04 options and accessories, 05 introduction to plasma – Tweco PCM - 102 Machine Torch User Manual
Page 16

INTRODUCTION
2-2
Manual 0-2818
B. Torch Leads Lengths
• Hand Torches
20 ft (6.1 m) or 50 ft (15.2 m)
• Machine Torches
25 ft (7.6 m) or 50 ft (15.2 m)
C. Torch Parts
Gas Distributor, Electrode, Tip, Shield Cup
D. Parts-In-Place (PIP)
Torch Head has built-in contacts
12 vdc circuit rating
E. Type Cooling
Combination of ambient air and gas stream through torch
F. Torch Ratings
Ambient
Temperature
104° F
(40° C)
Duty Cycle
100% @ 100 Amps @ 400 scfh
Maximum Current
100 Amps
Voltage (V
peak
)
500V
Arc Striking Voltage
12 kV
Torch Ratings
G. Plasma Power Supply Used With
• CutMaster 75
• CutMaster 80XL
• CutMaster 100
• Pak Master 75XL Plus
• Pak Master 100XL Plus
• CE Pak Master 75XL Plus
• CE Pak Master 100XL Plus
H. Direct Contact Hazard
For exposed tip the recommended standoff is 1/8 -
3/8 inch or 3 - 9.5 mm.
2.04 Options And Accessories
These items can be used to customize a standard system
for a particular application or to further enhance perfor-
mance (refer to Section 6 for ordering information).
• Spare Parts Kits - Various kits containing replace-
ment front-end torch parts for various applications.
• Circle Cutting Guide Kit - Easy add-on attachments
to allow for straight line, circle cutting, and beveling
with a hand torch. The guide fits both the 70° and
90° hand torches.
• Standoff Cutting Guide - Simple push-on attachment
to allow for torch dragging without risk of touching
tip to workpiece.
• 1 - 3/8" Metal Mounting Tube with Rack & Pinion
Assembly
• Pinion Assembly
• Computer Control (CNC) Cable 25 Ft (7.6 m) or 50 Ft
(15.2 m)
• Hand Pendant Control Assembly - Used for ma-
chine applications. Hand Pendant Control has
20 ft. (6.1 m) cable which provides ON & OFF
signals to the Power Supply.
• Extension Cable for Hand Pendant Control - 25 ft
(7.6 m) cable which can be added to the Hand Pen-
dant Control cable to provide a total control cable
length of 50 ft (15.2 m).
2.05 Introduction to Plasma
A. Plasma Gas Flow
Plasma is defined as a gas which has been heated to
an extremely high temperature and ionized so that it
becomes electrically conductive. The plasma arc cut-
ting and gouging process use this plasma to transfer
an electrical arc to the workpiece. The metal to be cut
or removed is melted by the heat of the arc and then
blown away.
While the goal of plasma arc cutting is separation of
the material, plasma arc gouging is used to remove
metals to a controlled depth and width.
In a Plasma Cutting Torch a cool gas enters Zone B
(refer to Figure 2-2), where a pilot arc between the elec-
trode and the torch tip heats and ionizes the gas. The
main cutting arc then transfers to the workpiece
through the column of plasma gas in Zone C.