EP4319490A2 - Asymmetrische verbrauchsmaterialien für einen plasmalichtbogenbrenner - Google Patents

Asymmetrische verbrauchsmaterialien für einen plasmalichtbogenbrenner Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4319490A2
EP4319490A2 EP23216683.5A EP23216683A EP4319490A2 EP 4319490 A2 EP4319490 A2 EP 4319490A2 EP 23216683 A EP23216683 A EP 23216683A EP 4319490 A2 EP4319490 A2 EP 4319490A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
nozzle
consumable
torch
plasma arc
tip
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP23216683.5A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP4319490A3 (de
Inventor
Patel Shreyansh
Clifford G. DARROW
David Agan
Steven Moody
Martin Higgens
E. Michael Shipulski
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hypertherm Inc
Original Assignee
Hypertherm Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US15/685,659 external-priority patent/US10721812B2/en
Application filed by Hypertherm Inc filed Critical Hypertherm Inc
Publication of EP4319490A2 publication Critical patent/EP4319490A2/de
Publication of EP4319490A3 publication Critical patent/EP4319490A3/de
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05H—PLASMA TECHNIQUE; PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
    • H05H1/00—Generating plasma; Handling plasma
    • H05H1/24—Generating plasma
    • H05H1/26—Plasma torches
    • H05H1/32—Plasma torches using an arc
    • H05H1/34—Details, e.g. electrodes, nozzles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05H—PLASMA TECHNIQUE; PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
    • H05H1/00—Generating plasma; Handling plasma
    • H05H1/24—Generating plasma
    • H05H1/26—Plasma torches
    • H05H1/32—Plasma torches using an arc
    • H05H1/34—Details, e.g. electrodes, nozzles
    • H05H1/3457—Nozzle protection devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05H—PLASMA TECHNIQUE; PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
    • H05H1/00—Generating plasma; Handling plasma
    • H05H1/24—Generating plasma
    • H05H1/26—Plasma torches
    • H05H1/32—Plasma torches using an arc
    • H05H1/34—Details, e.g. electrodes, nozzles
    • H05H1/3463—Oblique nozzles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a torch tip assembly of a plasma arc torch that includes at least one bore or a counter bore feature having a non-circular cross section.
  • a plasma arc torch generally includes an electrode, a nozzle having a central exit orifice mounted within a torch body, electrical connections, passages for cooling, and passages for arc control fluids (e.g., plasma gas).
  • arc control fluids e.g., plasma gas
  • a swirl ring is employed to control fluid flow patterns in the plasma chamber formed between the electrode and the nozzle.
  • a retaining cap can be used to maintain the nozzle and/or swirl ring in the plasma arc torch.
  • the torch produces a plasma arc, which is a constricted jet of an ionized gas with high temperature and sufficient momentum to assist with removal of molten metal.
  • Gouging of conductive (e.g., metallic) materials is often needed for a number of material processing applications and products. These gouges typically form troughs/channels in the workpiece by removing materials to a certain desired depth. A gouging process can also be used to remove welds that contain known process defects or fractures. In today's gouging operations with typical plasma arc torches having a circular bore, the width of a gouge is limited by plasma processing, such as by standoff, amperage, and process speed. Thus, to make a wider gouge, a traditional plasma arc torch needs to pass over a workpiece a number of times, essentially forming a series of connected channels with similar depth.
  • plasma processing such as by standoff, amperage, and process speed.
  • the present invention provides a torch tip assembly design that allows a gouge profile to be created in the workpiece having a width substantially wider than its depth (e.g., greater than about a 3-to-1 ratio) from a single-pass gouge operation and/or without oscillation.
  • the torch tip assembly can include a non-circular bore and/or a non-circular counter bore feature positioned at specific orientations to achieve the desired gouge profile.
  • a torch tip assembly of a plasma arc torch for delivering a diffused stream of plasma arc to a workpiece to perform a gouging operation.
  • the assembly comprises a nozzle including (i) a nozzle body defining a central longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end, and (ii) a nozzle exit orifice at the distal end of the nozzle body.
  • the nozzle exit orifice defines at least a bore for conducting the plasma arc therethrough.
  • the assembly also includes a counter bore feature, disposed relative to the distal end the nozzle body, fluidly connected to the bore and located distally relative to the bore.
  • At least one of the bore or the counter bore feature has a non-circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
  • the non-circular cross-sectional shape is configured to enable a second non-circular cross-sectional shape in the plasma arc adapted to diffuse the plasma arc.
  • the plane is defined by a first transversal axis and a second transversal axis perpendicular to each other.
  • the second non-circular cross-sectional shape of the diffused plasma arc has a first length along the first transversal axis that is different from a second length along the second transversal axis.
  • the second non-circular cross-sectional shape of the plasma arc is elliptical. A major axis of the elliptical cross-sectional shape of the plasma arc can be oriented substantially perpendicular to a direction of a gouge path in the workpiece.
  • a torch tip assembly of a plasma arc torch for delivering a diffused stream of plasma arc to a workpiece to perform a gouging operation.
  • the assembly comprises a nozzle including (i) a nozzle body defining a central longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end, and (ii) a nozzle exit orifice at the distal end of the nozzle body.
  • the nozzle exit orifice defines at least a bore for conducting the plasma arc therethrough.
  • the assembly also comprises a shield with a shield exit orifice defining at least a counter bore feature being fluidly connected to the bore of the nozzle and located distally relative to the bore.
  • At least one of the bore or the counter bore feature has a non-circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
  • the non-circular cross-sectional shape is configured to enable a second non-circular cross-sectional shape in the plasma arc that diffuses the plasma arc.
  • the plane is defined by a first transversal axis and a second transversal axis perpendicular to each other.
  • the second non-circular cross-sectional shape of the diffused plasma arc has a first length along the first transversal axis that is different from a second length along the second transversal axis.
  • a torch tip assembly of a plasma arc torch for delivering a diffused stream of plasma arc to a workpiece to perform a gouging operation.
  • the assembly comprises a nozzle including (i) a nozzle body defining a central longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end, and (ii) a nozzle exit orifice at the distal end of the nozzle body.
  • the assembly also includes a bore defined by the nozzle exit orifice for conducting the plasma arc therethrough.
  • the bore has a non-circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, where the plane is defined by a first transversal axis and a second transversal axis perpendicular to each other.
  • the non-circular cross-sectional shape of the bore has a first length along the first transversal axis that is different from a second length along the second transversal axis.
  • the assembly further comprises a counter bore feature, disposed relative to the distal end the nozzle body, being fluidly connected to the bore and located distally relative to the bore.
  • the counter bore feature has a second non-circular cross-sectional shape in the plane such that a first length of the second non-circular cross-sectional shape along the first transversal axis of the plane is different from a second length of the second non-circular cross-sectional shape along the second transversal axis of the plane.
  • the bore and the counter bore are adapted to produce the diffused plasma arc with a third non-circular cross-sectional shape.
  • the third non-circular cross-sectional shape of the diffused plasma arc has a first length along the first transversal axis that is different from a second length along the second transversal axis.
  • the counter bore feature defined by the nozzle exit orifice, is disposed in the nozzle.
  • the counter bore feature is disposed on a shield connected to the nozzle and defined by a shield exit orifice of the shield.
  • At least one of the bore or the counterpart bore feature can be positioned at a specific radial orientation relative to the longitudinal axis for orienting the non-circular cross-sectional shape to directional disperse the plasma arc.
  • At least one of the nozzle or the shield can include a clocking feature for positioning and securing the bore or the counter bore feature at the specific radial orientation.
  • the counter bore feature is a counter sink. In some embodiments, the counter bore feature is a counter bore. In some embodiments, the counter bore feature has a larger cross-sectional area than the bore.
  • one of the bore or the counter bore feature has a circular cross-sectional shape in the plane.
  • the non-circular cross-sectional shape is one of an ellipse, a trapezoid, a triangle, tri-lobed, a slot, or a rectangle.
  • the plane is defined by a first transversal axis and a second transversal axis perpendicular to each other. The non-circular cross-sectional shape has a first length along the first transversal axis that is different from a second length along the second transversal axis.
  • the nozzle further defines a set of gas passages disposed about the bore.
  • the set of gas passages can be disposed in a non-circular pattern about the bore.
  • the plasma arc is adapted to form a gouge profile in the workpiece with a width to depth ratio of greater than 3 to 1.
  • a consumable set is provided that is usable in a plasma arc torch to direct a plasma arc to a processing surface of a workpiece.
  • the consumable set includes a nozzle having: 1) a nozzle body defining a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, and 2) a nozzle exit orifice, disposed in the nozzle body, for constricting the plasma arc.
  • the nozzle exit orifice defines an exit orifice axis oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the longitudinal axis.
  • the consumable set also includes an alignment surface generally parallel to the exit orifice axis. The alignment surface is dimensioned to align the exit orifice such that the plasma arc impinges orthogonally on the processing surface.
  • the alignment surface is configured to lay at least substantially flush against a guiding surface that is angled relative to the processing surface of the workpiece.
  • the guiding surface can be a portion of a template attachable to the workpiece or the plasma arc torch.
  • the alignment surface is parallel to the exit orifice axis. The alignment surface can also be within about 10 degrees from being parallel to the exit orifice axis.
  • the consumable set further includes a second alignment surface angled relative to the (first) alignment surface.
  • the second alignment surface in cooperation with the alignment surface, aligns the plasma arc to impinge orthogonally on the processing surface.
  • the consumable set can also include a curved surface for interconnecting the alignment surface and the second alignment surface.
