How do you pick the best size consumable?

[Big John T]

I have a Hypertherm 1250 and the cut charts all have a range of materials. How do you pick the best one? For example 1/4" steel is listed in the 40, 60, and 80 amp consumables. What is the effect of using each one besides the speed difference?

Thanks
John

[xjdubber]

Originally Posted by Big John T I have a Hypertherm 1250 and the cut charts all have a range of materials. How do you pick the best one? For example 1/4" steel is listed in the 40, 60, and 80 amp consumables. What is the effect of using each one besides the speed difference? Thanks John

Ive always suggested people to stick to the middle range of the chart, that is usually where it cuts the best.

[jimcolt]

The lowest Amperage will always produce the best edge quality in terms of squareness and smoothness. Lower Amperage will obviously cut slower, pierce slower, yet allow for tighter cut part accuracy as most cnc machines will have a smaller path following error at lower speeds. There may be more dross at lower amperage...but on steel it is easy to remove.

Jim