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Nozzle Condition
The condition of the Nozzle orifice is critical to the quality of the cut result, a worn or
damaged nozzle orifice will produce a distorted plasma stream resulting in a poor cut quality.
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Electrode condition
A fixed gap is established between the electrode and the inside of the cutting tip. Electrons
arc across the gap, ionizing and super heating the air creating the plasma stream. The
electrode contains an insert in the end made of a highly conductive material called hafnium.
This insert erodes with use and develops a pit in the end of the electrode, when the pit
becomes too worn, poor-quality cuts will result, and necessitate replacement of the
electrode.
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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 LOTOS LTP5500D air pressure is pre-set at 4.5
psi and requires a flow rate of 6.0 CF/M. The volume capacity of your compressor is
important, if you have a small compressor with exactly the same CF/M rating as the plasma,
then the compressor will run continuously when you are plasma cutting, a compressor with a
CF/M rating slightly higher than the plasma would be more 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.
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Air quality
Good air quality 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 in the airlines producing water, more
so in humid environments. Moisture that forms in air lines has a tendency 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 19832°f) in the plenum of the torch,
they immediately break down into oxygen and hydrogen, which alters the normal chemical
content of 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 squared edge, dross formation,
and edge smoothness. 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 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
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 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.
Содержание LTP5500D
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