  • the second alignment surface can be configured to contact the processing surface. At least one of the alignment surface or the second alignment surface can be located on an external surface of a nozzle.
  • the consumable set includes a third alignment surface angled relative to the alignment surface and the second alignment surface.
  • the third alignment surface in cooperation with the alignment surface and the second alignment surface, aligns the plasma arc to impinge orthogonally on the processing surface.
  • the third alignment surface can be configured to contact a second guiding surface angled relative to the guiding surface and the processing surface of the workpiece.
  • the consumable set further includes a shield having at least one of the alignment surface, the second alignment surface or the third alignment surface.
  • the alignment surface includes a rounded portion.
  • the nozzle exit orifice can define an interior opening and an exterior opening along the exit orifice axis.
  • the distance from a first point on a geometric arc defined by the rounded portion of the alignment surface to the center of the exterior opening of the nozzle exit orifice is at least substantially equal to the distance from a second point on the geometric arc of the rounded portion of the alignment surface to the center of the exterior opening of the nozzle exit orifice.
  • the center of the exterior opening of the nozzle exit orifice can be less than about 0.25 inches from the alignment surface.
  • the exterior opening of the nozzle exit orifice can be located on the second alignment surface angled relative to the alignment surface.
  • the nozzle exit orifice is curved or straight. In some embodiments, the nozzle or the alignment surface is coated with an electrically insulating material. In some embodiments, the plasma arc torch is a handheld plasma arc torch.
  • a nozzle for a plasma arc torch in another aspect, includes a nozzle body having 1) a longitudinal axis extending through the nozzle body, 2) an internal structure generally rotationally symmetric about the longitudinal axis, and 3) an external structure rotationally asymmetric about the longitudinal axis.
  • the nozzle includes an exit orifice that passes between the internal structure and the external structure of the nozzle body for constricting a plasma arc through the exit orifice.
  • the exit orifice is rotationally asymmetric about the longitudinal axis.
  • the nozzle also includes an alignment surface located on the external structure of the nozzle body for guiding the plasma arc to a location of a processing surface of a workpiece.
  • the exit orifice of the nozzle defines an exit orifice axis generally parallel to the alignment surface. In some embodiments, the exit orifice axis is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the longitudinal axis extending through the nozzle body.
  • the nozzle further includes a second alignment surface located on the external structure of the nozzle body.
  • the second alignment surface is adapted to contact the processing surface of the workpiece.
  • the alignment surface of the nozzle is adapted to contact a guiding surface that guides the plasma arc to impinge on the processing surface.
  • the processing surface of the workpiece can be relatively angled from the guiding surface.
  • the processing surface and the guiding surface can be perpendicular to each other and the plasma arc can impinge orthogonally on the processing surface.
  • the alignment surface includes a rounded portion.
  • a torch tip for a handheld plasma arc torch includes a nozzle for generating a plasma arc.
  • the nozzle can include a nozzle body,
  • the torch tip further includes a plasma arc exit orifice located in the nozzle body for constricting the plasma arc.
  • the plasma arc exit orifice defines an exit orifice axis.
  • the torch tip also includes a first portion and a second portion segmented by a plane intersecting the exit orifice axis. The first portion has a smaller volume than the second portion.
  • the torch tip further includes an alignment surface located on an outer surface of the first portion of the torch tip to guide the plasma arc to impinge orthogonally on a processing surface of a workpiece.
  • the distance between the exit orifice axis and the alignment surface can be less than 0.5 inches, less than 0.25 inches or less than 0.125 inches.
  • the exit orifice axis is located at a non-zero angle from a longitudinal axis extending through the nozzle body.
  • the torch tip includes a second alignment surface located on an outer surface of the second portion of the torch tip.
  • the second alignment surface is configured to contact the processing surface of the workpiece.
  • the first portion of the torch tip is about 1/3 or less of the volume of the second portion.
  • a method of manufacturing a consumable set is provided that is usable in a plasma arc torch for directing a plasma arc to a processing surface of a workpiece.
  • the method includes fabricating a nozzle body having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough and forming a nozzle exit orifice in the nozzle body oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body.
  • the nozzle exit orifice is dimensioned to constrict the plasma arc passing therethrough.
  • the method further includes locating an alignment surface on the nozzle body that is generally parallel to the nozzle exit orifice axis.
  • the alignment surface is dimensioned to align the plasma arc exiting the nozzle exit orifice to impinge orthogonally on the processing surface.
  • the method further includes fabricating a shield including: 1) the alignment surface and 2) a shield exit orifice coplanar with the nozzle exit orifice for delivering the plasma arc to impinge on the processing surface of the workpiece.
  • Systems and methods of the present technology can consistently produce good quality bevel cuts, especially drag cutting over various distances.
  • the torch does not have to be held at a fixed angle, thus reducing cut inconsistencies and the need for skilled operators, costly accessory tool(s) (e.g., mechanized tools) and/or secondary refinement work.
  • accessory tool(s) e.g., mechanized tools
  • secondary refinement work e.g., secondary refinement work.
  • a consumable set is provided that is usable in a plasma arc torch to direct a plasma arc to a processing surface of a workpiece.
  • the consumable set comprises a nozzle and an alignment surface.
  • the nozzle includes: 1) a nozzle body defining a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, and 2) a nozzle exit orifice disposed in the nozzle body for constricting the plasma arc.
  • the nozzle exit orifice defines an exit orifice axis oriented at a non-zero bevel angle relative to the longitudinal axis.
  • the alignment surface is located on an external surface of the nozzle and is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and substantially planar. The alignment surface is dimensioned to orient the nozzle exit orifice such that the plasma arc impinges on the processing surface of the workpiece at the bevel angle while the plasma arc torch is positioned substantially perpendicular to the processing surface.
  • the consumable set includes a second alignment surface located on an external surface of the nozzle and substantially perpendicular to the alignment surface.
  • the second alignment surface in cooperation with the (first) alignment surface, aligns the plasma arc to impinge on the processing surface.
  • the second alignment surface can be configured to contact the processing surface of the workpiece.
  • the second alignment surface can be oriented to lay substantially parallel over the processing surface of the workpiece perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
  • the consumable set can further include a curved external surface of the nozzle for interconnecting the alignment surface and the second alignment surface.
  • the consumable set further comprises a shield including at least one of the alignment surface or the second alignment surface.
  • the alignment surface is configured to slidingly contact a guiding surface of a template, which is attachable to the workpiece or the plasma arc torch.
  • the alignment surface can lay at least substantially flush against the guiding surface of the template.
  • the alignment surface can include a set of bearings coupled to the alignment surface to slidingly contact the guiding surface.
  • the bevel angle is between about 20 and 60 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis.
  • the bevel angle can be about 22.5, 37.5 or 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis.
  • the nozzle exit orifice defines an interior opening and an exterior opening along the exit orifice axis.
  • the center of the exterior opening of the nozzle exit orifice can be less than about 0.25 inches from the alignment surface.
  • the exterior opening of the nozzle exit orifice can be located on the second alignment surface.
  • the nozzle or the alignment surface is coated with an electrically insulating material.
  • the plasma arc torch is a handheld plasma arc torch.
  • the alignment surface being generally parallel to the longitudinal axis comprises the alignment surface within about 10 degrees from being parallel to the longitudinal axis.
  • a method of manufacturing a consumable set for a plasma arc torch capable of directing a plasma arc to a processing surface of a workpiece.
  • the method includes fabricating a nozzle body having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough.
  • the method also includes forming a nozzle exit orifice in the nozzle body oriented at a non-zero bevel angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body.
  • the nozzle exit orifice is dimensioned to constrict the plasma arc passing therethrough.
  • the method further includes locating an alignment surface on the nozzle body, where the alignment surface is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis.
  • the alignment surface is dimensioned to align the plasma arc exiting the nozzle exit orifice to impinge on the processing surface of the workpiece at the bevel angle while the plasma arc torch is oriented substantially perpendicular to the processing surface.
  • the method further includes fabricating a shield including: 1) the alignment surface and 2) a shield exit orifice coplanar with the nozzle exit orifice for delivering the plasma arc to impinge on the processing surface.
  • the method can further include fabricating the alignment surface to slidingly contact a guiding surface of a template.
  • the method can further include locating a second alignment surface on an external surface of the nozzle substantially perpendicular to the alignment surface.
  • An exterior opening of the nozzle exit orifice can be located on the second alignment surface.
  • the bevel angle is between about 20 and 60 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis.
  • a nozzle for a manual plasma arc torch includes a nozzle body, an exit orifice, and a substantially planar alignment surface.
  • the nozzle body includes 1) a longitudinal axis extending through the nozzle body, 2) an internal structure generally rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis, and 2) an external structure disposed about the longitudinal axis.
  • the exit orifice extends between the internal structure and the external structure of the nozzle body for constricting a plasma arc.
  • the exit orifice is rotationally asymmetric about the longitudinal axis and defines an exit orifice axis at a non-zero bevel angle relative to the longitudinal axis.
  • the alignment surface is located on the external structure of the nozzle body for orienting the exit orifice axis relative to a processing surface of a workpiece.
  • the alignment surface is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the alignment surface is adapted to contact a guiding surface of a template configured to guide the plasma arc to impinge on the processing surface of the workpiece.
  • the processing surface and the guiding surface can be oriented substantially perpendicular relative to each other to cooperatively guide the plasma arc to impinge on the processing surface at the bevel angle.
  • the nozzle further includes a second alignment surface located on the external structure of the nozzle body.
