P80 Torch Requirements
Air:
Warning – Always turn off the machine before changing tips
100 PSI / 6 BAR whilst air is flowing through the torch
The air must be clean and dry and free from oil and other contaminants
Genuine consumables must be used to ensure reliable starting and maximum life of
the torch and tips, as well as the best possible cut
The principle behind plasma
The plasma beam is essentially a very high energy ionised gas stream. This is created by
passing air at high velocity whilst spinning through a carefully formed arc, the arc is formed
between the hafnium tip of the electrode and the inner surface of the copper nozzle. The
swirl ring that is located between the nozzle and the electrode is primarily present to create
a stable high velocity spinning vortex of air, this stable spinning vortex of ionised gas forms
the plasma beam as it exits the nozzle orifice.
The ionised plasma beam can reach temperatures in excess of 25,000 degrees centigrade,
which allows the plasma cutting system to cut so quickly and effortlessly.
Pilot arc function
The pilot arc function fitted to this machine allows a circuit to be formed and the plasma
beam to be created even when the torch tip is not in contact with the work piece, this is
beneficial if the surface of the material being cut is non-conductive, for example painted,
oxidised or otherwise dirty.
The pilot arc function works by a conductor being in place between the nozzle and positive
(work piece) side of the inverter output allowing current to flow even when the torch is
away from the work piece back to the positive side of the power source output. When the
pilot arc is being used, as soon as you bring the tip close to or in contact with the work piece
the circuit changes and the current then flows through the plasma beam into the work piece
and back to the positive side of the inverter output.
