefits of Hypertherm’s automatic rampdown error protection, (refer to
Automatic rampdown error protection on page 235), select processes that have cut speeds
of 3,560 mm/min (140 in/min) or less.

To minimize the risk of catastrophic failure of a consumable part when cutting speeds are
greater than 3,560 mm/min (140 in/min), always take the following steps when cutting:

Decrease the cutting speed when the end of the cut is near.

Program torch movement into the scrap area of the workpiece.

If possible, use a chain cut so that the path of torch movement leads
directly from one cut part into the next. This will minimize multiple plasma
arc starts and stops for multi-part cutting that damage electrodes.
Arc Response Technology
The plasma power supply is equipped with choppers that monitor the current and arc voltage load
once every 33 microseconds (30 kilohertz), letting the system detect and react nearly
instantaneously to events happening at the torch during cutting.
Arc Response Technology lets the XPR cutting system react to certain events at the torch that can
lead to decreased consumable life or possible torch damage.
Automatic torch protection
When consumables fail catastrophically (blow out) at high current settings, torch damage can
occur. This damage can occur either through arcing damage or from molten copper and/or brass
that gets into the coolant paths of the torch.
If catastrophic consumable failure occurs, the choppers can detect the event at the onset through
the electromagnetic interference (EMI) or noise signature of the current being delivered to the torch.
The choppers respond quickly to stop the cutting system and prevent damage to the torch. The
electrode will still blow out and other consumables can also be affected, but catastrophic damage
to the torch will not occur.