  • the second alignment surface is adapted to contact the processing surface.
  • the second alignment surface can be generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
  • the nozzle and/or shield of the present invention is clocked (e.g., adjusted and then locked into position about other consumables and/or relative to the torch) between operations.
  • the nozzle and/or shield can have a set of predetermined orientations (e.g., 30 degree increments) to be clocked into such that these consumables are oriented at a specific angle relative to the torch (e.g., the torch handle, trigger, operator interface, etc.).
  • the nozzle and/or shield can be asymmetric.
  • a consumable set usable in a plasma arc torch is provided to direct a plasma arc to a processing surface of a workpiece.
  • the plasma arc torch defines a torch body.
  • the consumable set comprises a nozzle including: 1) a nozzle body defining a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, and 2) a nozzle exit orifice, disposed in the nozzle body, for constricting the plasma arc.
  • the nozzle exit orifice defines an exit orifice axis oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the longitudinal axis.
  • the consumable set also includes an alignment surface being dimensioned to align the exit orifice such that the plasma arc impinges at one of a beveled angle or an orthogonal angle on the processing surface of the workpiece.
  • the alignment surface is configured to lay at least substantially flush against a guiding surface angled relative to the processing surface of the workpiece.
  • the consumable set further includes a clocking element configured to attach the nozzle to the torch body while orienting the nozzle at a selected angle relative to the torch body to facilitate impingement at the beveled angle or the orthogonal angle.
  • a consumable set for a plasma arc torch is provided.
  • the plasma arc torch and the consumable set define a longitudinal axis extending therethrough.
  • the consumable set comprises a consumable tip configured to direct a plasma arc to a workpiece.
  • the consumable tip is alignable along the longitudinal axis and comprises a plurality of consumable components, at least one of which includes an asymmetric feature asymmetrically disposed in the consumable tip relative to the longitudinal axis.
  • the consumable set also includes a mounting element for coupling the consumable tip to a torch body.
  • the mounting element is configured to axially secure the consumable tip relative to the torch body while permitting independent rotation of the consumable tip relative to the longitudinal axis during assembly.
  • the independent rotation permits positioning of the consumable tip at a specific radial orientation relative to the longitudinal axis.
  • the mounting element is also configured to both axially and radially fix the consumable tip with respect to the torch body such that the asymmetric feature is locked at the specific radial orientation relative to the longitudinal axis after securement.
  • the plurality of consumable components of the consumable tip comprises a nozzle and a shield.
  • the consumable tip can further comprise a locking element configured to radially affix at least two of the plurality of consumable components with respect to each other.
  • the plurality of consumable components and the locking element can include complementary features configured to inter-fit with one another to orient the asymmetric feature.
  • the complementary features comprise a flat surface disposed on a circumferential section of each of the consumable components and the locking element.
  • each of the plurality of consumable components comprises an asymmetric feature asymmetrically disposed relative to the longitudinal axis, and the locking element maintains radial and axial alignment among the asymmetric features.
  • the nozzle comprises an asymmetric nozzle exit orifice and the shield comprises an asymmetric shield exit orifice, and the locking element is configured to maintain radial and axial alignment between the nozzle exit orifice and the shield exit orifice.
  • the asymmetric feature defines an axis that is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the asymmetric feature defines a cross section that is asymmetrical about the longitudinal axis.
  • the consumable set further comprises a consumable body comprising at least an electrode and a plasma processing interface coupled to the torch body.
  • the mounting element is configured to retain the consumable body and the consumable tip to the torch body via fixed engagement with the plasma processing interface to achieve the securement.
  • the consumable set further comprises an ejector feature, connected to the mounting element, configured to disconnect the consumable body and the consumable tip from the plasma processing interface.
  • the mounting element comprises a proximal end configured to fixedly engage the plasma processing interface after securement. In some embodiments, the mounting element is at least one of rotatable or translatable relative to the torch body and the consumable tip during assembly prior to the fixed engagement with the plasma processing interface.
  • the fixed engagement of the mounting element with the plasma processing interface at the proximal end causes the mounting element to impart a frictional force on the consumable tip at a distal end of the mounting element, thereby causing the mounting element to fixedly engage the consumable tip at the distal end, such that the asymmetric feature of the consumable tip is locked at the specific radial orientation relative to the longitudinal axis after securement.
  • the fixed engagement of the mounting element with the plasma processing interface at the proximal end locks the consumable body in a specific radial orientation relative to the longitudinal axis.
  • a method for assembling at least a portion of a plasma arc torch defines a longitudinal axis extending therethrough.
  • the method includes loosely engaging a proximal end of a mounting element to a torch body.
  • a distal end of the mounting element axially secures a consumable tip while permitting independent rotation of the consumable tip relative to the mounting element.
  • the consumable tip has a plurality of consumable components and at least one of the plurality of consumable components includes an asymmetric feature that is asymmetrically disposed in the consumable tip relative to the longitudinal axis.
  • the method also includes orienting the consumable tip relative to the mounting element about the longitudinal axis to achieve a specific radial orientation of the asymmetric feature with respect to the longitudinal axis.
  • the method further includes fixedly engaging the mounting element to the torch body. The fixed engagement imparts a frictional force between the mounting element and the consumable tip to both axially and radially secure the consumable tip to the torch body, such that the asymmetric feature of the torch tip is locked at the specific radial orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the plasma arc torch after the fixed engagement.
  • the method further includes assembling the consumable tip having the plurality of consumable components by fixedly locking the plurality of consumable components to each other.
  • assembling the consumable tip further comprises aligning and inter-fitting one or more complementary features of the plurality of consumable components with one another to orient the asymmetric feature.
  • the plurality of consumable components of the consumable tip can comprise a nozzle and a shield.
  • the method further includes connecting the consumable tip to the mounting element, such that the mounting element axially secures the consumable tip while permitting independent rotation of the consumable tip relative to the mounting element prior to the fixed engagement. In some embodiments, the method further includes rotating or translating the mounting element relative to the consumable tip or the torch body prior to the fixed engagement of the mounting body to the torch body.
  • the fixed engagement of the mounting element to the torch body retains a consumable body and the consumable tip to the torch body.
  • the method further includes locking the consumable body to the torch body in a specific radial orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the plasma arc torch upon fixedly engaging the mounting element to the torch body.
  • any of the aspects above can include one or more of the above features.
  • One embodiment of the invention can provide all of the above features and advantages.
  • FIG. 1 shows an exemplary plasma arc torch 200 for cutting a workpiece according to some embodiments of the present technology.
  • the plasma arc torch 200 includes a torch body 202 and a torch tip 204.
  • the torch tip 204 includes multiple consumables, for example, an electrode 205, a nozzle 210, a retaining cap 215 and a swirl ring 220.
  • the torch tip 204 can also include a shield (not shown).
  • the torch body 202 which has a generally cylindrical shape, supports the electrode 205 and the nozzle 210.
  • the nozzle 210 is spaced from the electrode 205 and has a central exit orifice 225 mounted within the torch body 202.
  • the swirl ring 220 is mounted to the torch body 202 and has a set of radially offset or canted gas distribution holes 227 that impart a tangential velocity component to the plasma gas flow, causing the plasma gas flow to swirl.
  • the shield includes a shield exit orifice and is connected (e.g., threaded) to the retaining cap 215.
  • the retaining cap 215 as shown is an inner retaining cap securely connected (e.g., threaded) to the torch body 202.
  • an outer retaining cap (not shown) is secured relative to the shield.
  • the torch 200 can additionally include electrical connections, passages for cooling, passages for arc control fluids (e.g., plasma gas), and a power supply.
  • the consumables include a welding tip, which is a nozzle for passing an ignited welding gas.
  • a plasma gas flows through a gas inlet tube (not shown) and the gas distribution holes 227 in the swirl ring 220. From there, the plasma gas flows into a plasma chamber 228 and out of the torch 200 through the exit orifice 225 of the nozzle 210 that constricts the plasma gas flow.
  • a pilot arc is first generated between the electrode 205 and the nozzle 210. The pilot arc ionizes the gas passing through the nozzle exit orifice 225. The arc then transfers from the nozzle 210 to a workpiece 230 for thermally processing (e.g., cutting or welding) the workpiece 230.
  • the nozzle 210 is suitably configured to be positioned as close as possible to an inner corner of the workpiece 230 created by a protruding flange 232 and a horizontal portion 234.
  • the nozzle 210 can guide a plasma gas flow through the exit orifice 225 such that the plasma gas impinges orthogonally on the flange 232 as the plasma gas exits from the orifice 225, thereby cutting the flange 232 from the workpiece 230 along the path 237.
  • the illustrated details of the torch 200 including the arrangement of the components, the direction of gas and cooling fluid flows, and the electrical connections, can take a variety of forms.
  • the two portions of the workpiece 230 can be oriented at any angle and the nozzle 210 can be suitably configured to perform flush cutting in the resulting inner corner.
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B show various perspectives of an exemplary configuration of the nozzle 210 designed to facilitate inner-corner flush cutting operations.
  • the nozzle 210 includes a nozzle body 250 defining a longitudinal axis A extending therethrough.
  • An interior surface 252 of the nozzle 210 can be rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A while the exterior of the nozzle body 250 can be rotationally asymmetric about the longitudinal axis A.
  • the nozzle exit orifice 225 disposed in the nozzle body 210, defines an exit orifice axis B extending longitudinally along the length of the nozzle exit orifice 225 from an interior opening 225b to an exterior opening 225a.
