Estimated kerf width compensation The widths in the chart below are for reference. Differences between installations and material composition may cause the specific user results to vary from those shown in the table. (mm) Process.5 3 6 0 2 20 25 32 38 MS 260A O2-Air 2.54 2.79 3.43 3.8 4.32 4.45 200A O2-Air 2.8 2.26 2.95 30A O2-Air.803 2.032 2.08 2.642 3.429 80A O2-Air.372.727.905 30A O2-O2.346.448 SS 260A N2-Air 2.54 3.08 3.30 260A H35-N2 3.8 4.06 4.32 200A N2-N2 2.6 2.29 2.92 200A H35-N2 3.68 3.8 3.94 30A H35-N2 2.78 2.769 2.896 30A N2-N2.829.879 2.43 80A F5-N2.94 45A F5-N2 84 8 33 45A N2-N2 0.483 0.229 0.52 AL 260A N2-Air 3.05 3.05 3.30 260A H35-N2 2.79 3.30 3.56 200A N2-N2 2.03 2.58 3.0 200A H35-N2 2.67 2.92 3.30 30A H35-N2 2.78 2.769 2.896 30A Air-Air 2.083 2.083 2.84 45A Air-Air.067.092.245 (in) Process 0.060" 0.35" /4" 3/8" /2" 3/4" " -/4" -/2" MS 260A O2-Air 0.00 0.0 0.35 0.50 0.70 0.75 200A O2-Air 0.086 0.089 30A O2-Air 0.07 0.080 0.083 0.04 0.35 80A O2-Air 0.054 0.068 0.075 30A O2-O2 0.053 0.057 SS 260A N2-Air 0.00 0.20 0.30 260A H35-N2 0.50 0 0.70 200A N2-N2 0.085 0.090 0.5 200A H35-N2 0.45 0.50 0.55 30A H35-N2 0.07 0.09 0.4 30A N2-N2 0.072 0.074 0.095 80A F5-N2 0.047 45A F5-N2 0.023 0.05 0.02 45A N2-N2 0.09 0.009 0.006 AL 260A N2-Air 0.20 0.20 0.30 260A H35-N2 0.0 0.30 0.40 200A N2-N2 0.080 0.090 0.05 200A H35-N2 0.05 0.5 0.30 30A H35-N2 0.07 0.09 0.4 30A Air-Air 0.082 0.082 0.086 45A Air-Air 0.042 0.043 0.049 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual 4-9 3
Note: Mild steel O 2 / O 2 30 A Air must be connected to use this process. It is used as the preflow gas O 2 Air 0 / 0 46 / 97 22 / 46 0/0 22073 22094 22033 22093 22080 22092 O 2 O 2 80 5 35 75 92 5 5 4 5355 0. 0.8 5 4225 0.2 6.3 365 2.3.2 7 2865.5 9 220 80 2 20 490 0.4 2.5 22 325 3* 23.5 60 2.7 4* 25 905 0.7 6* 28 665.0 O 2 O 2 80 5 35 75 92 5 5.08.024 4.030 5 0.050 70 0.090 0.2.036 6 55.048 7 0.060 9 85 80.075 20 60 0.4.05 22 50.35* 23 0.060 40 0.0 3/6* 28 30 0.7 /4* 25.0 25 200 0. N 2 N 2 0 0 0 0 5 2.5 0.00 6350 250 05 *Pierce complete is recommended for these thicknesses 4-0 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual
Mild steel O 2 / Air 80 A O 2 Air 0 / 0 76 / 6 23 / 48 4 / 87 22073 22089 22076 22088 22079 22087 O 2 Air 50 30 72 30 5 2 2 2.5 5 2.5 980 7980 3 7 645 0.2 4 20 4300 6 23 3045 4.0 200 0 27 2.0 80 2 30 40 0.7 5.0 5 33 030 250 0.8 20 35 2.5 545 6.3 0.9 3.8 50 0. O 2 Air 50 30 72 30 5.075 2.05 5 0.00.35 7 80 0.2 3/6 20 55 /4 23 0 0 200 3/8 27 0.080 75 /2 30 50 0.7 0.200 5/8 33 37 250 0.8 3/4 35 0.00 25 0.250 0.9 400 290 0.50 50 0. N 2 N 2 0 0 0 0 5 2.5 0.00 6350 250 30 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual 4-
Mild steel O 2 / Air 30 A O 2 Air 0 / 0 02 / 25 33 / 70 45 / 96 22073 22083 22076 22082 22079 2208 40 O 2 Air 35 80 65 3 24 2.5 6505 5.0 0. 35 4 26 2.8 5550 5.6 0.2 6 27 4035 0 30 3.0 2680 6.0 200 2 32 3.3 2200 6.6 5 35 665 0.7 3.8 28 20 38 050 7.6 25 4 4.0 550 90.8 32 60 375 4.5 38 67 255 O 2 Air 40 35 80 65.35 24 0.00 240 0.200 0. 35 3/6 26 0.0 90 0.220 0.2 /4 27 50 3/8 30 0.20 0 0.240 200 /2 32 0.30 80 0.260 5/8 35 60 0.7 0.50 28 3/4 38 45 00.0 4 0 20 90.8 -/4 60 5 0.80 -/2 67 0 4-2 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual N 2 N 2 0 0 0 0 5 2.5 0.00 6350 250 30
Mild steel O 2 / Air 200 A O 2 Air 0 / 0 28 / 270 39 / 82 48 / 0 220398 220356 220355 220354 220353 220352 O 2 Air 24 65 6 24 5250 0.2 0 26 3.3 3460 6.6 2 28 3060 5 3 2275 4. 8.2 69 28 20 33 575 200 0.8 25 43 65.0 32 45 750 5. 0.2 38 52 50 50 63 255 3/6 24 230 0.2 /4 24 200 0.2 0.30 0.260 3/8 26 40 /2 28 5 O2 Air 24 65 69 28 5/8 3 80 0 20 200 3/4 33 65 0.8 43 45.0 -/4 45 30 0.200 0.400 -/2 52 20 2 63 0 N 2 N 2 0 0 0 0 5 2.5 0.00 6350 250 30 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual 4-3
