Hypertherm PAC500 Water Injection Plasma Cutting System - Manual (Page 36)

PAC500 Instruction Manual 4-5
4
OPERATION
General Comments:
Set the Torch-to-Work distance (arc voltage if equipped with automatic height control) according to the Cut Charts.
Increase the distance (voltage) above the recommended setting if undercutting occurs.
Do not attempt to pierce heavy plate. (Refer to Table I, page 4-3, for limitations) Molten metal ejected during the
piercing cycle may cause extensive damage to torch components.
The torch mounting assembly must hold the torch by the black insulator sleeve. Under no circumstances
should the torch body be held by the stainless steel body. Improper mounting may cause severe arcing and destroy
the torch. It may also cause rapid nozzle wear without any obvious arcing.
Do not operate the Water-Muffler when cutting in the conventional mode. Remove the Water-Muffler from the
torch body to prevent damage from reflected heat from the arc. Lower the water level in the Water-Table to four or
more inches below the bottom surface of the workpiece. These steps prevent the water from quenching the
penetrating ability of the arc.
Be sure that the cutting area is well ventilated and that persons working in the immediate area have proper
ear protection. (Refer to Section 1 Safety.)
When cutting material over 2 inches in thickness, in the Water-Injection mode, it is sometimes beneficial to shut off
the water muffler and lower the water level an inch or two to improve arc penetration.