- 9 -
aluminium, iron and steel materials.
- Press the air button (Fig. C-3) tostarttheairow.
- During this phase, adjust the air pressure until the pressure value
required for the type of torch being used is visible on the display
(TAB. 2).
- Adjust the knob: pull upwards to release it and then turn it
to adjust the pressure to the value indicated in the TORCH
TECHNICALDATA.
- Read the required value on the pressure gauge and then press the
knobtolockthesetting.
- Allowtheairowtoendspontaneouslytomakeiteasiertoremove
any condensate accumulated in the torch.
Cutting procedure (Fig. L).
- Approachthetorchnozzletotheedgeofthepiece(about2mm),
andpressthetorchbutton;thepilotarcistriggeredafterabout1
second.
- Ifthedistanceissuitable,thepilotarcisimmediatelytransferredto
the piece giving rise to the cutting arc.
- Move the torch on the surface of the piece along the ideal cutting
line at a regular pace.
- Adjust the cutting rate according to the thickness and selected
current,checkingthatthearcexitingthelowersurfaceofthepiece
isinclined by 5-10 degrees in relation to the vertical line, inthe
opposite direction to the operating direction.
Grid cutting procedure (where applicable)
This function can be useful when cutting perforated or grid metal
sheets:
- Usethe“selectmode”button(Fig.C-2)toselectthegridcutting
mode.Oncompletingthecuttingcycle,keeping the torchbutton
pressed, the pilot arc will restart automatically. Only use this
function when required to avoid unnecessary use of the electrode
and nozzle.
Perforation (Fig. M)
To perform this operation or start cutting from the piece centre, start
with the torch inclined at an angle and move it progressively to a
vertical position.
- This procedure prevents the arc or smelted particles returns
from ruining the nozzle hole which will rapidly compromise its
performance.
- Perforationofpieceswithathicknessofupto25%ofthemaximum
foreseen for the range of use can be performed directly.
7. MAINTENANCE
ATTENTION!BEFORECARRYINGOUTMAINTENANCE
WORK, MAKE SURE THAT THE PLASMA CUTTING SYSTEM
IS SWITCHED OFF AND DISCONNECTED FROM THE POWER
SUPPLY.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
ROUTINEMAINTENANCEWORKCANBEPERFORMEDBYTHE
OPERATOR.
TORCH (Fig. N)
Check the wear level of the torch parts used by the plasma arc
regularly, depending on the level of use or if any cutting defects arise.
1- Spacer.
Replaceifdeformedorcoveredinslagtoanextentthatmakes
itimpossibleforthetorchtomaintainacorrectposition(distance
and perpendicularity).
2- Nozzleholder.
Unscrew it from the torch head by hand. Clean thoroughly or
replaceitifdamaged(burns,deformationorcracks).Checkthe
conditionoftheuppermetalsection(torchsafetyactuator).
3- Nozzle/Hood.
Checkthewearleveloftheplasmaarcowholeandtheinternal
and external surfaces. Replace the nozzle if the hole has widened
comparedtotheoriginaldiameterorisdeformed.Ifthesurfaces
are particularly oxidised, clean them using ne grain sanding
paper.
4 - Air distributor ring.
Checktherearenoburnsorcracksandthattheairowholesare
notblocked.Replaceimmediatelyifdamaged.
5 - Electrode.
Replace the electrode when the depth of the crater that forms on
the emission surface reaches about 1.5 mm (Fig. O).
6 - Air distributor pipe.
Checktherearenoburnsorcracksandthattheairowholesare
notblocked.Replaceimmediatelyifdamaged.
7 - Torch body, handgrip and cable.
Normally these components do not require any particular
maintenance except periodic inspection and thorough cleaning
withoutusingsolventsofanynature.Iftheinsulationisdamaged
showingcracksorburnsortheelectricconductorsareloose,the
torchcan no longer be used due tolack ofconformity withthe
required safety conditions.
In this case, repairs (extraordinary maintenance) can not be
performed on-site, as they must be performed by an authorised
service centre capable of conducting the special tests after the
repair.
Tomaintainthetorchingoodworkingcondition,somefundamental
precautionsmustbetaken:
- do not bring the torch or cable in contact with hot or scorching
parts.
- do not apply excessive strain on the cable.
- do not lay the cable on sharp corners, points or abrasive
surfaces.
- wind the cable into regular coils if it is longer than required.
- do not allow any vehicle to drive over the cable and do not tread
on it.
Attention.
- Beforeperforminganyworkonthetorch,allowittocooldownfor
at least the “post-air” time.
- Except in particular cases, it is recommended to replace the
electrode and nozzle concurrently.
- Follow the torch components assembly order (reverse order
compared to the disassembly procedure).
- Makesurethatthedistributorringismountedintherightdirection.
- Replace the nozzle holder screwing it on by hand applying light
pressure.
- Never replace the nozzle holder without having mounted the
electrode, the distributor ring and the nozzle.
- Avoid leaving the pilot arc on when not in use so as to prevent wear
and tear of the electrode, the diffuser and the nozzle.
- Do not use excessive force when tightening the electrode as this
can damage the torch.
- Timely and correct wear controls on the torch consumable parts
are vital for the safety and operational functions of the cutting
system.
- Iftheinsulationisdamagedshowingcracksorburnsortheelectric
conductorsareloose,thetorchcannolongerbeusedduetolack
of conformity with the required safety conditions. In this case,
repairs (extraordinary maintenance) can not be performed on-
site, as they must be performed by an authorised service centre
capable of conducting the special tests after the repair.
Compressedairlter(Fig.H)
- Thelterhasanautomaticcondensateexhaustthatisactivated
every time it is disconnected from the compressed air supply.
- Inspect the lter regularly; if there is any water in the glass, try
bleedingitmanuallypushingtheexhaustttingupwards.
- Iftheltercartridgeisparticularlydirty,itmustbereplacedtoavoid
excessive load losses.
EXTRAORDINARY MAINTENANCE
EXTRAORDINARY MAINTENANCE MUST ONLY BE CARRIED
OUT BY TECHNICIANS WHOARE EXPERT OR QUALIFIED IN
THE ELECTRIC-MECHANICAL FIELD, AND IN FULL RESPECT
OF THE IEC/EN 60974-4 TECHNICAL DIRECTIVE
WARNING! BEFORE REMOVING THE MACHINE
PANELSAND WORKINGINSIDEIT MAKESURETHATIT HAS
BEENSWITCHEDOFFANDDISCONNECTEDFROMTHEMAIN
POWERSUPPLY.
Ifchecksarecarriedoutinsidethemachinewhileitislive,this
maycauseseriouselectricshockduetodirectcontactwithlive
parts.
- Inspect the inside of the machine regularly, with a frequency
depending on the amount of use and dust in the environment,