Mild steel O 2 / Air 260 A @ 3/4" setting O 2 Air 0 / 0 30 / 275 42 / 88 04 / 220 220398 220440 220433 220439 220436 220435 O 2 Air 24 75 O 2 Air 24 75 6 50 6500 70 70 0 50 2.8 4440 8.5 300 2 50 3850 0.4 5 55 330 75 20 59 270 3.6 9.0 250 22 66 930 0.7 25 7 685 0.8 28 70 445 0.9 75 32 72 35 9.5 200.0 80 38 74 895.2 44 85 4.8 580 50 88 405 58 93 290 64 202 95 /4 50 250 70 70 3/8 50 0.0 80 30 300 /2 50 45 0.4 5/8 55 5 75 3/4 59 90 0.40 50 250 7/8 66 75 0.7 7 65 0.8 -/8 70 55 0.9 75 -/4 72 45 80 200.0 80 -/2 74 35.2-3/4 85 0.90 22 2 88 5 2-/4 93 2 2-/2 202 8 N 2 N 2 0 0 0 0 8 2.5 0.00 6350 250 35 4-4 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual
Stainless steel N 2 / N 2 45 A N 2 24 / 5 75 / 59 22073 220202 220304 22020 22080 220308 N 2 N 2 35 5 55 60 0.8 6380 0.0 94 5880 0..2.5 95 2 97 2.5 0 3 4.0 03 2.5 5380 4630 3935 3270 2550 580 3.8 50 0.2 N 2 N 2 35 5 55 60.036 94 240 0.0.048 20 0..060 95.075 97.05 0 0.00.35 03 75 80 60 20 0.50 50 0.2 N 2 N 2 0 0 0 0 5 2.5 0.00 6350 250 85 Note: This process produces a darker cut edge than the 45A, F5/N 2 stainless steel process HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual 4-5
Stainless steel F5 / N 2 45 A F5 N 2 0 / 0 43 / 9 8 / 7 65 / 38 22073 220202 220304 22020 22080 220308 F5 N 2 35 25 55 60 0.8.2.5 99 2 0 2.5 02 2.5 6570 5740 4905 3890 375 250 3 03 200 4 04 435 5 6 0 2.0 845 90 3.8 50 0.2 F5 N 2 35 25 55 60.036.048.060 99.075 00.05 02 0.00.35 04 65 3/6 08 45 0.4 5 0.080 90 /4 0 30 240 90 50 30 90 0.50 50 0.2 N 2 N 2 0 0 0 0 5 2.5 0.00 6350 250 85 Note: This process produces a shinier cut edge than the 45A, N 2 /N 2 stainless steel process 4-6 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual
Stainless steel F5 / N 2 80 A F5 N 2 0 / 0 67 / 42 3 / 65 55 / 6 22073 220338 220304 220337 22079 220339 F5 N 2 35 30 60 4 08 3.0 280 4.5 0.2 45 6 2 2.5 225 3.8 50 0 20 3.0 560 4.5 F5 N 2 35 30.35 08 0.20 05 0.80 0.2 60 45 3/6 0 0.0 60 0.70 /4 2 0.00 45 0.50 50 3/8 20 0.20 25 0.80 N 2 N 2 0 0 0 0 5 2.5 0.00 6350 250 95 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual 4-7
Stainless steel N 2 / N 2 30 A N 2 97 / 205 79 / 68 22073 22098 22076 22097 22079 220307 N 2 N 2 20 65 70 30 6 53 960 3.0 6.0 0 56 300 200 2 62 3.5 900 7.0 0.8 5 67 3.8 670 20 76 4.3 305 N 2 N 2 20 65 70 30 /4 53 75 0.20 0.240 3/8 56 55 200 /2 62 0.40 30 0.280 0.8 5/8 67 0.50 25 3/4 76 0.70 5 N 2 N 2 0 0 0 0 8 2.5 0.00 6350 250 40 Note: This process produces a rougher, darker cut edge with more dross and less cut angle variation than the 30A, H35/N 2 process 4-8 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual
Stainless steel H35 / N 2 30 A H35 N 2 0 / 0 76 / 60 26 / 54 68 / 44 22073 22098 220304 22097 22079 220307 H35 N 2 20 40 70 60 0 54 980 45 2 58 820 7.7 70 5 62 4.5 580 0.8 30 20 65 360.3 20 25 72 260 H35 N 2 20 40 70 60 3/8 54 40 45 /2 58 30 0 70 5/8 62 0.80 20 0.8 30 3/4 65 5.3 20 72 0 N 2 N 2 0 0 0 0 8 2.5 0.00 6350 250 30 Note: This process produces a smoother, shinier cut edge with less dross and greater cut angle variation than the 30A, N 2 /N 2 process HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual 4-9
Stainless steel H35 / N 2 200 A H35 N 2 0 / 0 6 / 245 30 / 63 04 / 220 220398 220345 220344 220343 220342 220307 0 75 9.0 620 9.0 H35 N 2 2 65 82 75 2 70 450 00 5 73 7.5 200 7.5 0.7 20 77 820 0.8 3/8 75 50 65 50 H35 N 2 2 65 82 75 /2 70 55 00 5/8 73 00 45 00 0.7 3/4 77 35 0.8 N 2 N 2 0 0 0 0 8 2.5 0.00 6350 250 40 4-20 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual
Stainless steel N 2 / N 2 200 A N 2 / 235 37 / 290 220398 220345 220344 220343 220342 220307 0 60 2700 2 6 2400 N 2 N 2 2 65 82 65 3.8 7.6 200 5 63 800 0.8 20 67 000 3/8 60 0 /2 6 90 N 2 N 2 2 65 82 65 0.50 00 200 5/8 63 65 0.8 3/4 67 45 N 2 N 2 0 0 0 0 8 2.5 0.00 6350 250 40 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual 4-2
Stainless steel H35 / N 2 260 A H35 N 2 0 / 0 27 / 270 40 / 84 22 / 260 220398 220407 220344 220406 220405 220307 0 85 870 2.5 00 2 73 9 70 0.4 5 7 465 20 75 085 9 20 H35 N 2 75 80 88 25 80 785 0.7 32 85 7.5 630.0 38 86 44 89 50 200 3/8 85 0.450 75 0.450 00 /2 73 50 65 50 0.4 5/8 7 55 3/4 75 45 60 20 H35 N 2 75 80 88 80 30 0.7 -/4 85 00 25.0 -/2 86-3/4 89 2 200 50 390 270 20 5 0 N 2 N 2 0 0 0 0 8 2.5 0.00 6350 250 20 4-22 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual
Stainless steel N 2 / Air 260 A N 2 Air 27 / 270 0 / 0 54 / 4 6 / 245 220398 220407 220344 220406 220405 220307 6 60 6375 0 57 3440 2 6 2960 0.4 5 63 2520 7.5 200 N 2 Air 75 75 82 20 64 590 3.8 25 68 300 0.8 32 7 875.0 38 79 44 90 50 95 /4 60 240 3/8 57 40 /2 6 0 0.4 5/8 63 95 00 200 N 2 Air 75 75 82 3/4 64 70 0.50 68 50 0.8 -/4 7 35.0 -/2 79-3/4 90 2 200 55 365 80 20 4 6 N 2 N 2 0 0 0 0 8 2.5 0.00 6350 250 20 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual 4-23
Aluminum Air / Air 45 A Air 45 / 95 78 / 65 22073 220202 22076 22020 22080 220308 Air Air 35 25 55 60 40.2 30.5 5 2 3 2.5 0 2.5 5670 4420 4000 3665 3 07 3225 4 02.8 2575 2.7 6 7 3.0 690 4.5 3.8 50 0.2 Air Air 35 25 55.048 30 60.060 5 0.00 70 0.50 0.2.075 3 60.05 0 40 50.35 02 0.070 0 0.0 40 3/6 4 90 0.4 0.20 0.80 /4 7 60 220 N 2 N 2 0 0 0 0 5 2.5 0.00 6350 250 85 4-24 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual
Aluminum Air / Air 30 A Air 73 / 54 78 / 65 22073 22098 22076 22097 22079 2208 Air Air 20 40 70 30 6 53 2.8 2370 5.6 0.2 0 54 465 3.0 6.0 2 56 225 200 5 58 3.3 050 6.6 0.8 20 62 3.5 725 7.0.3 25 72 4.0 525 Air Air 20 40 70 /4 53 0.0 90 0.220 0.2 30 3/8 54 60 0.20 0.240 /2 56 45 200 5/8 58 0.30 40 0.260 0.8 3/4 62 0.40 30 0.280.3 72 0 20 N 2 N 2 0 0 0 0 8 2.5 0.00 6350 250 20 Note: This process produces a rougher cut edge with larger average angles than the 30A, H35/N 2 process HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual 4-25
Aluminum H35 / N 2 30 A H35 N 2 0 / 0 76 / 60 26 / 54 68 / 44 22073 22098 220304 22097 22079 220307 H35 N 2 20 40 70 60 0 58 5.0 65 6.5 30 45 2 56 455 30 5 56 4.5 305 7.7 70 0.8 20 57 940.3 20 25 76 540 H35 N 2 20 40 70 60 3/8 58 0.200 65 0.260 30 45 /2 56 55 30 5/8 56 0.80 50 0 70 0.8 3/4 57 40.3 20 76 20 N 2 N 2 0 0 0 0 8 2.5 0.00 6350 250 30 Note: This process produces a smoother cut edge with smaller average angles than the 30A, Air/Air process 4-26 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual
Aluminum H35 / N 2 200 A H35 N 2 0 / 0 3 / 240 34 / 72 90 / 90 220398 220345 220347 220346 220342 220307 H35 N 2 2 65 0 52 4400 70 65 2 50 6.4 3800 9.0 40 0.4 5 50 3000 20 59 450 H35 N 2 2 65 3/8 52 80 70 65 /2 50 0.250 40 50 40 0.4 5/8 50 0 3/4 59 70 N 2 N 2 0 0 0 0 8 2.5 0.00 6350 250 40 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual 4-27
Aluminum N 2 / N 2 200 A N 2 3 / 240 35 / 287 220398 220345 220347 220346 220342 220307 0 58 4750 0.4 N 2 N 2 2 65 70 65 2 58 6.40 3500 9.0 40 5 66 2350 20 65 000 0.8 3/8 58 200 0.4 N 2 N 2 2 65 70 65 /2 58 0.250 20 50 40 5/8 66 80 3/4 65 50 0.8 N 2 N 2 0 0 0 0 8 2.5 0.00 6350 250 40 4-28 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual
Aluminum H35 / N 2 260 A H35 N 2 0 / 0 27 / 270 33 / 70 8 / 250 220398 220407 220344 220406 220405 220307 H35 N 2 75 6 70.0 7200.0 00 0.2 0 70 0.0 620 0.0 00 0.4 2 62 560 5 63 3720 8.5 0 70 85 20 66 2230 25 74 7.6 930.0 50 0.8 32 75 50 38 76 44 83 50 90 50 670 390 /4 70 0.450 280 0.450 00 0.2 3/8 70 0.400 250 0.400 00 0.4 /2 62 90 5/8 63 30 30 0 H35 N 2 75 70 85 3/4 66 90 74 00 75 0.450 50 0.8 -/4 75 60 -/2 76-3/4 83 2 90 45 25 4 N 2 N 2 0 0 0 0 8 2.5 0.00 6350 250 20 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual 4-29
Aluminum N 2 / Air 260 A N 2 Air 25 / 265 0 / 0 50 / 05 3 / 240 220398 220407 220344 220406 220405 220307 N 2 Air 75 70 82 6 72 7900 0.2 6.4 9.0 40 0 7 4930 0.4 2 64 4290 5 65 3330 8.0 200 20 7 940 25 77 4.0 440.0 260 0.8 32 9 940 38 95 44 202 50 205 520 320 25 N 2 Air 75 70 82 /4 72 300 0.2 0.250 50 40 3/8 7 200 0.4 /2 64 60 5/8 65 20 20 200 3/4 7 80 77 0 55 0.420 260 0.8 -/4 9 40 -/2 95-3/4 202 2 205 20 2 8 N 2 N 2 0 0 0 0 8 2.5 0.00 6350 250 20 4-30 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual
Changing consumable parts WARNING The system is designed to go into an idle mode if the retaining cap is removed. However, DO NOT CHANGE CONSUMABLE PARTS WHILE IN THE IDLE MODE! Always disconnect power to the power supply before inspecting or changing torch consumable parts. Use gloves when removing consumables. The torch might be hot. Remove consumables Check the consumable parts daily for wear before cutting. Before removing consumables, bring the torch to the edge of the cutting table, with the torch lifter raised to its highest point to prevent the consumables from dropping into the water of the water table. Turn OFF all power to the system. Remove retaining cap and shield Remove inner retaining cap Remove nozzle and swirl ring Remove electrode Tool part number 049 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual 4-3 0
Inspect consumables Part Check for Action Cap Erosion, missing material Replace cap Cracks Burned Replace cap Replace cap Nozzle Erosion or missing material Blocked gas holes Replace nozzle* Replace nozzle* Center hole. Must be round Replace nozzle if hole is no longer round* 2. Signs of arcing Replace nozzle* O-rings. Damage Replace nozzle* 2. Lubricant Apply a thin film of silicone lubricant if dry Swirl ring Damage Dirt or debris Replace swirl ring Clean and check for damage, and replace swirl ring if damaged Gas holes Blocked holes Replace swirl ring O-rings. Damage Replace swirl ring 2. Lubricant Apply a thin film of silicone lubricant if dry Electrode Center surface Wear See Inspect electrode pit depth later in this section O-rings. Damage Replace electrode* 2. Lubricant Apply a thin film of silicone lubricant if dry *Note: Always replace the nozzle and electrode as a set. 4-32 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual 0
Inspect torch Bullet connectors Water tube vent gas Pilot arc Current ring gas Coolant in Coolant return Inspect Check for Action All surfaces Dirt or debris Clean surfaces Erosion, missing material Cracks Internal burn or arcing marks Replace torch Replace torch Replace torch Current ring. Dirt or debris Clean 2. Pitted or missing material Replace torch Threads Wear or damage Replace torch Bullet connectors Damage Replace torch O-rings. Damage Replace o-ring 2. Lubricant Apply a thin film of silicone lubricant if dry External o-rings. Damage Replace o-ring 2. Lubricant Apply a thin film of silicone lubricant if dry Water tube*. Tightness Tighten or replace tube* 2. Pitted or missing material Replace tube* *Note: See Replace torch water tube later in this section. HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual 4-33 0
