Problem with Thermal Dynamics SL40 torch

[none]

Hi

Im new to plasma and I already have a problem. I use a small Cutskill 35a power source with an SL40 torch but after 3 firing the torch the air indicator starts to flash which means there is a connection problem between tip and electrode or shield. When we removed the tip we noticed the electrode and the tip are quite "messy". After cleaning them up the air indicator doesnt flash for 3-4 firing. After this problem starts again the tip and electrode get dirty. Please see attached pictures. What is the cause of this problem?
We use this power source at 20 Amper with tip 9-0091 and at 75 psi on 18 Gauge mild steel. However this is a drag tip we use with CNC and THC as close to the material as we can. Distance between tip and material around .010" and .030" during cutting and in my opinion the edge quality is rubbish and plenty of bottom dross.

I emailed Thermal Dynamics to ask them (they havent answered yet) but I want to ask you guys too.

Thanks

[plasmamatt]

I think you are peircing and cutting too close to the workpiece. I'm not sure about your plasma cutter size but I have a Thermal Dynamics A80. In the 30 amp setting if I remember correctly the peirce and cut height is .16". At the height you are cutting at you are most likely damaging your tip when you peirce. Molten metal is blowing back into your tip. After that your cut quality will drop and the dross will increase. In thin material like this I can get around 600 peircings before I see a decrease in cut quality.

You should also make sure that you are clamping your ground to the work piece. A poor ground can cause poor cut issues as well.

[none]

Is your tip that you use at 30A a drag tip or standoff tip? Just because as I know if I use drag tip on a CNC then the tip must be as close to the material as we can. That should make the best result.
I emailed TD about it and I also sent the pictures below but I havent got any response from them. Because of poor support and because I found this Cutskill just not enough for me (low duty cycle) I decided to sell it. I was planning to buy a bigger Cutmaster in the future but I have had always short/poor answer from TD I wont go for a bigger Thermal Dynamics. One thing what I cant stand that is the poor support. I will sell the Cutskill and I`ll go for Hypertherm.

Thanks for your help and answer plasmamatt!

[plasmamatt]

The tips I are stand-off.

I would agree with you on the tech support for Thermal Dynamics. They really cant answer any questions. Im also finding that the TD consumables have some quality issues. If i had it to do over I would buy a Hypertherm too.

[koka78]

Dear colleagues,
You should see to quality of your air. The electrode, tip and cartridge is too dirty. CS35 can cut with drag technique, without any distance between tip and workpiece.
Your compressor can give oil to the air, and also could be water in the compressor tank.

Konstantin

[none]

Dear colleagues,
You should see to quality of your air. The electrode, tip and cartridge is too dirty. CS35 can cut with drag technique, without any distance between tip and workpiece.
Your compressor can give oil to the air, and also could be water in the compressor tank.

Konstantin

Thanks Konstantin. There shouldnt be much water in the air as we have had water filter to the compressor. Its not about SL40 torch or wrong setup anymore but TD support. If I buy something I expect some help from them. I wont spend another ~1600$ on a bigger TD if I know there wont be anyone to help me out if I struggle with setting up the machine. I dont say their machine isnt good enough they maybe just should find an appropriate employee to their customer care.

[koka78]

did you buy it in the UK? or in the US?

[none]

I bought it in the UK.

[koka78]

and you contacted to whom? to technical service in the UK? Or in the US? I can't imagine that you don't have support from technical guys from Chorley.

[none]

The question why the tip and electrode get dirty does not depend on country. Doesnt matter which country`s support I chose. Thermal Dynamics support must be the same everywhere. I emailed the USA Thermal Dynamics support: tdc-tech@thermadyne.com
Even when I had emailed them to ask them about consumables their answer was always short and deficient.

and you contacted to whom? to technical service in the UK? Or in the US? I can't imagine that you don't have support from technical guys from Chorley.

[none]

I forgot to mention when I emailed them via that email address below I always had answer from Gene_Wright@thermadyne.com