Jasic RAZORCUT 40PCI, Operating Manual, Page: 22 / 29

Electrode condition
A fixed gap is established between the electrode and the inside of the cutting tip — electrons arc across the
gap, ionizing and superheating the air creating the plasma stream. The electrode contains an insert at the
end made of a highly conductive material called hafnium. This insert erodes with use and develops a pit at
the end of the electrode when the pit becomes too much poor-quality cuts will result and necessitate
replacement of the electrode.
Air pressure and volume
Air pressure, flow rate and air quality are critical to quality plasma cutting and consumable life span. The
required air pressure and volume can vary from model to model, and the manufacturer will provide the
specs.
The RAZORCUT 40 AIR air pressure must be adjusted and set to 0.5MPA (75psi) and requires a flow rate of
120 L/min. The volume capacity of your compressor is important. If you have a small compressor with
precisely the same L/min rating as the plasma, then the compressor will run continuously when you are
plasma cutting. A compressor with a L/min rating slightly higher than the plasma would be more than
adequate.If you are doing a lot of cutting, cutting thick plate (same air consumption but slower cut speeds =
longer cut time), then choose a compressor at 1.5 to 2 times the plasma system requirement.
Air quality
Good, dry air 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 the airlines producing water, more so in humid environments.
Moisture that forms in airlines tends 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 11,000°C) in
the plenum of the torch, they immediately break down into oxygen and hydrogen, which alters the regular
chemical content of the 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. Water will also
damage your Plasma head
Minimizing 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 manufacturers have an onboard 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 onboard 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 submicronic 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.
General 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.
Plasma Cutter Air Filter
SKU: RF50500F
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
submicronic particulate filter that is designed to trap water through absorption.
PLASMA CUTTING TIPS & TECHNIQUES
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