Inspect electrode pit depth 90 0 0 80 0 4 2 3 20 70 30 60 50 40 Electrode pit depth gauge (004630) Part Check for Action Electrode Center surface Wear Replace electrode if pit is deeper than mm (0.040 in.)* *Note: Always replace the nozzle and electrode as a set. 4-34 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual 0
Replace torch water tube WARNING The system is designed to go into an idle mode if the retaining cap is removed. However, DO NOT REMOVE CONSUMABLE PARTS WHILE IN THE IDLE MODE! Always disconnect power to the power supply before removing torch consumable parts. Note: The water tube may seem loose when correctly inserted, but any side-to-side looseness will disappear after the electrode is installed. Turn OFF all power to the system. Remove consumables from torch. See Remove consumables in this section. Remove water tube Install new water tube Replace consumables. See Install consumables in this section. HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual 4-35 0
Common cutting faults Torch pilot arc will initiate, but will not transfer. Causes can be:. Work cable connection on the cutting table is not making good contact. 2. Malfunction in the system. See Section 5.. 3. Torch-to-work distance is too high. The workpiece is not totally penetrated, and there is excessive sparking on top of the workpiece. Causes can be:. Current is set too low (check Cut chart information). 2. Cut speed is too high (check Cut chart information). 3. Torch parts are worn (see Changing consumable parts). 4. Metal being cut is too thick. Dross forms on the bottom of the cut. Causes can be:. speed is not correct (check Cut chart information). 2. current is set too low (check Cut chart information). 3. Torch parts are worn (see Changing consumable parts). Cut angle is not square. Causes can be:. Wrong direction of machine travel. High-quality side is on the right with respect to the forward motion of the torch. 2. Torch-to-work distance is not correct (check Cut chart information). 3. speed is not correct (check Cut chart information). 4. current is not correct (check Cut chart information). 5. Damaged consumable parts (see Changing consumable parts ). Short consumable life. Causes can be:. current, arc voltage, travel speed, motion delay, gas flow rates, or initial torch height not set as specified in the Cut charts. 2. Attempting to cut highly magnetic metal plate, such as armor plate with a high nickel content, will shorten consumable life. Long consumable life is difficult to achieve when cutting plate that is magnetized or becomes magnetized easily. 3. Beginning or ending the cut off the plate surface. To achieve consumable long life, all cuts must begin and end on the plate surface. 4-36 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual 0
How to optimize cut quality The following tips and procedures will help produce square, straight, smooth and dross-free cuts. Tips for table and torch Use a square to align the torch at right angles to the workpiece. The torch may travel more smoothly if you clean, check and tune the rails and drive system on the cutting table. Unsteady machine motion can cause a regular, wavy pattern on the cut surface. The torch must not touch the workpiece during cutting. Contact can damage the shield and nozzle, and affect the cut surface. set-up tips Follow carefully each step in the Daily start-up procedure described earlier in this section. Purge the gas lines before cutting. Maximize the life of consumable parts Hypertherm s LongLife process automatically ramps up the gas and current flows at the start and ramps them down at the end of each cut, to minimize erosion of the electrode s center surface. The LongLife process also requires that cuts start and stop on the workpiece. The torch should never fire into