  • the exit orifice axis B can be oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the longitudinal axis A. That is, the nozzle exit orifice 225 can be rotationally asymmetric about the longitudinal axis A.
  • the nozzle exit orifice 225 is configured to introduce a plasma arc flow from the interior opening 225b, which is in fluid communication with the interior surface 252 of the nozzle 210, to a workpiece through the exterior opening 225a. Even though the nozzle exit orifice 225 is shown as being substantially straight, in other embodiments, the nozzle exit orifice 225 can be curved or have a sequence of non-parallel segments.
  • the nozzle 210 includes an alignment surface 254 disposed on the exterior surface of the nozzle body 250.
  • the alignment surface 254 can be generally parallel to the exit orifice axis B, such as exactly parallel to the exit orifice axis B or within about 10 degrees from being parallel to the exit orifice axis B.
  • the alignment surface 254 is dimensioned to lay substantially flush against a guiding surface 236 on the horizontal portion 234 of the workpiece 230, which is a surface that is not being cut by the plasma arc and is used instead to guide and/or position the torch for enhanced flush cutting of the flange 232.
  • the alignment surface 254 of the nozzle 210 upon being laid upon the guiding surface 236 of the horizontal portion 234, aligns the external end 225a of the nozzle exit orifice 225 against the processing surface 238 of the flange 232 such that a plasma arc impinges orthogonally onto the processing surface 238 and into the flange 232 along the cut path 237.
  • the longitudinal axis A of the nozzle body is oriented at an acute angle relative to the alignment surface 254, such as at a 60-degree angle relative to the alignment surface 254.
  • the processing surface 238 and the guiding surface 236 of the workpiece 230 are angled relative to each other to form the inner corner of the workpiece 230.
  • the guiding surface 236 is illustrated as a portion of the workpiece 234, in other embodiments, the guiding surface 236 is a portion of a separate template (not shown) used to guide the torch 200 into position.
  • the separate template which includes the guiding surface 236, can be attached to the torch 200 and/or the workpiece 234 for positioning the torch 200 to perform flush cutting.
  • a distance 260 between the center of the exterior opening 225a of the nozzle exit orifice 225 and the alignment surface 254 is less than or equal to about 0.5 inches, 0.25 inches, or 0.1 inches. This distance controls how close the cut path 237 is to the horizontal portion 234 of the workpiece 230. Hence, the smaller the distance 260, the closer the plasma arc torch cuts to the base of the flange 232 from the horizontal portion 234.
  • the nozzle 210 can also include a second alignment surface 256 angled relative to the alignment surface 254 and a curved surface 258 that interconnects the two alignment surfaces.
  • the second alignment surface 256 in cooperation with the alignment surface 254, enhances orthogonal impingement of the plasma arc against the processing surface 238 of the flange 232.
  • the second alignment surface 256 can be oriented at an angle from the alignment surface 254 such that the second alignment surface 256 lays substantially flush against the processing surface 238 of the flange 232 while the alignment surface 254 lays substantially flush against the guiding surface 236 of the horizontal portion 234.
  • the curved surface 258 of the nozzle 210 is configured to inter-fit within the corner created by the processing surface 238 and the guiding surface 236 of the workpiece 230.
  • the two alignment surfaces of the nozzle 210 ensure that the plasma arc torch is positioned tightly and securely into the inner corner of the workpiece 230 while a plasma arc is delivered to the processing surface 238 by the torch 200 via the exterior opening 225a of the nozzle exit orifice 225.
  • the exterior opening 225a of the nozzle exit orifice 225 is located on the second alignment surface 256 of the nozzle 210.
  • the first alignment surface 254 and the second alignment surface 256 are substantially perpendicular to each other such that the nozzle 210 can be securely positioned into an inner corner of about 90 degrees.
  • nozzles with different angles between the alignment surfaces e.g., 60 degrees, 30degrees and 15 degrees
  • the angle between the first alignment surface 254 and the second alignment surface 256 of a nozzle 210 is adjustable, such that the operator can adjust one or both of the alignment surfaces to produce a secure fit of the nozzle 210 into any given corner of a workpiece. For example, adjustments can be made such that both of the alignment surfaces of the nozzle 210 can contact respect processing surface 238 and guiding surface 236 of the workpiece 230 during a cutting operation.
  • a plane can be defined to include the exit orifice axis B, thereby segmenting the nozzle 210 into two portions: 1) a first, smaller portion 280 on one side of plane and 2) a second, larger portion 282 on the other side of the plane.
  • the alignment surface 254 of the nozzle 210 is located on the external surface of the first portion 280 and can contact the guiding surface 236 of the workpiece once the torch 200 is positioned into the inner corner of the workpiece.
  • the second alignment surface 256 is located on the external surface of the second portion 282 and can contact the processing surface 238 of the workpiece during a cutting operation.
  • the first portion 280 can be about 1/3, 1/4, or 1/5 of the volume of the second portion 282.
  • the contour of the alignment surface 254 of the nozzle 210 has at least a rounded-arc portion 268, as shown from a top view of the nozzle 210 in FIG. 4 .
  • the rounded-arc portion 268 can be positioned in an inner corner created by the intersection of a horizontal portion 234 and a flange 232 of a workpiece 230.
  • the distance from a first point 270 on the rounded-arc portion 268 to the center of the exterior opening 225a of the nozzle exit orifice 255 is at least substantially equal to the distance from a second point 272 on the rounded-arc portion 268 to the center of the exterior opening 225a.
  • the exterior opening 225a can be located on a second alignment surface 256 of the nozzle 210.
  • the second alignment surface 256 is designed to include a similar rounded-arc portion.
  • FIGS. 5A-C show various perspectives of another exemplary nozzle 300 that includes three alignment surfaces.
  • the nozzle 300 includes i) a (first) alignment surface 302, ii) a second alignment surface 304 angled relative to the alignment surface 302, iii) a third alignment surface 306 angled relative to the alignment surface 302 and the second alignment surface 304; and iv) one or more curved surfaces 310 connecting the three alignment surfaces.
  • the nozzle 300 is configured to perform flush cutting in relation to an inner corner of a workpiece 308 constructed from three surfaces, with the surface being cut referred to as the processing surface and the remaining two surfaces referred to as the guiding surfaces.
  • the guiding surfaces are disposed on one or more separate templates that are attachable to the workpiece 308 and/or the nozzle 300.
  • the three alignment surfaces of the nozzle 300 in cooperation with each other, align the plasma arc to impinge orthogonally on the processing surface of the workpiece 308.
  • the alignment surfaces 302 and 304 can lay substantially flush against the two guiding surfaces of the workpiece 308 while the alignment surface 306, which includes the exterior opening 225a of the nozzle exit orifice 225, lays substantially flush against the processing surface of the workpiece 308.
  • the alignment surfaces of the nozzle 300 ensure that the plasma arc torch is positioned tightly and securely into the inner corner of the workpiece 308 while a plasma arc is delivered to the processing surface of the workpiece 308 via the exterior opening 225a.
  • at least one of the alignment surface 302, the second alignment surface 304, or the third alignment surface 306 has a contour with a rounded-arc portion, similar to the contour illustrated in FIG. 4 .
  • the asymmetric design described with respect to FIGS. 1-5C can be introduced to a plasma arc torch that includes a shield.
  • the shield can include at least one of the alignment surface 254 or the second alignment surface 256 describe above with respect to the nozzle 210.
  • the shield can include at least one of the alignment surface 302, the second alignment surface 304, or the third alignment surface 306 describe above with respect to the nozzle 300.
  • the asymmetric shield can further include a shield exit orifice coplanar with the nozzle exit orifice for delivering the plasma arc to impinge on a processing surface of a workpiece.
  • the asymmetric shield upon installation into a plasma arc torch, can provide similar functions as the asymmetric nozzle 210 or 300, such as allowing an operator to securely and tightly position the torch into an inner corner of a workpiece created by two or three workpiece surfaces, while the torch delivers a plasma arc flow to one of the workpiece surfaces.
  • the contour of at least one of the alignment surfaces of the asymmetric shield has a rounded-arc portion, similar to the contour illustrated in FIG. 4 .
  • a plasma arc torch with a nozzle for making a bevel cut on a workpiece.
  • the torch can remain perpendicular (e.g., at a fixed 90 degree angle) to the workpiece during the cut operation.
  • the bevel feature is provided by the nozzle itself, rather than the angularity of the torch.
  • a template can be provided to guide the torch, which is useful in situations where an operator desires to make the bevel cut at a consistent angle over a distance.
  • the plasma arc torch of the present technology can improve the quality of bevel cuts, thereby decreasing the need for secondary processing work or accessories.
  • FIG. 6 shows an exemplary plasma arc torch for cutting a workpiece at a bevel angle, according to some embodiments of the present technology.
  • the plasma arc torch 400 includes a torch body 402 and a torch tip 404.
  • the torch tip 404 includes multiple consumables, for example, an electrode 405, a nozzle 410, a retaining cap 415 and a swirl ring 420.
  • the torch tip 404 can also include a shield (not shown).
  • the function and configuration of many components of the torch 400, including the electrode 405, retaining cap 415 and swirl ring 420, can be substantially similar to the counterpart components of the plasma torch 200 of FIG. 1 .
  • the nozzle 410 is mounted within the torch body 402 in a spaced relationship from the electrode 405.
  • the nozzle 410 has a body defining a longitudinal axis 446 extending therethrough and an exit orifice 425.
  • a plasma gas flows out of the torch 400 through the exit orifice 425 configured to constrict the plasma gas flow.
