Hypertherm Powermax30 XP Service Manual - Manual (Page 51)

Powermax30 XP Service Manual 808150 Revision 1 51
4 – Operation
Pierce a workpiece
If the metal is thinner than 6 mm (1/4 inch), use piercing to cut an interior feature. Piercing shortens the life of the
consumables.
The type of pierce to perform depends on the thickness of the metal. Hypertherm recommends:
 Straight pierce – For cutting metal that is thinner than 3 mm (1/8 inch).
 Rolling pierce – For cutting metal that is 3 mm (1/8 inch) or thicker.
1. Attach the ground clamp to the workpiece.
2. Straight pierce: Hold the torch perpendicular (90°) to the workpiece.
Rolling pierce: Hold the torch at an approximate 30° angle to the workpiece with the torch tip within 1.5 mm
(1/16 inch) of it before firing the torch.
3. Straight pierce: Press the torch trigger to start the arc.
Rolling pierce: Press the torch trigger to start the arc while still at an angle to the workpiece, then slowly rotate the
torch to the perpendicular (90°) position.
4. Hold the torch in place while continuing to press the trigger. When sparks exit from the bottom of the workpiece, the
arc has pierced the metal.