Stuck Consumables On Powermax 85

[Jim_V]

My setup consists of a precision plasma table, candcnc electronics, powermax 85, and sheetcam. I figured out how to use the drill process in sheetcam so the plasma just blows a hole through the center of a hole so I can drill it later and tap it. Since I started doing this, every once in a while the torch won't fire, and I get a 0-30 code on my plasma(powermax85), which indicates stuck consumables. It only started doing this when I started using the drill feature in sheetcam to mark holes. This is on a multiple parts file that has a total of 280 pierces, about half of which are just pierce holes. the torch misfires maybe 3 or 4 times on this file. I was wondering if maybe the piercings are too close together time wise or something. Ive tried replacing the consumables, but it still happens. This is with 65 amp consumables and current is set to 65 amps. When this happens, I just restart the program from the missed pierce point and everything works again, I don't have to take out the consumables or anything.

Edit: I should also mention this plasma is fairly new, I've cut up maybe 3 4X8 sheets so far. I checked my motorguard filter, and it's dry as a bone.

[jimcolt]

Most commonly when this error code pops up....it is due to the inlet air pressure being too low....or having something (such as a filter or fitting) right at the inlet that is restricting flow. This could show up more often if you were piercing while the torch is still in postflow (the cooling airflow that occurs after each cut). While in postflow the torch is designed to be able to refire...but the post flow would tend to reduce inlet pressure slightly.

If you have a way of increasing the inlet pressure....do that first. Following the instructions in your Hypertherm operators manual....activate the test air flow mode....then increase your inlet air pressure to about 100 to 120 psi (while flowing).

If you are running off full line pressure.....but have your motorguard filter...or other air filters/valves, etc.....just upstream of the plasma....you should remove these items as a test to determine if they are restruicting the flow, and causing a momentary low flow condition.

Let me know what you find.


Best regards, Jim Colt Hypertherm

My setup consists of a precision plasma table, candcnc electronics, powermax 85, and sheetcam. I figured out how to use the drill process in sheetcam so the plasma just blows a hole through the center of a hole so I can drill it later and tap it. Since I started doing this, every once in a while the torch won't fire, and I get a 0-30 code on my plasma(powermax85), which indicates stuck consumables. It only started doing this when I started using the drill feature in sheetcam to mark holes. This is on a multiple parts file that has a total of 280 pierces, about half of which are just pierce holes. the torch misfires maybe 3 or 4 times on this file. I was wondering if maybe the piercings are too close together time wise or something. Ive tried replacing the consumables, but it still happens. This is with 65 amp consumables and current is set to 65 amps. When this happens, I just restart the program from the missed pierce point and everything works again, I don't have to take out the consumables or anything.

Edit: I should also mention this plasma is fairly new, I've cut up maybe 3 4X8 sheets so far. I checked my motorguard filter, and it's dry as a bone.

[Jim_V]

My air pressure was set to 100 psi, so I raised it to 120, and the problem got worse. So I went the opposite way, and dropped the air pressure down to 95, and the 0-30 code only came up once on two runs of that same program. Definitely better, I don't know if I should try dropping it another 5 psi or not.