  • a pilot arc is first generated between the electrode 405 and the nozzle 410. The pilot arc ionizes the gas passing through the nozzle exit orifice 425. The arc then transfers from the nozzle 410 to a workpiece 430 for thermally processing (e.g., cutting) the workpiece 430.
  • the nozzle 410 is suitably configured to allow the torch 400 to be positioned substantially perpendicular to a processing surface 438 of the workpiece 430, where the processing surface 438 is defined as a substantially flat surface on the workpiece 430 on which the plasma arc delivered by the torch 400 makes the initial contact.
  • the nozzle 410 can guide a plasma gas flow through the exit orifice 425 such that the plasma gas impinges on the processing surface 438 at a bevel angle 444 relative to the longitudinal axis 446 of the nozzle 410, while the torch 400 remains substantially perpendicular to the processing surface 438.
  • This operation cuts the workpiece 430 into two pieces along the path 437.
  • a template 432 is used to guide and/or position the torch 400 for enhanced bevel cutting of the workpiece 430, especially over a distance along a lengthwise direction 433 of the workpiece 430.
  • FIGS. 7A and 7B show various perspectives of an exemplary configuration of the nozzle 410 designed to facilitate bevel cutting.
  • the nozzle 410 includes a nozzle body 450 defining the longitudinal axis 446 extending therethrough.
  • An interior surface 452 of the nozzle 410 can be rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 446.
  • the nozzle exit orifice 425 disposed in the nozzle body 450, defines an exit orifice axis 447 extending longitudinally along the length of the nozzle exit orifice 425 from an interior opening 425b to an exterior opening 425a.
  • the exit orifice axis 447 can be oriented at a non-zero bevel angle 444 relative to the longitudinal axis 446.
  • the nozzle exit orifice 425 can be rotationally asymmetric about the longitudinal axis 446.
  • the non-zero bevel angle 444 can be between about 0 degree and ⁇ 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 446, such as between about 20 and about 60 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 446.
  • An exemplary bevel angle 444 can be 22.5, 37.5 or 45 degrees.
  • the nozzle exit orifice 425 is configured to introduce a plasma arc flow from the interior opening 425b, which is in fluid communication with the interior surface 452 of the nozzle 410, to a workpiece through the exterior opening 425a to cut the workpiece at the non-zero bevel angle 444. Even though the nozzle exit orifice 425 is shown as being substantially straight, in other embodiments, the nozzle exit orifice 425 can be curved or have a sequence of non-parallel segments.
  • the nozzle 410 includes an alignment surface 454 disposed on the exterior surface of the nozzle body 450.
  • the alignment surface 454 can be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 446, such as exactly parallel to the longitudinal axis 446 or within about 10 degrees from being parallel to the longitudinal axis 446.
  • the alignment surface 454 can be substantially planar.
  • a distance 460 between the center of the exterior opening 425a of the nozzle exit orifice 425 and the alignment surface 454 is less than or equal to about 0.5 inches, 0.25 inches, or 0.1 inches.
  • the alignment surface 454 is dimensioned to slidingly contact (e.g., lay substantially flush against) a guiding surface 436 on the template 432, which is a surface used to guide and/or position the torch 400 for more precise bevel cutting of the workpiece 430, as shown in FIG. 6 .
  • the alignment surface 454 of the nozzle 410 upon contacting (e.g., being laid flush against) the guiding surface 436 of the template 432, is adapted to orient the plasma arc torch 400 substantially perpendicular to the processing surface 438 of the workpiece 430 such that the external opening 425a of the nozzle exit orifice 425 is aligned against the processing surface 438 of the workpiece 430 to introduce a plasma arc that impinges onto the processing surface 438 at the bevel angle 444 along the cut path 437.
  • the guiding surface 436 of the template 432 extends along the lengthwise direction 433 for a specific distance such that an operator can slide the torch 400 against the guiding surface 436 in the lengthwise direction 433 to make a bevel cut at a consistent angle over the distance.
  • the guiding surface 436 of the template 432 and/or the alignment surface 454 of the torch 400 include a set of bearings (not shown) to facilitate the sliding contact between the two surfaces, such as to reduce the amount of friction between the two surfaces.
  • the template 432 can be attached to or integrally constructed with/from workpiece 430 or the torch 400.
  • the template 432 can also be a separate, stand-alone component.
  • the nozzle 410 can also include a second alignment surface 456 substantially perpendicular to the alignment surface 454 and a curved surface 458 that interconnects the two alignment surfaces.
  • the curved surface 458 is absent and the alignment surfaces 454, 456 are perpendicularly connected to each other.
  • the second alignment surface 456, in cooperation with the alignment surface 454, enhances impingement of the plasma arc against the processing surface 438 of the workpiece 430 at the bevel angle 444.
  • the second alignment surface 456 can be oriented perpendicular to the alignment surface 454 such that the second alignment surface 456 contacts the processing surface 438 of the workpiece 430 while the alignment surface 454 contacts the guiding surface 436 of the template 432.
  • the second alignment surface 456 can lay substantially flush against (i.e., parallel to) the processing surface 438 and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 446 of the nozzle 410.
  • the two alignment surfaces of the nozzle 410 ensure that the plasma arc torch 400 is positioned substantially perpendicularly against the processing surface 438 of the workpiece 430 while a plasma arc is delivered to the processing surface 238 by the torch 400 via the exterior opening 425a of the nozzle exit orifice 425 at the bevel angle 444.
  • the exterior opening 425a of the nozzle exit orifice 425 is located on the second alignment surface 456 of the nozzle 410.
  • the contour of the second alignment surface 456 of the nozzle 410 is asymmetric, including at least a rounded-arc portion 468 and a straight portion 470, as shown from a top view of the nozzle 410 in FIG. 8 .
  • the straight portion 470 can be located on a side of the second alignment surface 456 close to the alignment surface 454.
  • the straight portion 470 can be positioned substantially parallel to the guiding surface 436 of the template 432 so as to be guided by the template 432 during cutting.
  • the nozzle exit orifice 225 can be angled such that the plasma arc path 437 is directed toward the straight portion 370 (i.e., the alignment surface 454) as the plasma arc exits the exterior opening 425a located on the second alignment surface 456.
  • the exterior opening 425a is located off-centered on the second alignment surface 456 (i.e., closer to the straight portion 470 than to the rounded-arc portion 468). This off-centered feature allows the plasma arc to be more easily imparted at a bevel angle closer to the straight portion 470.
  • the interior opening 425b (as shown in FIG. 7A ) can be centered relative to the nozzle body 450 so as to align with the hafnium insert 406 in the electrode 405.
  • the use of the template 432 is optional.
  • the template 432 may not be needed, especially if the distance of the bevel cut in the lengthwise direction 433 is relatively short.
  • FIG. 9 shows another exemplary nozzle 500 that includes three alignment surfaces.
  • the nozzle 500 includes i) a (first) planar alignment surface 502, ii) a second planar alignment surface 504 oriented substantially perpendicular to the alignment surface 502 and adapted to contact the processing surface 438 of the workpiece 430 during torch operation, iii) a third planar alignment surface 506 that is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the second alignment surface 504 and substantially parallel to the alignment surface 502, and iv) two arced surfaces 514 and 516.
  • the planar alignment surface 502 functions similar to the alignment surface 454 of the nozzle 410.
  • the alignment surface 502 is configured to slidingly contact a first template (not shown) to position the torch while a plasma arc is directed along a cut path 510 toward the alignment surface 502.
  • the second alignment surface 504 functions substantially similar to the second alignment surface 456 of the nozzle 410. Specifically, it is configured to contact the processing surface 438 of the workpiece 430, so as to lay substantially parallel over the workpiece 430 perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 508 of the nozzle 500, while the plasma arc is delivered via an exterior opening 512 located on the second alignment surface 504.
  • the contour of the second alignment surface 504 can be substantially symmetrical.
  • the third alignment surface 506 is configured to slidingly contact a second template (not shown) for positioning the torch while the plasma arc is directed along the cut path 510 away from the third alignment surface 506.
  • the three alignment surfaces of the nozzle 500 in cooperation with each other, align the plasma arc to impinge on the processing surface of the workpiece at a bevel angle.
  • the alignment surfaces 502 and 506 can lay substantially flush against two templates while the alignment surface 504, which includes the exterior opening 512 of the nozzle exit orifice, lays substantially flush against the processing surface of the workpiece.
  • the alignment surfaces of the nozzle 500 ensure that the plasma arc torch is positioned substantially perpendicularly to the workpiece while a plasma arc is delivered to the processing surface via the exterior opening 512.
  • an operator uses both the first and second templates to achieve precise positioning of the nozzle 500 as he makes a cut on the workpiece along the lengthwise direction.
  • the first and second templates can be attached to each other such that they can be positioned around the nozzle simultaneously.
  • only one template is used, in cooperation with either the alignment surface 502 or the second alignment surface 506, to guide the plasma arc to impinge toward or away from the template.
  • the operator can use only the first template positioned against the alignment surface 502 to guide the nozzle 500 as it cuts in the lengthwise direction toward the template.
  • the operator uses only the second template positioned against the alignment surface 506 to guide to nozzle 500 as it cuts in the lengthwise direction away from the second template.
  • the operator does not use a template when making a bevel, especially if the cut distance in the lengthwise direction is short.
  • nozzles can be used to make bevel cuts of different angles, where each nozzle includes a nozzle exit orifice oriented at a different angle in relation to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body.
  • a kit of nozzle consumables can be provided that includes nozzles for making bevel cuts at 22.5, 37.5,45 degrees, etc.
