Hypertherm HRT - Manual (Page 88)

OPERATION
3-52 Duramax Retrofit Torch
Operator Manual
High‑speed dross forms when the cutting speed is too fast and the arc angles behind. It forms
as a thin, linear bead of solid metal attached very close to the cut. It is more firmly attached to the
bottom of the cut than at low speed and is difficult to remove. To reduce high‑speed dross:
• Decrease the cutting speed.
• Decrease the torch‑to‑work distance.
Note: Dross is more likely to form on warm or hot metal than on cool metal. For example,
the first cut in a series of cuts usually produces the least dross. As the workpiece
heats up, more dross can accumulate on subsequent cuts.
Worn or damaged consumables may produce excess dross.
Straightness of the cut surface
A typical plasma cut surface is slightly concave.
The cut surface may become more concave, or convex. Correct torch height is required to keep
the cut surface acceptably close to straight. Worn consumables also affect the straightness of
the cut.
A strongly concave cut surface occurs when the torch‑to‑work distance is too low. Increase the
torch‑to‑work distance to straighten the cut surface.
A convex cut surface occurs when the torch‑to‑work distance is too great or the cutting current
is too high. First, try lowering the torch, then reduce the cutting current.