ATTC Torch

[julio_gyn]

don't know where to post... We run a MAX 200, usualy cut from 2mm to 30mm, and not long ago, my boss decided to get an ATTC torch, the salesman promissed consumables lasting longer, after a few days cutting I started having problems in 30mm square roles (25mm tick and over), the torch stops every corner, loses the arc very easy, realy crap finish on smal roles.... the ATTC has a better shield cap and shield than the HT, but thats all. Is there anybody using this torch? can give me some info, I coud be missing something to have the proper set.

[jimcolt]

ATTC is a company that uses "caliper engineering" in most cases to copy other companies plasma and welding torch consumable designs. Because their engineering and testing costs are low or non existent...they can often offer consumables at lower prices as compared to the OEM designers and suppliers.

Hypertherm has tested the Max200 ATTC torch options. The consumables are built slightly different from the standard Hypertherm parts in order to get around proprietary designs and patents.....because of that, performance suffers a bit.

As an example, the ATTC shields are different in that they do not have the pressure bypass holes on the face....Hypertherm designed these holes in to equalize shield gas pressure in order to provide a squarer cut edge, using the shieled gas to help constrict the arc. It is another machining step to accurately drill these holes, a step that ATTC chooses to eliminate so they can produce their shields at a lower cost. Lower cost, poorer cut quality! There are many other examples of companies like ATTC sidestepping the technology that makes a good torch perform well on a production basis, with repeatable results.

It is the customers choice if he wants the lowest up front cost for consumables, or the lowest cost per foot of cut (higher quality, less rework, cleanup, longer consumable life).

Hypertherm continuously tests competitive consumables in its R&D labs in NH to ensure that our consumables have the cut "quality over life" advantage. It would be a rare case to find a competitive lower cost consumable that truly produces better cut quality and life as compared to the genuine factory parts! If anyone is in NH I will personally provide a tour of our state of the art facility for engineering, designing and manufacturing of the best plasma cutting consumables in the industry!

Jim

[julio_gyn]

the only week point in HT torch is the shield/cap, I think the cap need to be a bit stronger and the material could be stronger on the shield(maybe coper).

when the electrode is about half of life on the ATTC, it stops on corners when the feed is about 400mm/min (cutting 30mm) and it takes to much power to run, the plasma transformer drops the power a lot sometimes.

[jimcolt]

I'm not sure what you are referring to. The shields on all Hypertherm torches are copper, they are designed to protect the nozzle from double arcing. Shields last a long time when used as designed....it is critical to pierce at the correct height.

Jim