  • the kit can also include nozzles having different numbers of guiding surfaces.
  • one or more templates can be included in the kit compatible with different nozzle shapes. Hence, an operator can change the nozzle as needed to achieve the desired cut angle and cut distance.
  • the features described with respect to FIGS. 6-9 can be introduced to a plasma arc torch that includes a shield.
  • the shield can include at least one of the alignment surface 454 or the second alignment surface 456 described above with respect to the nozzle 410.
  • the shield can include at least one of the alignment surface 502, the second alignment surface 504, or the third alignment surface 506 described above with respect to the nozzle 500.
  • the shield can further include a shield exit orifice coplanar with the nozzle exit orifice for delivering the plasma arc to impinge on a processing surface of a workpiece.
  • the shield upon installation into a plasma arc torch, can provide similar functions as the nozzle 410 or 500, such as allowing an operator to maintain the torch at a perpendicular position relative to a processing surface of a workpiece while the torch delivers a plasma arc flow to the processing surface at a bevel angle and over a cutting distance.
  • the nozzles and/or shields of the present technology can be coated with an electrically insulating material, such as a ceramic coating.
  • the plasma arc torches, including the nozzles and/or shields can be constructed as handheld devices or wearable devices attached to a backpack, front-pack, and/or a shoulder strap mounted pack, for example.
  • the nozzles and/or shields of the present technology can be used in mechanized applications, such as incorporated in X-Y cutting tables, in which case extraneous templates may not be required. For example, if the nozzle 410 or 500 is incorporated in a mechanized torch system to make bevel cuts, no complex equipment is required to manipulate to the torch and no sophisticated software is needed to perform motion control.
  • the present invention features means for attaching one or more consumables to a plasma arc torch to achieve specific radial orientations of the consumable(s) with respect to a longitudinal axis of the torch.
  • These consumables can include one or more asymmetric features that provide specialized cutting or gouging functions if the consumables are maintained at the desired radial orientations during torch operation.
  • one or more interfaces can be provided to radially affix the asymmetric nozzle 210 of FIG. 1 to the torch body to facilitate a flush cutting operation at a desired radial orientation of the asymmetric nozzle 210.
  • asymmetric features that can be enabled through specific radial orientations of consumable components include gas connections, data connections, power/electrical connections, positioning, fixturing, and/or automation features, spring mechanism for contact starting a torch, plasma processing/performance features (e.g., plasma bore, guide surface, cutting process, gouging process, washing process, severing via a plenum, bore configuration, or counter-bore configurations, etc.) and/or safety interlocking features.
  • gas connections data connections, power/electrical connections, positioning, fixturing, and/or automation features
  • spring mechanism for contact starting a torch e.g., plasma bore, guide surface, cutting process, gouging process, washing process, severing via a plenum, bore configuration, or counter-bore configurations, etc.
  • safety interlocking features e.g., safety interlocking features.
  • FIG. 10 generally depicts an exemplary consumable set 1000 of a plasma arc torch with multiple interfaces configured to couple consumables at specific radial orientations to support asymmetric torch features.
  • FIG. 11 shows an exemplary plasma arc torch 1100 comprising the elements of FIG. 10 for orienting asymmetric torch features.
  • the consumable set includes a consumable tip 1001, a mounting element 1002, a main consumable body 1003, and a plasma processing interface 1004.
  • the consumable set 1000 can be coupled to a torch body 1005 to enable torch operations, where the torch body 1005 and the consumable set define a central longitudinal axis A extending therethrough.
  • the consumable set 1000 is a multi-piece system with the consumable tip 1001, the mounting element 1002 and the main consumable body 1003 individually serviceable and replaceable. In some embodiments, two or more of the consumable tip 1001, the mounting element 1002 and the main consumable body 1003 form a consumable cartridge that is replaced or serviced as a unitary structure.
  • the consumable tip 1001 generally defines a proximal end 1008 and a distal end 1006, where the distal end 1006 is the end along the longitudinal axis A that is maintained closest to a workpiece (not shown) during torch operation and the proximal end 1008 is opposite of the distal end 1006 along the longitudinal axis A.
  • the proximal end 1008 of the consumable tip 1001 is adapted to be retained against the distal end 1010 of the main consumable body 1003 via the mounting element 1002.
  • the consumable tip 1000 can be aligned along the longitudinal axis A when mounted to the main consumable body 1003.
  • the consumable tip 1001 includes one or more consumable components configured to direct a plasma arc to a workpiece to process the workpiece. Further, at least one of the consumable components of the consumable tip 1001 includes an asymmetric feature that is asymmetrically disposed relative to the longitudinal axis A when the consumable tip 1001 is mounted to the main consumable body 1003. Various embodiments of the consumable tip 1001 are described below in relation to FIGS. 11 , 15 and 17 .
  • the consumable tip 1001 can comprise the asymmetric nozzle 210 of FIG. 1 for flush cutting close to an internal corner of a workpiece, as described above.
  • the nozzle exit orifice 225 of the nozzle 210 is an asymmetric feature as it is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the longitudinal axis A when the nozzle 210 is connected to the torch body 1005.
  • the consumable tip 1001 comprises the asymmetric nozzle 410 of FIG. 6 for beveled cutting, as described above.
  • the consumable tip 1001 additionally includes a shield that may or may not have an asymmetric feature. For example, as shown in FIG.
  • the shield 1102 has an asymmetric shield exit orifice 1104 configured to deliver a plasma arc from the nozzle 210 to the workpiece in a flush cutting operation.
  • a locking element 1106 is employed to radially affix at least two of the consumable components of the consumable tip 1001 with respect to each other while permitting the asymmetric feature(s) to be radially and/or axially aligned.
  • the locking element 1106 can couple the shield 1102 to the nozzle 210 such that the shield exit orifice 1104 is radially and axially aligned with the nozzle exit orifice 225 upon assembly of the consumable tip 1001.
  • the locking element 1106 also locks together the consumable components at the aligned position to enable the consumable tip 1001 to move (e.g., rotate or translate) as a unitary structure. Details regarding the consumable tip 1001 of FIG. 11 are provided below with reference to FIG. 15 . An alternative design of the consumable tip 1001 is described below with reference to FIGS. 16a and 16b .
  • the mounting element 1002 is a retaining element comprising an inner retaining cap 1002a and an outer retaining cap 1002b, as shown in FIG. 11 .
  • the mounting element 1002 includes a substantially hollow body and defines a distal end 1012 and a proximal end 1014, as shown in FIG. 10 .
  • the hollow body of the mounting element 1002 is configured to house at least a portion of the main consumable body 1003, which can include at least one of an electrode 1108, a swirl ring 1110 or a contact element 1120 plus a resilient element 1118 (e.g., a spring), both of which are a part of a contact starting mechanism of the plasma arc torch 1100.
  • a resilient element 1118 e.g., a spring
  • the distal end 1012 of the mounting element 1002 is configured to engage the consumable tip 1001.
  • the proximal end 1014 of the mounting element 1002 is configured to engage the torch body 1005 via the plasma processing interface 1004.
  • the hollow body of the mounting element 1002 between the proximal end 1014 and the distal end 1012 is configured to house at least a portion of the main consumable body 1003.
  • the mounting element 1002 can retain the consumable tip 1001 and/or the main consumable body 1003 against the torch body 1005 to enable torch operations.
  • the mounting element 1002 at its proximal end 1014 can fixedly engage the plasma processing interface 1004 by threading, for example.
  • the fixed engagement between the mounting element 1002 and the plasma processing interface 1004 also locks the main consumable body 1003 and/or the consumable tip 1001 to the torch body 1005 at a specific radial orientation relative to the longitudinal axis A.
  • the mounting element 1002 first loosely engages (e.g., loosely threads into) the plasma processing interface 1004 to permit an operator to adjust and orient (i) the main consumable body 1003 to a desired radial orientation relative to the torch body 1005 and/or (ii) the consumable tip 1001 to another desired radial orientation relative to the torch body 1005.
  • the mounting element 1002 can be fixedly engaged to the plasma processing interface 1004 (e.g., by tightening the threads) to lock the main consumable body 1003 and/or the consumable tip 1001 in place at the adjusted radial orientations.
  • the mounting element 1002 is rotatable about and/or translatable along the longitudinal axis A to enable its threading to the plasma processing interface 1004.
  • the main consumable body 1003 and the consumable tip 1001 are rotatable relative to each other and to the torch body 1005.
  • the consumable tip 1001 can rotate independent of the main consumable body 1003 and/or the mounting element 1002 such that the consumable tip 1001 can be positioned at a specific radial orientation relative to the torch body 1005, thereby orienting an asymmetric feature in the consumable tip 1001 (e.g., a nozzle bore, a drag surface, shield gas holes, etc.) at the desired radial orientation without disturbing the other components.
  • the main consumable body 1003 can rotate independent of the mounting element 1002 and/or the consumable tip 1001 prior to the fixed engagement such that the main consumable body 1003 can be positioned at a specific radial orientation relative to the torch body 1005 in order to support certain asymmetric electrical, fluid and data connections.
  • such relative movement of the elements in the consumable set 1000 prior to the fixed engagement allows independent adjustments of the elements to enable desired radial positioning of one or more asymmetric features about the longitudinal axis A prior to torch operation.
  • the distal end 1012 of the mounting element 1002 is configured to engage the proximal end 1008 of the consumable tip 1001.
  • the proximal end 1008 of the consumable tip 1001 can be generally sandwiched between the outer retaining cap 1002a and the inner retaining cap 1002b.
