Procedure Recommendations

B-6	OPERATION	B-6

When properly used, plasma arc cutting is a very eco- nomical process. Improper use will result in a very high operating cost.

General - In All Cases

•Follow safety precautions as printed throughout this operating manual and on the machine.

•If piercing is required, slowly lower the torch at an angle of about 30° to blow the dross away from the torch tip and slowly rotate the torch to a vertical position as the arc becomes deeper. This process will blow a lot of molten metal and dross. Be careful! Blow the dross away from the torch, the operator and any flammable objects.

•The nozzle may be dragged on the metal sur- face, touching it lightly to the surface. NOTE:

The use of a drag cup with the PRO-CUT is not recommended. The increased standoff distance reduces the overall performance of the PRO-CUT.

Torch Standoff

DRAGDRAGthruthru1/16"1/16”

StandoffStandoff

•Where possible, start the cut from the edge of the work piece.

•Keep moving! A steady speed is necessary. Do not pause.

Suggestions for Extra Utility from the PRO-CUT System:

1.Occasionally an oxide layer may form over the tip of the electrode, creating an insulating barrier between the electrode and nozzle. This will result in the tripping of the Pro-Cut's safety circuit. When this happens turn the power off, remove the nozzle and electrode and use the electrode to rub against the inside bottom surface of the nozzle. This will help remove any oxide buildup. Replace the noz- zle, turn on the power and continue cutting. If the safety circuit continues to trip after cleaning the consumables, then replace them with a new set. Do not continue to try and cut with excessively worn consumables as this can cause damage to the torch head and will degrade cut quality. Do not allow torch cable or body to contact hot surface.

2.To improve consumable life, here are some sug- gestions that may be useful:

a.Make sure the air supply to the Pro-Cut is clean and free of oil. Use several extra in line filters if necessary.

b.Minimize dross buildup on the nozzle tip by starting the cut from the edge of the plate when possible.

c.Pierce cutting should be done only when nec- essary. If piercing, angle torch about 30° from the plane perpendicular to the work piece, transfer the arc, then bring the torch perpen- dicular to the work and begin parallel move- ment.

d.Reduce the number of pilot arc starts without transferring to the work.

e.Reduce the pilot arc time before transferring to the work.

f.Set air pressure to recommended setting. A higher or lower pressure will cause turbulence in the plasma arc, eroding the orifice of the nozzle tip.

g.Use only Lincoln consumable parts. These parts are patented and using any other replacement consumables may cause dam- age to the torch or reduce cut quality.

WARNING

ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN KILL.

•Turn off machine at the disconnect switch on the front of the machine before tightening, cleaning or replacing

consumables.

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PRO-CUT 25

OPERATION