Consumable component parts for a plasma torch

A plasma torch;

• comprising:
• a torch body;
• an electrode coupled to the torch body;
• a nozzle coupled to the torch body, the nozzle including:
• a tapered surface including a compressible member providing a disengagement force relative to an adjacent tapered surface of the torch body;
• and
• an axially disposed surface for coupling to a mating surface on an adjacent structure within the torch body;
• and
• a retaining cap coupled to the torch body, the retaining cap providing an engagement force for coupling the nozzle to torch body.

A plasma torch component, comprising:

• a body portion;
• a tapered surface on the body portion dimensioned to receive a compressible member that provides a disengagement force relative to the body portion;
• an axially disposed surface on the body portion for aligning the body in an axial position relative to an adjacent structure of the torch;
• and
• a mating surface for electrically coupling the component on the adjacent structure of the torch.

A plasma torch component, comprising:

• a body portion having an axial length and a radial width;
• an axial stop for aligning the body portion in the direction of the axial length;
• and
• a tapered surface on the body portion dimensioned to engage a compressible member, wherein when the component is assembled the compressible member creates a force having an axial direction and a radial direction, wherein the radial direction of the force aligns the component radially and the axial direction of the force biases the component in an unassembled direction.

A plasma torch component, comprising:

• a body;
• an axial stop defining a primary datum for rigidly aligning the body in an axial direction relative to an adjacent structure;
• and
• a radial stop defining a secondary datum for flexibly aligning the body in a radial direction relative to the adjacent structure and for biasing the body in the axial direction.

An assembly of plasma torch components, the assembly comprising:

• a first component having an axial disposed surfaces and a tapered surface;
• a second component having an axial disposed surfaces, wherein the first component and the second component are aligned axially by their respective axial disposed surfaces;
• and
• a compression member aligning the first component and the second component radially, the compression member engaging the tapered surface such that the first component and the second component are biased in a direction of disassembly.