  • the mounting element 1002 Prior to the mounting element 1002 being fixedly engaged to the plasma processing interface 1004 at the proximal end 1014 (i.e., during loose engagement), the mounting element 1002 can longitudinally constrain (i.e., axially secure) the consumable tip 1001 relative to the main consumable body 1003 while permitting independent rotation of the consumable tip 1001 relative to the mounting element 1002.
  • Such rotatable engagement and axial securement can be accomplished by one of crimping, snap fitting, frictional fitting, threading, grooves, etc.
  • the rotatable engagement and axial securement between the mounting element 1002 and the consumable tip 1001 occurs at (i) the interface 1112 between an outer surface of the shield 1102 of the consumable tip 1001 and an inner surface of the outer retaining cap 1002a, and/or (ii) the interface 1114 between a proximal surface of the nozzle 210 of the consumable tip 1001 and a distal surface of the inner retaining cap 1002b.
  • the shield 1102 can include an engagement feature, such as a groove or step, circumferentially disposed on an outer surface that allows a distal tip of the outer retaining cap 1002a to frictionally fit into the groove or step.
  • the nozzle 210 can include an engagement feature, such as a groove or step, circumferentially disposed at a proximal surface that allows a distal tip of the inner retaining cap 1002b to abut against the groove or step.
  • an engagement feature such as a groove or step, circumferentially disposed at a proximal surface that allows a distal tip of the inner retaining cap 1002b to abut against the groove or step.
  • the consumable tip 1001 is pushed into the distal opening of the mounting element 1002 (i.e., the distal opening defined by the outer retaining cap 1002a) until the proximal surface of the nozzle 210 of the consumable tip 1001 physically contacts the distal surface of the inner retaining cap 1002b to form the interface 1114, at which position further axial advancement of the consumable tip 1001 within the mounting element 1002 is hindered.
  • the distal end of the outer retaining cap 1002a rotatably engages the proximal end of the shield 1102
  • the proximal end 1014 of the mounting element 1002 can fixedly engage the plasma processing interface 1004 that is coupled to the torch body 1005.
  • Such fixed engagement can be achieved through full threading of the mounting element 1002 relative to the torch body 1005, for example.
  • This securement causes the mounting element 1002 to impart a frictional force on the consumable tip 1001 via at least one of the interface 1112 or interface 1114 at the distal end 1012 of the mounting element 1002, thereby causing the mounting element 1002 to clamp down on the consumable tip 1001 to fixedly engage the consumable tip 1001 at a particular radial orientation about the longitudinal axis A.
  • the fixed engagement of the mounting element 1002 with the consumable tip 1001 thus locks an asymmetric feature (e.g., the nozzle exit orifice 225 and/or the shield exit orifice 1104) of the consumable tip 1001 at a specific radial orientation such that a first alignment surface 1122 and/or a second alignment surface 1126 disposed on an external surface of the shield 1104 can fit into a corner of a workpiece to perform flush cutting.
  • the alignment surface 1122, 1126 can be substantially similar to the alignment surfaces 254, 256, respectively, of the asymmetric nozzle 210 of FIG. 1 .
  • an operator can adjust the radial orientation of the consumable tip 1001 about the longitudinal axis A such that it is locked at a desired radial orientation after fixed engagement between the mounting element 1002 and the plasma processing interface 1004.
  • the exterior surfaces of the consumable components in the consumable tip 1001 e.g., the shield 1102 at the interface 1112 and/or the nozzle 210 at the interface 1114) are relatively smooth, such that an operator can freely rotate the consumable tip 1001 to achieve any desired radial orientation prior to the fixed engagement.
  • the consumable components of the consumable tip 1001 have a set of predetermined orientations (e.g., at 30 degree increments), which may be clocked into by the mounting element 1002 prior to the fixed engagement.
  • These fixed positions can be implemented by a variety of mechanical means such as detents and/or magnets on an exterior surface of the consumable tip 1001 and complementary features on a surface of the mounting element 1002 (or vice versa).
  • the detents allow the consumable tip 1001 to settle into a predetermined specific radial orientation (e.g., 90 degrees) relative to a torch handle.
  • the mechanical means e.g., detents
  • the mechanical means can be located relative to a threading arrangement between the mounting element 1002 and the consumable tip 1001 to achieve a substantially accurate/predetermined radial relationship between the consumable tip 1001 and the mounting element 1002.
  • the mounting element 1002 is fixedly attached to the consumable body 1003, such that the consumable body 1003 rotates and translates with the mounting element 1002 during both loose engagement and fixed engagement as the mounting element 1002 is threaded to the plasma processing interface 1004.
  • the consumable body 1003 can be substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A so that the consumable body 1003 does not need to be positioned and clocked at a specific radial orientation relative to the torch body 1005.
  • the contact element 1120 which includes the contact element 1120, the resilient element 1118, the electrode 1108, and the swirl ring 1110, is substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A and does not need to be oriented at any particular radial position relative to the torch body 1005 to support torch operations.
  • the consumable body 1003 is rotatable independent of the mounting element 1002 and/or the consumable tip 1001 during the loose engagement between the mounting element 1002 and the plasma processing interface 1004. Therefore, an operator can adjust the radial orientation of the consumable body 1003 about the longitudinal axis A such that it is positioned at a desired radial orientation with respect to the plasma processing interface 1004 prior to being locked into place by the fixed engagement between the mounting element 1002 and the plasma processing interface 1004.
  • the fixed engagement between the mounting element 1002 and the plasma processing interface 1004 can impart a frictional force between the mounting element 1002 and the consumable body 1003 to lock the consumable body 1003 in place both radially and axially relative to the plasma processing interface 1004.
  • the consumable body 1003 may have one or more asymmetric features with respect to the longitudinal axis A that require the specific radial orientation in order to achieve a desired alignment with the processing interface 1004.
  • the plasma processing interface 1004 can define an asymmetric geometry configured to receive and mate with the consumable body 1003 at the specific radial orientation. For example, clocking of the plasma processing interface 1004 with the proximal end 1011 of the consumable body 1003 at a predefined radial orientation can enable alignment of various data, electrical, liquid coolant, and gas channels between the torch body 1005 and the consumable body 1003 via the plasma processing interface 1004.
  • the plasma processing interface 1004 is fixedly attached to the torch body 1005, such as integrally formed with the torch body 1005.
  • FIG. 12 shows a sectional view of an exemplary consumable cartridge 1200 with asymmetric features that require clocked radial orientation relative to the plasma processing interface 1004 that is coupled to the torch body 1005 of FIG. 10 .
  • the consumable cartridge 1200 essentially encapsulates the mounting element 1002, the main consumable body 1003 and the consumable tip 1001 in one unitary structure.
  • the consumable cartridge 1200 can be substantially the same as the cartridge 104 described in U.S. Serial No. 15/228,708 , which is assigned to Hypertherm, Inc. of Hanover, N.H., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • the cartridge 1200 is attachable to the torch body 1005 via the plasma processing interface 1004.
  • the cartridge 1200 generally defines a proximal end 1204 and a distal end 1206 along the central longitudinal axis A of the torch body 1005.
  • the cartridge 1200 includes a cartridge frame 1212 coupled to one or more of an electrode 1208, a nozzle 1210, a swirl ring 1250, and a shield 1214 disposed concentrically about the central longitudinal axis A.
  • the nozzle 1210 and the shield 1214 of FIG. 12 do not include an asymmetric feature, in other embodiments, at least one of the nozzle 1210 or the shield 1214 includes an asymmetric feature, such as the asymmetric nozzle exit orifice of FIG. 15 or FIGS. 16a and 16b and/or the asymmetric shield exit orifice of FIG. 15 .
  • these asymmetric features at the distal end 1206 of the consumable cartridge 1200 may be clocked as described above to radially orient the consumable tip 1001 relative to the longitudinal axis A as desired regardless of the clocking requirement of the proximal end 1204 of consumable cartridge 1200.
  • the cartridge frame 1212 is adapted to physically interface with the plasma processing interface 1004, thereby connecting the cartridge 1200 to the torch body 1005.
  • FIG. 13 shows a view of the proximal end 1204 of the cartridge frame 1212 of the cartridge 1200 of FIG. 12 .
  • the proximal end 1204 of the cartridge frame 1212 can include a clocking feature (e.g., a pin cavity) 1302 that can interact with a corresponding clocking feature of the plasm processing interface 1004 to connect the torch body 1005 to the cartridge 1200.
  • a clocking feature e.g., a pin cavity
  • FIG. 14 shows an exemplary design of the plasma processing interface 1004 that includes various electrical, gas and liquid openings corresponding to the openings at the proximal end 1204 of the cartridge frame 1212 of FIG. 13 , as well as a clocking feature 1420 (e.g., a pin) adapted to interact with the clocking feature 1320 of the proximal end 1204 of the cartridge frame 1212 to align the two components at a predetermined radial orientation.
  • a clocking feature 1420 e.g., a pin
  • a shield gas opening 1426b on the plasma processing interface 1004 is aligned with a shield gas opening 1364a at the proximal end 1204 of the cartridge frame 1212 to fluidly connect a shield gas channel segment (not shown) of the torch body 1005 with a shield gas channel (not shown) of the cartridge frame 1212 to deliver a shield gas flow from the torch body 1005 to the cartridge 1200.
  • a plasma gas opening 1421c on the plasma processing interface 1004 is aligned with a plasma gas proximal opening 1312a at the proximal end 1204 of the cartridge frame 1212 to fluidly connect a plasma gas channel (not shown) of the torch body 1005 with a plasma gas channel (not shown) of the cartridge frame 1212 to deliver a plasma gas from the torch body 1005 to the cartridge 1200.
