Plasma cutters work in a principle of sending an electric arc through a gas, which is passing through a narrow opening. The gas can of any type. The metal being cut by the electrical conductivity of the plasma causes the arc to transfer to the metal material. The high-speed gas cuts the molten metal and is directed around the surface of the metal to make a cut.

Types of Consumables Used in Plasma Cutter

Plasma cutters have many parts, which involved in producing an arc of plasma. Plasma Cutter Consumables are very important to make a cut in the metal with high-quality cut and reduce the time of the cutting process. These consumables are found in the cutting torch, where most of the energy is focused together. Plasma cutting torch consumables include:

Swirl ring

Electrode

Nozzle

Retaining cap

Shield cap

Swirl ring: It is a small component inside the torch, which is used to swirls the gas around the plasma arc. This helps in directing the arc for higher precision in cutting and helps to keep it cool.

Electrode: It is a narrow piece of copper-containing hafnium, which is an excellent conductor of electricity. It receives the electric current from a cathode inside the torch and charges to its tip. This causes a plasma arc on the workpiece.

Nozzle: The nozzle is used to keep the plasma arc and gas to make a precise cut. When a nozzle is having a large opening, it is used for gauging. While it is short it is used to get highly precise accuracy in cutting the metal.

Retaining cap: It helps in holding all of the consumable parts of the torch together. 

Shield cap: The shield cap is used to protect the torch and other components from spark and molten metal, which are from the cutting process.

How Long Do the Consumables Last?

Apart from all components, the nozzle, and the electrode wear out quickly, because those are involved more in creating and focusing on the cutting arc. As the nozzle tip hole gets larger that makes a thicker plasma arc and results in getting a wider cut in the workpiece. You need to inspect the parts after every cutting process in order to give long-lasting life.

Tips to Improve the Parts Life

Always check the cutting parameters before starting the cutting process. Cutting too quickly or slowly, and cutting at the wrong distance from your material will make your parts repair.

Always install correct components, whether in cleaning or modifying the repair parts.

Monitor all the components after each run of the machine. Frequently keep changing nozzle and electrodes in case of any repair otherwise, it will affect your cut quality.

Conclusion

Knowing about each part of the machine will help in maintaining the parts. It helps to increase the life span of the parts, in order to achieve a good result.