Hypertherm HTA Rev 6.00 Operators Manual - Manual (Page 149)

Section 9: Pause 135
Overview
If the New Torch Tip or New Electrode softkey is pressed every time a torch tip or electrode is
changed, the last information for the corresponding consumable will be added to a database. This
database will show the date a consumable was changed and how long it lasted in minutes, pierces,
inches and millimeters.
To reset the current consumable value press the New Tip/New Electrode button. Select the desired
Torch Tip or Electrode to be updated. The value of the tracking information will be reset to zero and
will start counting up as you cut in the selected mode. The “Installed on” date for the selected
consumable will be updated and the current values for the selected consumable will be recorded with
the date in a database that can be saved to disk.
The database is saved in CSV (Comma Separated Value) format at the control and may be
downloaded for use with standard database software programs for productivity and cost analysis.
Additionally, this data may also be viewed in the Watch window during cutting.
Which consumable information is updated ( Oxy torch 1-12 / Plasma torch 1-8 ) is determined by the
“Station Select 1-20” inputs.
For the example given above Plasma Torch #1 torch tip has a limit of 5000 minutes of operation.
After 5000 minutes have been performed on Torch #1, the Change Consumable output will become
active. Generally, this output is tied to an indicator lamp or audible alarm. The intent is to set the
limits at an expected life value of the consumable so that the operator will be reminded to change the
consumable when it has reached its expected life.
The data collected on the consumable life will automatically update to the new highest value. For the
example above, the new maximum value could extend above 5000 minutes as the new value is
attained ( e.g. the value would increment to 5001 and continue to count ). This auto update feature
may be disabled in the password protected Special Setups screen.
Minutes
This is the estimated life in time that the torch tip or electrode will last. This value will increase to the
maximum life achieved or a maximum value may be entered
Pierces
This is the estimated life in pierces that the torch tip or electrode will last. This value will increase to
the maximum life achieved or a maximum value may be entered
Inches/millimeters
This is the estimated life in distance that the torch tip or electrode will last. This value will increase to
the maximum life achieved or a maximum value may be entered
Minutes per Pierce
Generally, the process of piercing the plate causes additional wear to the consumable life. This
parameter allows the user to enter a value which will be added to the overall Minutes value for each
pierce, providing a more accurate representation of overall consumable wear.
Arc Errors
Actual Arc Errors may be tracked using the Arc Error Input to the control from the Plasma supply.
The power supply indicates and Arc Error when the Plasma Arc did not achieve a long-life ramp
down. The Arc Error input to the control is through the HD4070® Serial Communications or through
the discrete “Arc Error” Input.
Note: These inputs are only available when the “Enable Plasma” input has been defined.