11
BOC Smoothcut Plasma 40 Operating manual
4.2 Piercing and Gouging
To pierce material the cutting torch should be held at an angle of 45°
to the pierce surface (Refer to Diagram 2). Once the arc is established
the torch is turned to 90° (Refer to Diagram 3) and cutting is carried out
in a normal manner. Piercing thickness is dependent on the output of
the machine and is generally 50% of the rated cutting thickness of the
power source.
It is important to direct the arc away from the operator when establishing
the arc as sparks and molten material will be ejected from the point
of contact. Care must also be taken to protect the surrounds from
these sparks.
When gouging with plasma it is advisable to use a plasma gouging tip
supplied by the torch manufacturer. The torch should be held at an angle
of 40–45° from the plate surface (Refer to diagram 4). An arc length of up
to 15 mm can be employed whilst the torch is moved in the direction of
the material to be removed. Several small cuts should be made to remove
the unwanted material.
Diagram 3
Diagram 4
Diagram 2
90°
45°
Gouging Direction
40–45°
24799 Smoothcut Plasma 40 OP Manual CC D7.indd 11
16/04/2014 1:00 pm
