Thermal Dynamics SL100 HAND TORCH, Instruction Manual

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Manual 0-2962 4-3 OPERATION
C. Bevel Angle
The angle between the surface of the cut edge and a plane
perpendicular to the surface of the plate. A perfectly per-
pendicular cut would result in a 0° bevel angle.
D. Top - Edge Rounding
Rounding on the top edge of a cut due to wearing from the
initial contact of the plasma arc on the workpiece.
E. Bottom Dross Buildup
Molten material which is not blown out of the cut area and
resolidifies on the plate. Excessive dross may require sec-
ondary cleanup operations after cutting.
F. Kerf Width
The width of the cut (or the width of material removed
during the cut).
G. Top Spatter (Dross)
Top spatter or dross on the top of the cut caused by slow
travel speed, excess cutting height, or cutting tip whose
orifice has become elongated.
4.06 General Cutting Information
WARNINGS
Disconnect primary power at the source before
disassembling the power supply, torch, or torch
leads.
Frequently review the Important Safety Precau-
tions at the front of this manual. Be sure the op-
erator is equipped with proper gloves, clothing, eye
and ear protection. Make sure no part of the
operator’s body comes into contact with the work-
piece while the torch is activated.
CAUTION
Sparks from the cutting process can cause damage
to coated, painted, and other surfaces such as glass,
plastic and metal.
NOTE
Handle torch leads with care and protect them from
damage.
A. Piloting
Piloting is harder on parts life than actual cutting because
the pilot arc is directed from the electrode to the tip rather
than to a workpiece. Whenever possible, avoid excessive
pilot arc time to improve parts life.
B. Torch Standoff
Improper standoff (the distance between the torch tip and
workpiece) can adversely affect tip life as well as shield
cup life. Standoff may also significantly affect the bevel
angle. Reducing standoff will generally result in a more
square cut.
C. Edge Starting
For edge starts, hold the torch perpendicular to the work-
piece with the front of the tip near (not touching) the edge
of the workpiece at the point where the cut is to start.
When starting at the edge of the plate, do not pause at the
edge and force the arc to "reach" for the edge of the metal.
Establish the cutting arc as quickly as possible.
D. Direction of Cut
In the torches, the plasma gas stream swirls as it leaves the
torch to maintain a smooth column of gas. This swirl effect
results in one side of a cut being more square than the
other. Viewed along the direction of travel, the right side of
the cut is more square than the left.
Right Side
Cut Angle
Left Side
Cut Angle
A-00512
Side Characteristics Of Cut
To make a square - edged cut along an inside diameter of a
circle, the torch should move counterclockwise around the
circle. To keep the square edge along an outside diameter
cut, the torch should travel in a clockwise direction.