Your specs are different than the "book" specs. 1. Cutting too slow causes dross, you are set at 200 ipm, the book suggests 220 ipm. 2.You are cutting with too much torch height, this also increases the likelihood of dross. Set the cut height as suggested by the manual, adjust the arc voltage to maintain this height.
Inspect the nozzle and shield for damage or wear as outlined in the consumable inspection section of the manual, and be sure you are using the 220948 shield.
These things will help minimize or eliminate dross. If you still get dross.....be sure the above is all correct and increase speed 5 ipm per test cut until you see the dross minimized or non existent. Different steel chemistry will affect dross formation, correct height and faster speeds can compensate as suggested above. Let us know how this works, pictures of dross will help as well as a description of your machine and height control system. Best regards, Jim Colt Hypertherm
Book specs as listed in the Powermax operators manual are:
Cut speed 220 IPM
Pierce height: .15"
Cut height: .06" (If you have areas with Fine cut consumables where the arc does not fully penetrate....increase the cut height to .075" and adjust arc voltage to maintain this height)
Amperage 45
Arc voltage: 82 (adjust arc voltage from this setting if the cut height is not at the exact suggested physical cut height of .06") higher voltage equals higher height, lower voltage equals lower height.