Plasma arc torch having adjustable electrode

Abstract

Disclosed is a plasma torch in which the position of the center electrode (1) is adjustable relative to the orifice of the plasma torch (2). The invention is based on a construction in which the center electrode (1) is mounted to the body part (9) of the plasma torch by way of a pivotal ball joint (7, 23), whereby the electrode (1) can be pivotally rotated in said joint (7, 23), thus making it possible to align the electrode tip to the orifice center of the plasma nozzle (2). The spherical element (7) of the pivotal joint is attached to the bearing box (23) with the help of a tightening gland nut (11, 12). The depth of the center electrode (1) can be adjusted by rotating a depth adjustment gland nut (14), which is attached to the spherical element (7) by a threaded joint. Due to its versatile adjustability the function of the plasma torch can be maintained in a stable range, thus significantly contributing to reduced wear and damage of the plasma nozzles.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.