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Practical answers on choosing, fitting and getting the best life from the all-in-one cartridges used in machine-mounted plasma cutting torches.
A cartridge is a single replacement part that takes the place of the separate consumables in a traditional torch stack. On air plasma systems it combines the shield, retaining cap, nozzle, electrode and swirl ring into one assembly, so it can be fitted in seconds and the parts stay aligned.Because the parts are made and wear together, makers say a cartridge can last longer than a loose stack and gives less chance of fitting the wrong combination. Cartridges are usually colour coded by use. Always match the cartridge to your torch and power supply using the parts guide.
Switch the power supply off first, which is the preferred method. If you cannot, set the torch lock to its locked position and check that the torch does not fire when the trigger is pulled. Maker instructions warn that arc ignition on an instant-start torch is immediate, which can cause burns and injury.Let the torch cool before handling hot parts. Fit the correct cartridge and tighten it as the manual describes, which on many torches is a quarter turn, and make sure it is neither too loose nor too tight. Then return the torch lock to the ready position as directed in the manual.
Yes. Plasma makers specify clean, dry, oil-free air and refer to the ISO 8573-1 air quality classes in their manuals. Oil, water and other contaminants can damage the internal parts over time, and poor air quality is listed as a cause of lower cut quality and speed, reduced cutting thickness and shorter consumable life.Any compressor feeding the system needs filtration to remove oil, and an extra filter or dryer at the machine inlet is often worthwhile. Check the target class and the pressure range in the manual for your power supply.
Both usually come from the setup rather than the metal alone. A positive bevel, where the top edge is narrower, is linked by the maker to a worn nozzle, too high a standoff, too little current or too fast a travel speed. A negative bevel points to too low a standoff, too much current or too slow a speed.Dross on the bottom edge is linked to travel speed being wrong in either direction, plus standoff and current. Worn consumables are a common contributor, so check the cartridge first, then adjust speed in small steps, and start from the maker's cut chart.
