Application Guide

17
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CAUTION: DO NOT REGULARLY EXCEED THE DUTY CYCLE OR DAMAGE TO THE
PLASMA CUTTING MACHINE CAN RESULT.
Cutting Capacity
STEEL
STAIN-
LESS
STEEL
ALUMI-
NUM
GALVA-
NIZED
BRASS COPPER
3/8”
1/4” 1/4” 3/16” 1/4” 1/4” 1/4”
RECOMMENDED CAPACITY SEVERANCE CAPACITY
• Optimal system performance
• Ideal operating range for excellent cut quality
• Rated with new consumables.
• Top end of machine
capabilities
• Intended for occasional
severance requirements;
where a lower degree of cut
quality is acceptable
• Slower cut speeds
Cutting
IMPORTANT!
Frequently review the Important Safety Precautions at the front of this manual.
CAUTION! Be sure the operator is equipped with proper gloves, clothing, and eye & ear protection. Make sure
no part of the operator’s body comes into contact with the workpiece while the PLASMA TORCH (9) is activated.
CAUTION! Sparks from the cutting process can cause damage to coated, painted, and other surfaces such as
glass, plastic and metal.
Fig. CFig. BFig. A
CUTTING WITH A HAND TORCH
• The PLASMA TORCH can be comfortably held in one hand or steadied with two hands. Choose the technique
that feels most comfortable and allows good control and movement. Position the index finger or thumb to press
the control switch on the PLASMA TORCH handle.
• With the PLASMA TORCH in starting position, press the trigger. The pilot arc will come on and remain on for 3
seconds during which the CUTTING TIP (D) must come into contact with the workpiece.
• In the event the CUTTING TIP does not come into contact with the workpiece within 3 seconds of pilot arc start,
the arc automatically stops (the post flow air continues to run, cooling the PLASMA TORCH).
• For edge starts, hold the PLASMA TORCH perpendicular to the workpiece with the front of the CUTTING TIP on
the edge of the workpiece at the point where the cut is to start (Fig. A). For piercing, angle the PLASMA TORCH
slightly to direct the sparks away from the PLASMA TORCH until the pierce is complete (Fig. B).
• During cutting, the CUTTING TIP must be kept in contact with the workpiece. If contact is lost, the arc will
automatically stop (the post flow air continues to run, cooling the PLASMA TORCH).
• Once started, the cutting arc remains on as long as the trigger is pressed, unless the PLASMA TORCH is
withdrawn from the workpiece or torch motion is too slow. Keep moving while cutting. Cut at a steady speed
without pausing. Maintain the cutting speed so that the arc lag is about 30° behind the travel direction (Fig. C).
• Adjust the torch speed so sparks go thru the metal and out the bottom of the cut at that angle.
• If sparks are being blown upward and back at the PLASMA TORCH CUTTING TIP (D), your torch travel speed
is too fast, decrease your travel speed.
• Pause at the edge (end of your cut) until the arc has cut completely through the workpiece.
• To shut off the PLASMA TORCH, simply release the control switch. When the switch is released a post-flow will
occur. If the torch trigger is pressed during the post-flow, the pilot arc will restart.