the air. Starting the cut at the edge of the workpiece is acceptable, as long as the arc is not fired in the air. To start with a pierce, use a pierce height that is.5 to 2 times the torch-to-work distance. See Cut charts. Each cut should end with the arc still attached to the workpiece, to avoid arc blow-outs (ramp-down errors). When cutting drop parts (small parts that drop down after being cut from the workpiece), check that the arc stays attached to the edge of the workpiece, for proper ramp-down. If arc blow-outs occur, try one or more of the following: Reduce the cutting speed during the final part of the cut. Stop the arc before the part is completely cut, to allow completion of the cut during the ramp-down. Program the path of the torch into the scrap area for ramp-down. Note: Note: Use a chain cut if possible, so the path of the torch can lead directly from one cut part into the next, without stopping and starting the arc. However, do not allow the path to lead off the workpiece and back on, and remember that a chain cut of long duration will cause electrode wear. It may be difficult to achieve the full benefits of the LongLife process in some conditions. HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual 4-37 0
Additional factors of cut quality Cut angle A cut part whose 4 sides average less than 4 of cut angle is considered acceptable. Note: Note: The squarest cut angle will be on the right side with respect to the forward motion of the torch. To determine whether a cut-angle problem is being caused by the plasma system or the drive system, make a test cut and measure the angle of each side. Next, rotate the torch 90 in its holder and repeat the process. If the angles are the same in both tests, the problem is in the drive system. If a cut-angle problem persists after mechanical causes have been eliminated (see Tips for table and torch, previous page), check the torch-to-work distance, especially if cut angles are all positive or all negative. A positive cut angle results when more material is removed from the top of the cut than from the bottom. A negative cut angle results when more material is removed from the bottom of the cut. Problem Negative cut angle Square cut Positive cut angle \ Cause The torch is too low. The torch is too high. Solution Increase arc voltage to raise the torch. Decrease arc voltage to lower the torch. Dross Low-speed dross forms when the torch s cutting speed is too slow and the arc shoots ahead. It forms as a heavy, bubbly deposit at the bottom of the cut and can be removed easily. Increase the speed to reduce the dross. High-speed dross forms when the cutting speed is too fast and the arc lags behind. It forms as a thin, linear bead of solid metal attached very close to the cut. It is welded to the bottom of the cut and is difficult to remove. To reduce high-speed dross: Decrease the cutting speed. Decrease arc voltage, to decrease the torch-to-work distance. Increase O 2 in the shield gas to increase the range of dross-free cutting speeds. (Only HyDefinition and HT4400 systems can accommodate mixed-gas shield gases.) Notes: Dross is more likely to form on warm or hot metal than on cool metal. For example, the first cut in a series of cuts will likely produce the least dross. As the workpiece heats up, more dross may form on subsequent cuts. Dross is more likely to form on mild steel than on stainless steel or aluminum. Worn or damaged consumables may produce intermittent dross. 4-38 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual 0
