V1.1
PROCUT45 PLASMA CUTTER
8611303
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31
A compressor with a liter per minute (l/min) rating slightly higher
than the plasma cutter would be more appropriate. A compressor
with 1.5 to 2 times the plasma cutter’s requirement is better if you
are doing a lot of cutting or cutting thick plate. The same air
consumption, but slower cut speeds equals a longer cut time.
AIR QUALITY
Good air quality is essential to quality plasma cutting and
consumable life span.
The air from a compressor or gas cylinder should be dry and
free of particulate matter. Minimizing the moisture in the air
supply is absolutely critical to quality plasma cuts and
longevity of consumable parts.
When moisture droplets enter the high temperatures in the
torch’s plenum, as much as 19,832 °F, they immediately break
down into oxygen and hydrogen, which alters the normal
chemical content of air in the torch. These elements change the
plasma arc, which alters the nozzle orifice’s shape and causing
the nozzle to wear away. This affects the cut quality in terms of
edge, dross formation, a square edge and edge smoothness.
As a minimum, be sure to drain the receiver (tank) on the air
compressor daily. Most air plasma systems have an on-board
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 on-board air
filter is adequate. Most situations will require additional filtration
to prevent moisture from
affecting the quality of the
plasma cutter. 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
Fig. 19
