Why is my plasma cutter not working?

The compressor is short of air. The pressure adjustment of air conditioning valve of the plasma cutting machine is too low. There is oil pollution in the electromagnetic valve. The air channel is obstructed.

Why does my plasma torch keep going out?

Water in the air stream will “put the fire out” in the torch. It can cause the arc to be erratic and unstable and may seem like the plasma cutter isn’t working correctly. Make sure at the least you are running a small disposable in-line water separator or upgrade to a desiccant system on your compressor.

Why does my plasma cutter sputter?

This is caused when the high frequency can’t penetrate the high-pressure barrier that exists between the electrode and nozzle. To correct this, double-check the factory-recommended settings for gas pressure and flow to ensure that the pressure is at the right level for optimal performance.

Why is my Hypertherm plasma cutter not working?

Your plasma cutter isn’t cutting like it used to. Change out your nozzle and electrode as those two consumable parts are often the first to show signs of wear. If that still doesn’t fix the problem, try changing your swirl ring. Also, look at your air supply as moisture could be the culprit here as well.

Which of the following is a common issue when plasma cutting?

Troubleshooting

Problems Cause of Issue
Plasma cutting torch burn out 1. the metal pressure cap is not compressed
2. cutting torch conductive joints loose, broken cable trachea, water-cooled torch interface leakage
3. cutting torch joints poor insulation

What air pressure is required for plasma cutting?

To be precise, the air pressure required for a plasma cutter is about 4-8 SCFM at 90-120 PSI. This plasma cutter air pressure is a generalization for cutting steel between 3/8″ and 7/8″ thick.

What are the disadvantages of plasma cutting?

Unfortunately, plasma cutting does have a few drawbacks.

  • Most plasma cutters aren’t useful for thicker or denser metals.
  • While it limits ambient heat, plasma cutting is noisy and generates excess fumes.
  • Plasma is also infamous for creating very bright flashes while the cutting is ongoing.

How much air does a plasma cutter require?

All plasma manufacturers include minimum air flow and pressure requirements for an air compressor in the owner’s manual. These requirements differ between systems, but as an example, an air compressor for a plasma cutter like the Hypertherm Powermax45® requires 6 cubic feet per minute (cfm) at 90 psi.