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How to choose, fit and look after the one-piece cutting and gouging cartridges used on this style of plasma system.
On cartridge-type plasma systems, a single cartridge takes the place of the separate shield, retaining cap, nozzle, electrode and swirl ring found on a traditional torch, so there is less chance of building the stack up wrongly or mixing parts.Because it is one unit, you replace it as a whole rather than changing the nozzle or electrode on their own. Cartridges are made for one family of torch and power supply, so check in the manual that the one you choose is listed for your system.
Start with the manual for your power supply and torch: it lists the cartridges that suit it. Compare the part number with the one on the cartridge you are replacing, and with the current rating of the unit you will be cutting on.Some cartridge systems read information stored in the cartridge so the power supply can set the right mode for the job, which makes choosing the right type more important than with loose consumables. Cartridges for a larger or smaller unit in the same family may look similar, so never choose by appearance alone.
Gouging cartridges are for removing metal, such as old welds or defects, rather than cutting through. Typically there are two styles: a precision type for small amounts of metal and shallow, accurate gouges, and a heavy-removal type for deep or wide gouges. If you are new to gouging, the precision style is the gentler place to start.Use a gouging cartridge in gouge mode and a cutting cartridge in cut mode. Keep the torch at the small stand-off the maker describes, because molten metal can splash onto the cartridge and damage it. Hot metal sprays out when gouging, so wear the protective equipment named in your manual, such as gloves, eye protection, hearing protection and protective clothing, and point the torch away from people.
An ohmic ring is a small clip-on part used with a mechanised cartridge on a cutting table. It connects the cartridge by a wire to the torch height control, which uses ohmic contact, the electrical connection made when the torch touches the plate, to find the surface of the metal before each cut.It is a separate accessory, not part of the cartridge, and it is only relevant where a torch height control uses this method. Hand cutting does not need one. Check your cutting table or height control documentation to see whether it is required, and how many rings you are likely to use.
