OUTER RETAINING CAP

This brass cap holds all the consumables onto the torch head.

It should only be replaced if there is visible damage such as slag build-up, dents or burns (on either opening), or if it is difficult to thread onto the torch head.

New Outer Retaining Cap
New

Worn Outer Retaining Cap
Requires Replacement

What`s wrong with this one? The top edge is dented and there is slag build-up on the lip. Both of which could cause the shield cap to not fit properly.

SHIELD CAP

Although the shield cap is not consumed by the plasma arc, due to its close proximity to the work piece it is susceptible to damage from torch crashes and pierces made too close to the plate.

As its name implies, the shield cap funnels the shielding gas for the purpose of additional nozzle cooling and improved cut edge squareness.

The orifice in the shield cap is crucial to edge cut quality, so it should be replaced when it becomes burnt, bent, or otherwise out of round.

An abrasive hand pad (not sand paper) can be used to remove splatter (slag) that has built-up on the shield cap.

Always inspect O-rings for possible damage such as nicks, cracks and tears. Make sure O-rings are properly lubricated using the manufacturer`s recommended lubrication. Refer to the manufacturer`s operator manual for lubrication specifications.

New Shield Cap
New

Worn Shield Cap
Requires Replacement

What`s wrong with this one? While the slag build-up could be removed with an abrasive pad, the orifice is out of round and cannot function effectively.

INNER RETAINING CAP

This piece has a copper body with a pressed-on insulator ring for seating into the shield cap.

The purpose of the inner retaining cap is to circulate coolant around the outside of the nozzle, and to distribute gas to the shield cap through tiny holes in the insulator ring.

This piece is not consumed by the plasma arc and can easily last up to 30 or more electrode replacements.

Replace only if the orifice is burnt, bent, out of round, or if the tiny holes in the copper body or insulator ring are plugged.

New Inner Retaining Cap
New

Worn Inner Retaining Cap
Requires Replacement

What`s wrong with this one? The orifice is out of round and the insulator ring is damaged.

NOZZLE

The copper nozzle channels the swirling plasma arc through a small orifice that varies in diameter depending on the amperage of the consumable. When new, this orifice will be perfectly round with a clearly defined sharp edge. This feature is the key to optimal cut quality.

Under normal cutting conditions, expect to use two nozzles for each electrode to maintain the highest cut quality.

The nozzle should be replaced when the orifice begins to wear out of round on either the outer or the inner bore. There may be some light swirl marks on the inside of the nozzle caused by arc starting, but this is not a cause for replacement.

Always inspect O-rings for possible damage, such as nicks, cracks and tears. Make sure O-rings are properly lubricated using the manufacturer`s recommended lubrication. Refer to the manufacturer`s operator manual for lubrication specifications.

New Copper Nozzle
New

Worn Copper Nozzle
Requires Replacement

What`s wrong with this one? The orifice is too out of round to function effectively and the sharp edge of the orifice has been eroded.

SWIRL RING

The swirl ring is machined from a high temperature resistant material such as Vespel® or ceramic, and is, therefore, not consumed by the plasma arc.

It serves as both an insulator between the electrode and nozzle, and a vessel to create the swirling action of the plasma gas needed to create precision cuts.

Care must be taken to ensure the small holes remain free of dirt and debris, and it should be replaced if any cracks or chips are detected.

Always inspect O-rings for possible damage such as nicks, cracks and tears. Make sure O-rings are properly lubricated using the manufacturer`s recommended lubrication. Refer to the manufacturer`s operator manual for lubrication specifications.

New Swirl Ring
New

Worn Swirl Ring
Requires Replacement

What`s wrong with this one? The small holes are plugged with debris.

ELECTRODE

The electrode can be made of copper or silver, or a combination of both, and contains a separate emitter rod insert, made of either hafnium or tungsten. The emitter rod offers less resistance to current flow than copper, which prevents the electrode from burning up while the high current arc is generated.

As long as the plasma arc is on, the emitter rod is being consumed. Eventually, it will reach a depth which will allow the arc to jump directly to the end of the electrode. This will result in an immediate blow out which will also destroy the nozzle and shield cap, and could also damage the torch head.

New Electrode
New

Worn Electrode
Requires Replacement

What`s wrong with this one? The wear depth (or pit depth) exceeds the allowable limit.


The safety zone for emitter wear depth is approximately 0.040" (1.02mm) for copper electrodes and 0.1" (2.54mm) for silver electrodes.

Always inspect O-rings for possible damage such as nicks, cracks and tears. Make sure O-rings are properly lubricated using the manufacturer`s recommended lubrication. Refer to the manufacturer`s operator manual for lubrication specifications.