Electrode for a plasma arc torch having an improved insert configuration
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An electrode for a plasma arc torch, the electrode comprising:
- an elongated electrode body formed of a high thermal conductivity material and having a bore disposed in a bottom end of the electrode body; and
a ring-shaped insert comprising a high thermionic emissivity material disposed in the bore, the high thermionic emissivity material comprising hafnium or zirconium.
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0 Petitions
Reexamination
Accused Products
Abstract
An electrode for use in a plasma arc torch has an insert designed to improve the service life of the electrode, particularly for high current processes. The electrode comprises an elongated electrode body formed of a high thermal conductivity material and having a bore disposed in a bottom end of the electrode body. The bore can be cylindrical or ring-shaped. An insert comprising a high thermionic emissivity material, and in some embodiments, a high thermal conductivity material, is disposed in the bore. The insert can be ringed-shaped or cylindrical.
68 Citations
38 Claims
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1. An electrode for a plasma arc torch, the electrode comprising:
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an elongated electrode body formed of a high thermal conductivity material and having a bore disposed in a bottom end of the electrode body; and a ring-shaped insert comprising a high thermionic emissivity material disposed in the bore, the high thermionic emissivity material comprising hafnium or zirconium. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An electrode for a plasma arc torch, the electrode comprising:
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an elongated electrode body formed of a high thermal conductivity material and having a bore disposed in a bottom end of the electrode body; and an insert disposed in the bore and comprising a composite structure comprising a high thermionic emissivity material dispersed within a high thermal conductivity material, the high thermionic emissivity material comprising hafnium or zirconium. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of manufacturing an electrode for a plasma arc torch comprising:
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a) providing an elongated electrode body formed of a high thermal conductivity material; b) forming a bore at a bottom end of the elongated electrode body relative to a central axis through the electrode body; and c) inserting a ring-shaped insert comprising a high thermionic emissivity material in the bore, the high thermionic emissivity material comprising hafnium or zirconium. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 31)
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27. A method of manufacturing an electrode for a plasma arc cutting torch, comprising:
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a) providing an elongated electrode body formed of a high thermal conductivity material; b) forming a bore at a bottom end of the elongated electrode body relative to a central axis extending longitudinally through the electrode body; c) forming an insert comprising a composite structure comprising a high thermionic emissivity material dispersed within a high thermal conductivity material, the high thermionic emissivity material comprising hafnium or zirconium; and d) inserting in the bore of the electrode body. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30)
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32. A plasma arc torch comprising:
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a torch body; a nozzle supported by the torch body, the nozzle having an exit orifice; and an electrode supported by the torch body in a spaced relationship from the nozzle, the electrode comprising an elongated electrode body formed of a high thermal conductivity material and having a bore disposed in a bottom end of the electrode body and a ring-shaped insert comprising a high thermionic emissivity material disposed in the bore. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36)
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37. A plasma arc torch comprising:
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a torch body; a nozzle supported by the torch body, the nozzle having an exit orifice; and an electrode supported by the torch body in a spaced relationship from the nozzle, the electrode comprising an elongated electrode body formed of a high thermal conductivity material and having a bore disposed in a bottom end of the electrode body and an insert comprising a composite structure disposed in the bore, the composite structure comprising a high thermionic emissivity material dispersed within a high thermal conductivity material. - View Dependent Claims (38)
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Specification