Straightness of the cut surface A typical plasma cut surface is slightly concave. The cut surface may become more concave, or convex. Correct torch height is required to keep the cut surface acceptably close to straight. A strongly concave cut surface occurs when the torch-to-work distance is too low. Increase the arc voltage to increase the torch-to-work distance and straighten the cut surface. A convex cut surface occurs when the torch-to-work distance is too great or the cutting current is too high. First, reduce the arc voltage, then reduce the cutting current. If there is overlap between different cutting currents for that thickness, try the consumables designed for the lower current. Additional improvements Some of these improvements involve trade-offs, as described. Smoothness of cut surface (surface finish) Piercing (HyDefinition and HT4400 only) On mild steel, a higher concentration of N 2 in the O 2 -N 2 shield mixture may produce a smoother cut surface. Trade-off: This may produce more dross. (HyDefinition and HT4400 only) On mild steel, a higher concentration of O 2 in the O 2 -N 2 shield mixture may increase the cutting speed and produce less dross. Trade-off: This may produce a rougher cut surface. The pierce delay must be sufficiently long that the arc can pierce the material before the torch moves, but not so long that the arc wanders while trying to find the edge of a large hole. When piercing maximum thicknesses, the ring of dross that forms during the pierce may become high enough to contact the torch when the torch begins to move after the pierce is complete. A flying pierce, which makes the pierce while the torch is moving, may eliminate the torch vibration that follows contact between the torch and the ring of dross. In some Hypertherm systems, the shield gas pressure automatically increases during pierce delay. If the above steps do not solve the problem, increasing the setting of the shield gas pressure may help blow the molten metal away during piercing. Trade-off: This may reduce starting reliability. How to increase cutting speed Decrease the torch-to-work distance. Trade-off: This will increase the negative cut angle Note: The torch must not touch the workpiece while piercing or cutting. HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual 4-39 0
Section 5 MAINTENANCE In this section: Introduction...5-2 Routine maintenance...5-2 System description...5-3 Control and signal cables...5-3 Sequence of operation...5-4 PCB block diagram...5-5 Error codes...5-6 Error code troubleshooting of 8...5-7 Error code troubleshooting 2 of 8...5-8 Error code troubleshooting 3 of 8...5-9 Error code troubleshooting 4 of 8...5-0 Error code troubleshooting 5 of 8...5- Error code troubleshooting 6 of 8...5-2 Error code troubleshooting 7 of 8...5-3 Error code troubleshooting 8 of 8...5-4 Power supply states...5-5 system operation with pump timeout...5-6 CNC operation with pump timeout...5-7 Initial checks...5-8 Power measurement...5-9 Power supply coolant system servicing...5-20 Draining the coolant system...5-20 Coolant system filter...5-2 Filter replacement...5-2 Coolant flow test procedure...5-22 Testing the flow switch...5-23 Gas leak test procedure...5-24 Power supply control board PCB3...5-25 Power supply power distribution board PCB2...5-26 Start circuit PCB...5-27 Operation...5-27 Start circuit functional schematic...5-27 Start circuit troubleshooting...5-27 Pilot arc current levels...5-29 Gas console control board PCB2...5-30 Gas console power distribution PCB...5-3 Gas console AC valve-driver PCB3...5-32 Chopper module test procedure...5-33 Phase-loss detection test...5-35 Torch lead test...5-36 Preventive maintenance...5-37 HPR260 Manual Gas Instruction Manual 5-3