Apparatus and method for improved assembly concentricity in a plasma arc torch

A plasma arc torch comprising:

• an electrode and a nozzle forming a plasma chamber therebetween in which an arc may be formed;
• a cathode block having an interior surface forming a circumferential groove and a bore in which said electrode is disposed;
• a first spring element disposed between said block interior surface and said electrode in said block groove for providing radially directed forces therebetween to radially center said electrode in said block bore;
• a torch body having an interior surface forming a circumferential groove and a bore in which said nozzle is disposed;
• and
• a second spring element disposed between said body interior surface and said nozzle in said body groove for providing radially directed forces therebetween to radially center said nozzle in said body bore, wherein said block bore and said body bore are substantially concentrically aligned thereby substantially concentrically aligning said electrode and said nozzle.

A method of concentrically axially aligning first and second consumable components which form a plasma chamber therebetween when installed in a plasma arc torch, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a torch assembly comprising first and second inner surfaces forming first and second generally axially concentric bores in which said first and second components are respectively disposed upon assembly of the torch;
• generating a circumferential groove along each of said interior surfaces;
• disposing a spring element in each of said grooves for providing radially directed forces between said grooved surfaces and said respective first and second components when disposed therein;
• and
• disposing said first and second components into respective first and second bores thereby compressing respective spring elements resulting in concentric axial alignment of said first and second components.