Adjustable length consumables for a liquid-cooled plasma arc torch

A torch tip for a liquid-cooled plasma arc cutting torch, the torch tip comprising:

• an electrode with an elongated electrode body having a distal end and a proximal end extending along a longitudinal axis, the electrode body including a bore at the distal end for receiving a hafnium insert and at least one interior threaded connection at the proximal end for engaging a liquid-cooled electrode holder, wherein the electrode holder comprises a liquid coolant channel that does not extend into the electrode body,
• the electrode body having (i) a length extending along the longitudinal axis and (ii) a diameter associated with a widest portion of the electrode body along the longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal ends, wherein a ratio of the length to the diameter of the electrode body is greater than 5;
• a nozzle including a substantially hollow, elongated nozzle body for receiving the electrode, the nozzle body defining (i) a length extending along the longitudinal axis and (ii) a diameter associated with a widest portion of the nozzle body along the longitudinal axis, wherein a ratio of the length to the diameter of the nozzle body is greater than 1.75;
• and
• a shield coupled to the nozzle via an insulator, wherein the shield includes:
• a set of radially-oriented passages dispersed around a first circumference of the shield, the radially-oriented passages fluidly connecting an exterior surface to an interior surface of the shield and configured to impart a swirling motion on a first portion of a combined gas flow therethrough, and
• a set of axially-oriented passages dispersed around a second circumference of the shield, the axially-oriented passages configured to axially conduct a second portion of the combined gas flow over an external surface of the shield.