I have a Hypertherm Max100 plasma cutter.
It used to work great.
As of now, it has developed a problem, which is that the arc develops inside the head and burns it. Not sure why or what.
My question is, am I stuck with this torch head, or perhaps I can get a completely different torch head? Is that like a TIG torch, that I can replace with any other TIG torch?
iI have a Hypertherm Max100 plasma cutter.
It used to work great.
As of now, it has developed a problem, which is that the arc develops inside the head and burns it. Not sure why or what.
My question is, am I stuck with this torch head, or perhaps I can get a completely different torch head? Is that like a TIG torch, that I can replace with any other TIG torch?
iIgnoramus29188 fired this volley in news:scWdnYHVh6cVI8jOnZ2dnUVZ snipped-for-privacy@giganews.com:
??? The Hypertherm torches do have a 'sensor' in the face to detect the cap is in place properly. I don't know if that's just a switch or something special.
Otherwise... most of the brands I've used are pretty much alike, although not all the consumables will interchange.
A new Hypertherm torch is - what - maybe a buck or a buck and a quarter?
They usually last almost forever, sans consumables.
Lloyd
The arc is supposed to initiate in the head (pilot arc) and then transfer to the workpiece. If there is a "ground" a.k.a. work lead issue that could cause the arc not to transfer properly and burn up the consumables. Possibly also issues with the air solenoid valve could be a problem. Perhaps give Hypertherm a buzz, or if I recall there was a Hypertherm engineer active on the Yahoo plasma cutting group.
I believe Hypertherm has a newer torch that can retrofit on your machine.
I don't know what torch your plasma cutter uses but mine uses a Trafimet S30 and it started to play up and the fix was simple. In operation air pressure causes the internal electrode to retract and over time the impact of the electrode on the stop had caused it to pinch the shaft so it wouldn't retract properly. I simply dismantled the torch, an easy job, and used a small 3 cornered scraper to remove the burr and all was good again after reassembly.
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