Need Help!- Hypertherm Fine Cut Problems

[coalstove]

I just started using these and having a heck of time dialing them in. Good air, good ground, good power. Using a 1250 with MP 1000 THC, have tried Hypertherm settings, have dial it up and down, speeds, heights and amps have kept a log so I didn't get confused, consumable life in the crapper. Mostly 16 gauge steel cutting. I read that using the CE deflector for the TM80 torch the CE is supposed to extend past the nozzle, bought them, it does not, nozzle extends past cap about .0625". Using everything according to Hypertherm manual. I'm going to Hypertherm for training on the new HPR400 systems in May, boy are they going to an ear full or I will have egg on my face. Even when I was at FABTECH in Las Vegas this year the guys at Hypertherm could not even give me much info before I tried them. What the heck am I doing wrong, it's not like I don't know plasma processes,been working on them for about 8 years, maybe just not these fine cuts. I have just added water bed( will post pictures later) on my EZ router system and would sure like to get these to work. Just so we are not confused, I tried to dial these in before the water table, I'm sure I'm in for a whole new world of problems with water table, I know that this torch is not really designed for a water table. This is my start up system, will go to something more advanced later, back to a jet maybe, LOL.

[Edwardo]

I'm pretty sure the nozzle is supposed to stick out past the deflector because the gap for Finecut is so narrow (.08 ), i have used both deflectors and have the CE on now, nozzle sticks out. When i started i had my torch to work to high and was burning out nozzles and electrodes steady, working good now with the gap closed, scarey to watch cutting so close, especially on warped 1/16 sheets, but the THC works great and keeps it from crashing, also i cut 1/16 with 25 amp and keep my speed down because its mostly artsy stuff with lots of corners, i did a 4x8 sheet the other night with almost 1200 peirces, the Finecut nozzle is still good, the electrode had a small pitt in the end, minimal dross that comes off easy. Good luck

EDD

[coalstove]

Ok, but in my reading on this, it is said, the CE can be used for drag cutting, even the guys at Hypetherm said this, to me that say's, the cap should extend past. Am I mistaken??? Or has something changed with the consumable, would not be the first time I have seen documentation wrong.

Thanks

[Edwardo]

Hi Chip

Got my curiousity going so i sent a email to Hypertherm about the deflectors, the reply i got was 1) there is no difference between the deflectors except that the CE meets some European standard. 2) the nozzle is supposed to stick out in front of the deflector. 3) the CE deflector can be used for drag cutting like you said, although that doesnt apply to me with machine cutting.
Another thing i found out is there are 2 different swirl rings, the 120925 is for machine torch and 220327 is for hand torch, i just checked mine and it is a 120925. How much cutting time are you getting out of your consumables and what is the cut quality? I cut up a 16 gauge sheet last night and these were my settings, 26 amps,76 arc volts, 70-80 lbs air, 100 inch per min, peirce 1/8", cutting height varies but i try to keep it under 1/16 (warped sheets). According to my dynatorch program it was 1 hour cutting time, i used the same nozzle and deflector, but put in a new electrode, checking it this morning the nozzle is still good, the electrode has a small pin prick in it, but other wise in good shape, hope this helps and good luck.
EDD

[coalstove]

Yeah the only difference is the CE has a lip where the the nozzle protrudes through. I'm using the same consumables as you and close to to the same settings. I am lucky to get 15 minutes of constant cut. electrode pits bad, alot of stopping and starting of arc. Thought it was air adjusted for that. Attached separate ground besides ground rod. Ran 4 gauge cable for power. Played with torch height rate. I am running MACH3 for the EZ-Router Plasma system. Generating code with SheetCam I just built a water table for this system, will play with this over the next couple of days. Waiting on part for my compressor (15 hp rotory screw). that went out on Sunday. I do alot of 16 gauge stuff with 40amp nozzle, was hoping to progress to stainless with fine cut, but if I can't get past steel, oh well. I was hoping Jim Colt would chime in on this also. Thanks for your help so far

Chip

[jimcolt]

Let me double check on the deflectors. CE is the designator for the European version of UL or CSA....which are safety standards for electrical products. CE has (for some reason) determined that when plasma cutting..the nozzle cannot contact the plate being cut.....so the CE deflector (at least the ones I have used on my Powermax1000) extend beyond the nozzle slightly...which allows for drag cutting without the nozzle touching the plate. This does make the nozzle last longer. I will check our product line to see if maybe there is a different part number that will serve the purpose better....maybe I gave the incorrect number (there are so many of them!) before!

Other things to look at to extend consumable life...Pierce at 2x the recommended cutting height, use absolutely dry air. Also...do not exceed the recommended current (Amps) for the Fine Cut parts.

I'll get back with the proper deflector number.

Jim Colt

[coalstove]

Thanks Jim, do you work up north at the factory, if so would like to meet you when I come up for the advanced mech. class. On an other note I ordered the deflector based on what they gave me at FABTECH, which is the same as in the manual. How do think this t80 machine torch will like the water table, I built a shroud around it and thinking about making some type of boot that does not interfere with THC or cut performance.

[jimcolt]

OK....I now have the correct part numbers to use...thanks to the engineering guys at Hypertherm.

There are 3 different deflectors/shields for use with the Fine Cut parts for the Hypertherm Powermax1250.

1. 020979 CSA version....this only protects the plastic threads on the retaining cap from damage from spatter.
2. 220325 CE deflector....this is the european version which is designed to keep the nozzle away from human contact during the cutting process...in this case the nozzle extends slightly lower than the shield....so the nozzle will touch the plate when drag cutting.
3.220404 Ohmic Contact shield. This shield is originally designed for torch height control systems that use electrical contact with the plate for pierce heigh sensing and for collision avoidance. With this shield....the shild extends past the nozzle. [B][I]Use this shield in cases where you have to drag cut...as it keeps the nozzle slightly raised off the plate.[U]

Hope this will help out.

Best regards, Jim

[coalstove]

Ok Jim thanks, but do I have to use # 220061 retaining cap(not for sensing) or is #120928 the same length? Jim, I hope we get to met when I come up. Send me a PM some with your contact info. Will happy to send you mine.

[jimcolt]

Either cap will work fine. My direct email is jim.colt@hypertherm.com Anyone can use that email. Just let me know when you are coming.....If I am in town I'll be happy to meet with you....but I am on the road often!

Best regards, Jim

[coalstove]

Thanks Jim