Plasma Cutting Torch Height

Higher than normal initial height pierce standing pierce.

Plasma cutting torch height.

Torch rising during standing pierce. This retraction continues for a timed period and then lowers to correct cutting height after the machine is moving at cutting speed. Material variability gas purity operator experience. On arc transfer the torch begins to pull away from the work piece.

This causes excessive top rounding and positive bevel see fig. While the plasma torch tip to plate distance can be automatically set at the start of a cut by the initial height sensing ihs switch it is difficult to maintain this exact height throughout the cut. Remember that a typical plasma cutting torch tip to plate distance is only 0 060 and that normal sheet metal and plate stock are not. This allows the system to maintain proper torch height regardless of variations in the material of flatness of the cutting bed.

Cutting speed cut height choice of consumables external variables e g. Hypertherm s arcglide thc and sensor thc torch height controls automatically and continuously sample and adjust arc voltage to correct consumable wear. Torch height has the greatest affect on bevel angle of the plasma cut piece. This allows the pierce spatter to clear the nozzle.

Ideally the pierce height should be 1 8 off of the material surface you are cutting to allow the plasma to penetrate but more importantly when using arc voltage height control systems to help maintain the height of the torch tip while the voltage is being read. The sampled arc voltage cnc setting results in proper torch height for optimal cut quality over the life of the consumables without requiring operator adjustment. However voltage regulated height controls can fail to protect the torch. Plasma cutting system e g.

Torch height sensors also offer protection from torch crashes by correcting for variations in the material. Torch collisions with the workpiece can be prevented by programming the shape cutting system to travel around rather than over cut parts. Capability of the cnc machine and torch height control process variables e g. Setting the voltage too high results in more material being removed from the top of the kerf than the bottom.

Thc3t 04 is a heavy duty highly accurate plasma torch height controller designed for use with high performance automated plasma cutting systems. Thc3t 04 uses arc voltage to maintain a consistent distance from the plate while the torch is cutting.