Lincoln Electric IM639 RED-D-ARC VIPER - Manual (Page 14)

B-1 OPERATION B-1
Read and understand this entire section before oper-
ating the machine.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
NOTE: All P.C. boards are protected by a moisture resistant
coating. When the plasma cutter is operated, this coating
will "bake off" of certain power resistors that normally oper-
ate at high temperatures emitting some smoke and odor for
a short time. These resistors and the P.C. board beneath
them may become darkened. This is a normal occurrence
and does not damage the component or affect the machine
performance.
DESCRIPTION
The VIPER is a constant current, continuous control
plasma cutting power source. It provides superior and
reliable starting characteristics, cutting visibility and
arc stability. When cutting expanded metal, the VIPER
out performs the competition due to its quick, clean
response to arc transfers. The power supply design
provides high transfer-to-cut distances which makes
pierce cutting more reliable and with less nozzle wear.
The control system has a safety mechanism to insure
that the nozzle and electrode are in place before cut-
ting or gouging. This is extremely important due to the
high voltages involved.
The VIPER comes standard with an air regulator,
coarse air filter, and pressure gauge. There are six dif-
ferent torch and cable systems to choose from: hand-
held torch with 25' or 50' cable, machine and robotic
torch both with 25' and 50' cable. Consumables are
included so that cutting can begin right out of the box.
Consumables can also be ordered as individual pack-
ages.
The VIPER initiates the plasma arc with a simple, yet
reliable, touch start mechanism. This system elimi-
nates many of the failure problems associated with hi-
frequency start systems. The VIPER is capable of cut-
ting with nitrogen or air.
The VIPER is controlled by a microprocessor-based
control board. The machine performs rudimentary self
troubleshooting when powered up which aids in field
servicing.
PREHEAT TEMPERATURE FOR
PLASMA CUTTING
Preheat temperature control is not necessary in most
applications when plasma arc cutting or gouging.
Preheat temperature control may be necessary on high
carbon alloy steels and heat treated aluminum for crack
resistance and hardness control. Job conditions, pre-
vailing codes, alloy level, and other considerations may
also require preheat temperature control. The following
minimum preheat temperature is recommended as a
starting point. Higher temperatures may be used as
required by the job conditions and/or prevailing codes.
If cracking or excessive hardness occurs on the cut
face, higher preheat temperature may be required. The
recommended minimum preheat temperature for plate
thickness up to 1/2" (12.7mm) is 70°F (21.1°C).
VIPER
ELECTRIC SHOCK
can kill.
• Do not touch electrically live parts
or electrode with skin or wet
clothing.
• Insulate yourself from work and
ground.
• Always wear dry insulating
gloves.
FUMES AND GASES
can be dangerous.
• Keep your head out of fumes.
• Use ventilation or exhaust to
remove fumes from breathing
zone.
WELDING, CUTTING and
GOUGING SPARKS
can cause fire or explosion
• Keep flammable material away.
• Do not weld, cut or gouge on
containers that have held combustibles.
Observe additional Safety Guidelines detailed in
the beginning of this manual.
WARNING
ARC RAYS
can burn.
• Wear eye, ear and body
protection.
PLASMA ARC
can injure
• Keep your body away from nozzle
and plasma arc.
• Operate the pilot arc with caution. The
pilot arc is capable of burning the
operator, others or even piercing
safety clothing.