Method for starting a multi-gas plasma arc torch
AssigneeVictor Equipment Company
InventorsDaniel Wayne Barnett, Nakhleh Hussary
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of starting a multi-gas plasma arc torch for cutting a workpiece is provided that includes directing a pre-flow gas within the plasma arc torch and switching the pre-flow gas to a plasma gas before a pilot arc is transferred to the workpiece. The plasma gas is supplied initially at a first gas pressure when the pre-flow gas is switched to the plasma gas. The gas pressure is switched to a second gas pressure that is different than the first gas pressure after the pilot arc is transferred. The method provides a smooth transition from the pre-flow gas to the plasma gas and reduces the time delay in replacing the pre-flow gas with the plasma gas in the plasma arc torch, thereby improving cut or marking quality.
Claims18
A method of starting a plasma arc torch for operating on a workpiece, the method comprising:
- providing a pre-flow gas supply and a plasma gas supply from two different gas sources;
- directing the pre-flow gas supply within the plasma arc torch;
- initiating a pilot arc within the plasma arc torch;
- switching to the plasma gas supply to reduce a time delay when the pre-flow gas is completely replaced with the plasma gas within the plasma arc torch;
- transferring a pilot arc to the workpiece after the pre-flow gas supply is switched to the plasma gas supply;
- and
- adjusting the pressure of the plasma gas supply after the pilot arc is transferred to the workpiece.
A method of starting a plasma arc torch for cutting a workpiece, the method comprising:
- providing a pre-flow gas supply and a plasma gas supply from two different gas sources;
- directing the pre-flow gas supply;
- initiating a pilot arc within the plasma arc torch;
- switching from the pre-flow gas supply to the plasma gas supply;
- supplying the plasma gas at a first gas pressure to reduce a time delay when the pre-flow gas is completely replaced with the plasma gas within the plasma arc torch;
- transferring the pilot arc to the workpiece after the pre-flow gas supply is switched to the plasma gas supply;
- and
- switching the plasma gas from the first gas pressure to a second gas pressure that is higher than the first gas pressure after the pilot arc is transferred to the workpiece.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.