Plasma arc torch

• US 20060016789A1
• Filed: 08/16/2005
• Published: 01/26/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/19/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Victor Equipment Co. (Enovis Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Thermal Dynamics Corporation (Enovis Corp.)
• Inventors: Conway, Christopher J., MacKenzie, Darrin H., Gugliotta, Mark, Kinerson, Kevin J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,145,098 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 219/121.500
• CPC Class Codes: B23K 10/00 Welding or cutting by means of a plasma
• CPC Class Codes: B23K 9/291 the shielding means being a gas
• CPC Class Codes: H05H 1/28 Cooling arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H05H 1/34 Details, e.g. electrodes, nozzles
• CPC Class Codes: H05H 1/3431 Coaxial cylindrical electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: H05H 1/3436 Hollow cathodes with internal coolant flow
• CPC Class Codes: H05H 1/3442 Cathodes with inserted tip
• CPC Class Codes: H05H 1/3468 Vortex generators
• CPC Class Codes: H05H 1/3478 Geometrical details
• CPC Class Codes: H05H 1/3489 Means for contact starting

Abstract

A plasma arc torch is provided that comprises a set of torch consumable components secured to a torch head, wherein a supply of cooling fluid flows coaxially through the torch to cool torch components and a supply of plasma gas and secondary gas flows through the torch to generate and stabilize a plasma stream for operations such as cutting workpieces. The torch consumable components, in part, comprise an electrode and a tip that include a variety of configurations for improved cooling, electrical contact, and attachment to adjacent torch components. Further, a consumables cartridge is provided for ease of use and replacement of the torch consumable components. Additionally, methods of operating the plasma arc torch at relatively high current levels are also provided by the present invention.

Claims

1. An assembly for use in a plasma arc torch comprising:

a tip comprising a plurality of flutes; and

a coolant guide comprising a plurality of radial tabs disposed within the flutes of the tip,

wherein the radial tabs direct a flow of fluid through the plasma arc torch.

2. An assembly for use in a plasma arc torch comprising:

a tip comprising a plurality of flutes;

a coolant comprising a plurality of radial tabs disposed within the flutes of the tip; and

a coolant seal disposed at a distal end portion of the coolant guide,

wherein the assembly directs a flow of fluid and current through the plasma arc torch.

3. An assembly for use in a plasma arc torch comprising:

an electrode comprising a plurality of ribs and flutes configured for the passage of fluid and electrical contact with an adjacent cathodic member; and

a spacer disposed at a distal end portion of the electrode,

wherein the assembly directs a flow of plasma gas and current through the plasma arc torch.