Tweco Drag-Gun - Manual (Page 22)

DRAG-GUN Plasma Cutter 18 Operating Manual 0-2682
NOTE
Piloting is harder on parts life than actual cutting
because the pilot arc is directed from the electrode
to the tip rather than to a workpiece. Whenever
possible, avoid excessive pilot arc time to improve
parts life.
2. Torch Standoff
Improper standoff (the distance between the torch tip
and workpiece) can adversely affect tip life as well as
shield cup life. Reducing standoff will generally re-
sult in a more square cut.
NOTE
Although the DRAG-GUN will cut using stand-
off, this unit is primarily a drag-cutting machine.
6.0 MAINTENANCE 6.0 MAINTENANCE 6.0 MAINTENANCE 6.0 MAINTENANCE 6.0 MAINTENANCE
6.1 Recommended Maintenance 6.1 Recommended Maintenance 6.1 Recommended Maintenance 6.1 Recommended Maintenance 6.1 Recommended Maintenance
Schedule Schedule Schedule Schedule Schedule
WARNING
Disconnect primary power to the system before dis-
assembling the power supply.
NOTE
The actual frequency of maintenance may need to
be adjusted according to usage and the environ-
ment.
Recommended Routine Maintenance
Schedule
Daily Operational Checks or Every 6
Cutting Hours:
1. Check torch consumables. Replace if
damaged.
2. Inspect torch for any cracks or exposed
wires. Repair or replace before
proceeding.
3. Inspect input power cable for damage or
exposed wires. Repair or replace before
proceeding.
Weekly or Every 30 Cutting Hours:
1. Check for proper fan operation.
2. Blow or vacuum dust and dirt out of the
entire machine, including the air filter.
Figure 6-1 Routine Maintenance
6.2 Power Supply Cleaning 6.2 Power Supply Cleaning 6.2 Power Supply Cleaning 6.2 Power Supply Cleaning 6.2 Power Supply Cleaning
To clean the unit, open the enclosure and use a vacuum
cleaner to remove any accumulated dirt and dust. The
unit should also be wiped clean. If necessary, solvents
that are recommended for cleaning electrical apparatus
may be used. Do not blow air into the power supply dur-
ing cleaning. Make sure to always blow air out of the unit.
Blowing air into the unit can cause metal particles to in-
terfere with sensitive electrical components and cause
damage to the unit.
6.3 Torch Cleaning 6.3 Torch Cleaning 6.3 Torch Cleaning 6.3 Torch Cleaning 6.3 Torch Cleaning
Even if precautions are taken to use only clean air with a
torch, eventually the inside of the torch becomes coated
with residue. This buildup can affect the pilot arc initia-
tion and the overall cut quality of the torch.
The inside of the torch should be cleaned with electrical
contact cleaner using a cotton swab or soft wet rag. In
severe cases, the torch can be removed from the leads
and cleaned more thoroughly by pouring electrical con-
tact cleaner into the torch and blowing it through with
compressed air.
CAUTION
Dry the torch thoroughly before reinstalling.
6.4 Inspection and Replacement 6.4 Inspection and Replacement 6.4 Inspection and Replacement 6.4 Inspection and Replacement 6.4 Inspection and Replacement
of Consumable Torch Parts of Consumable Torch Parts of Consumable Torch Parts of Consumable Torch Parts of Consumable Torch Parts
WARNING
Disconnect primary power to the system before
disassembling the torch.
CAUTION
Consumable parts may be HOT! Torch parts may
get quite hot during normal operation. Always
wear light cutting gloves when changing torch
parts just after operating the Drag-Gun system.
1. Remove the shield cup from the torch and inspect the
cup for damage. Wipe it clean or replace if damaged.