Hypertherm HPR 260 XD thc gets down till it hits sheet

[david.sanz]

Anyone with experience on HPR please tell me why the torch gets down when cutting tillit hits the sheet metal and stops. For example I'm cutting with 50 Amp to cut 4mm CR sheet metal and it hits so I have to switch to 130 Amps in order to cut this thickness.
Thanks in advance!

[jimcolt]

While you do not mention what type of cutting machine, cnc controller and torch height control are on your machine....I will make a few assumptions.

On most cnc machines with HPR plasma (which is Hypertherm's high definition class plasma system) there is a torch height control system (can be a Hypertherm or a few other brands) that uses arc voltage feedback to control height. On many machines (not all), the operator looks up the cutting specs in the Hypertherm manual for a particular thickness and power level...and sets the specs in the cnc control, gas flow control and torch height control.

One of these specs is arc voltage. If you set the voltage higher...the torch will operate higher off the plate, lower voltage is lower height. Too low...and the torch will contact the plate.

The voltage /height ratio is dependant on: Cut speed, cut amperage, condition of consumables. Bottom line...if the torch is dragging...or too close to the plate...increase the arc voltage setting.


Jim Colt Hypertherm

Anyone with experience on HPR please tell me why the torch gets down when cutting tillit hits the sheet metal and stops. For example I'm cutting with 50 Amp to cut 4mm CR sheet metal and it hits so I have to switch to 130 Amps in order to cut this thickness.
Thanks in advance!