Consumable cartridge for a plasma arc cutting system

A replaceable sealed cartridge member for a plasma arc torch, the replaceable sealed cartridge member comprising:

• a substantially hollow frame including a first substantially hollow portion having a first end and a second substantially hollow portion having a second end, the first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis therethrough, the first end of the substantially hollow frame configured to mate with the plasma arc torch;
• an arc emitter slidably positioned and disposed at least partially within the frame, the arc emitter translatable relative to the frame;
• a resilient element located within and in physical communication with the frame, the resilient element positioned coaxially with the arc emitter and biasing the arc emitter toward the second end in a direction along the longitudinal axis to facilitate ignition at or near the arc emitter;
• and
• an electrically conductive contact element secured at the first end of the frame, the resilient element located between the arc emitter and the electrically conductive contact element;
• wherein the replaceable sealed cartridge member is configured to be replaced as a unit after it reaches the end of the life of any constituent component of the replaceable sealed cartridge member.