  • a first liquid coolant channel opening 1460a on the plasma processing interface 1004 is aligned with a first coolant channel opening 1362a at the proximal end 1204 of the cartridge frame 1212 to fluidly connect a first liquid coolant channel (not shown) of the torch body 1005 with a first liquid coolant channel (not shown) of the cartridge frame 1212, thereby allow a liquid coolant to be delivered from the torch body 1005 to the cartridge 1200.
  • a second liquid coolant channel opening 1460b on the plasma processing interface 1004 is aligned with a second coolant channel opening 1368a at the proximal end 1204 of the cartridge frame 1212 to fluidly connect a second coolant channel (not shown) of the torch body 1005 with a second coolant channel (not shown) of the cartridge frame 1212 to return a liquid coolant flow from the cartridge 1200 to the torch body 1005.
  • a third liquid coolant channel opening 1460c on the plasma processing interface 1004 is aligned with a third coolant channel opening 1378a at the proximal end 1204 of the cartridge frame 1212 to fluidly connect athird coolant channel (not shown) of the torch body 1005 with a third coolant channel (not shown) of the cartridge frame 1212 to again deliver a liquid coolant flow from the torch body 1005 to the cartridge 1200.
  • a fourth liquid coolant channel opening 1460d on the plasma processing interface 1004 is aligned with a fourth coolant channel opening 1382a of the cartridge frame 1212 to fluidly connect a fourth coolant channel (not shown) of the torch body 1005 with a fourth coolant channel (not shown) of the cartridge frame 1212 to again return a liquid coolant flow from the cartridge 1200 to the torch body 1005.
  • a reader device such as an RFID reader device
  • a signal device 1260 such as an RFID tag
  • an antenna coil embedded in the torch body 1005 can map to an area 1430 at the plasma processing interface 1004 with a center 1432 that substantially aligns with a center 1318 of an area 1316 at the proximal end 1204 of the cartridge frame 1212, which maps to the signal device 1260 embedded in the cartridge 1200.
  • Such radial alignment between the centers 1432, 1318 reduces communication interference between the reader device and the signal device 1260 to facilitate data communication across the torch system.
  • a central opening 1332b of the plasma processing interface 1004 is adapted to align with a central opening 1320a at the proximal end 1204 of the cartridge frame 1212 to connect a main channel (not shown) of the torch body 1005 with a main channel (not shown) of the cartridge frame 1212.
  • a conductive coolant tube 1270 is adapted to be inserted into the connected main channels across the torch body 1005 and the cartridge frame 1212.
  • a pilot arc current and/or a transferred arc current from a power supply (not shown) is routed from the torch body 1005, through the coolant tube 1270, and to the electrode 1208 of the cartridge 1200.
  • FIGS. 13 and 14 are merely illustrative of a particular arrangement of gas, fluid, electrical, and data communication connections across the plasma processing interface 1004 and the proximal end 1204 of the cartridge frame 1212. Other layouts of one or more of these connections are also within the scope of the present invention. Generally, one or more of these connections can be arranged in a variety of geometries and locations on the plasma processing interface 1004 and correspondingly on the proximal end 1204 of the cartridge frame 1212 to facilitate electrical, data, gas and liquid circulation across a plasma arc torch.
  • the plasma processing interface 1004 of the torch body 1005 includes an ejector feature that mechanically ejects the consumable body 1003 (or the cartridge 1200) if the consumable body 1003 (or the cartridge 1200) is not properly positioned or aligned with the torch body 1005.
  • the consumable tip 1001 of the consumable set 1000 of FIG. 10 generally includes one or more consumable components, with at least one of the consumable components having an asymmetric feature.
  • an asymmetric feature can define an axis that is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the central longitudinal axis A (when the consumable tip 1001 is connected to the main consumable body 1003).
  • an asymmetric feature defines an axis that is offset from the central longitudinal axis A.
  • an asymmetric feature defines an asymmetric cross section about the central longitudinal axis A.
  • FIG. 15 shows an exemplary design of the consumable tip 1001 of FIG. 10 that is implemented in the plasma arc torch 1100 of FIG. 11 .
  • the consumable tip 1001 includes the nozzle 210, which is described above in detail with respect to FIG. 1 for performing flush cutting operations.
  • the nozzle 210 includes an asymmetric nozzle exit orifice 225 (shown in FIG. 11 ) with an axis that is oriented at a non-zero angle (e.g., an acute angle) relative to the central longitudinal axis A.
  • the consumable tip 1001 also includes the shield 1102 having an asymmetric shield exit orifice 1104 (shown in FIG.
  • the consumable tip 1001 further includes the locking element 1106 that is adapted to be positioned between the nozzle 210 and the shield 1102 to fixedly couple the two consumable components together while radially and/or axially aligning the asymmetric nozzle exit orifice 225 with the asymmetric shield exit orifice 1104.
  • the consumable components of the consumable tip 1001 can include complementary features configured to inter-fit with one another only when the asymmetric features of the consumable components are radially and/or axially aligned.
  • the complementary features comprise a flat surface 1500 disposed on a corresponding circumferential section of each of the consumable components and the locking element 1106.
  • the shield 1102 and the locking element 1106 the flat surfaces 1500 of these components need to be aligned, which also radially and axially align the nozzle exit orifice 225 with the shield exit orifice 1104.
  • the locking element 1106 is further configured to lock the consumable components at the aligned position (e.g., via interference fit) such that the consumable tip 1001 moves (e.g., rotates or translates) as a unitary component.
  • the consumable tip 1001 includes an asymmetric nozzle that can be used to cut a workpiece or gouge a workpiece depending on the radial orientation of the asymmetric nozzle bore relative to the longitudinal axis A.
  • FIGS. 16a and b show a top view and a cut-away view, respectively, of an exemplary asymmetric nozzle 1600 that can be used as the consumable tip 1001 of FIG. 10 to perform either a cutting or gouging operation.
  • the nozzle 1600 has a nozzle exit orifice 1604 with an asymmetrically-shaped (e.g., elliptical) cross section 1608 about the longitudinal axis A.
  • the major axis of the elliptical cross section 1608 of the nozzle exit orifice 1604 is in the direction of the cut (e.g., direction of travel of the torch) such that a prolonged arc is produced for the cutting operation.
  • the major axis of the elliptical cross section 1608 of the nozzle exit orifice 1604 is perpendicular to the direction of the gouge such that a dispersed arc is produced for the gouging operation.
  • the consumable tip 1001 also includes a shield that does not have an asymmetric feature (i.e., is substantially symmetrically about the longitudinal axis A).
  • the consumable tip 1001 is assembled such that asymmetric nozzle 1600 and the symmetrical shield are locked together to form a unitary structure. Prior to torch operation, an operator can rotate the consumable tip 1001 to a particular radial orientation about the longitudinal axis A that is independent of the positions of the other elements the consumable set 1000 and lock that particular radial orientation of the consumable tip 1001 in place.
  • a consumable tip design incorporating the nozzle 1600 can be implemented in the plasma arc torch 1100 of FIG. 11 in place of the flush-cutting consumable tip.
  • This consumable tip design can also be implemented in the cartridge 1200 of FIG. 12 in place of the substantially symmetrical consumable tip.
  • the asymmetric nozzle 1600 is used in the consumable tip 1001 of FIG. 10 to perform a gouging operation by delivering a diffused stream of plasma arc with a non-circular cross-sectional shape to a workpiece.
  • the nozzle 1600 is configured to achieve a wide gouge profile in a workpiece without multiple passes by the torch 1000 over the workpiece and/or without oscillation.
  • the nozzle 1600 includes a nozzle body defining a central longitudinal axis A extending between a distal end 1610 (i.e., the end closest to the workpiece during torch operation) and a proximal end 1612 (i.e., the end opposite of the distal end 1610).
  • the nozzle exit orifice 1604 located at the distal end 1610 of the nozzle body, defines at least a bore 1614 for conducting the plasma arc.
  • a counter bore feature 1616 is disposed relative to the distal end 1610 of the nozzle body and fluidly connected to the bore 1614 along the longitudinal axis A, such as located distally to the bore 1614.
  • At least one of the bore 1614 or the counter bore feature 1616 has a non-circular cross-sectional shape in the plane (defined by the B and B' axes) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.
  • the non-circular shape can have different configurations, as described below.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the counter bore feature 1616 which represents a flow area, also has a larger cross-sectional area than that of the bore 1614 to reduce the plasma arc's energy, density and velocity during a gouge operation.
  • both the bore 1614 and the counter bore feature 1616 are disposed in the nozzle 1600 and both are defined by the nozzle exit orifice 1604, such that they are substantially aligned along the longitudinal axis A in the nozzle exit orifice 1604.
  • the counter bore feature 1616 is located in other components of the consumable tip 1001.
  • the counter bore feature 1616 can be disposed on a shield connected to the nozzle 1600, where the counter bore feature 1616 is defined by a shield exit orifice. Upon connection of the shield to the nozzle 1600, the bore 1614 and the counter bore feature 1616 are adapted to substantially align along the longitudinal axis A.
  • the counter bore feature 1616 is a counter bore.
  • the counter bore feature 1616 is a counter sink.
  • a counter bore is substantially rectangular in shape in the plane defined by the longitudinal axis A and the transversal axis B, whereas a counter sink is substantially conical in shape in the same plane.
  • Many other counter bore feature shapes are also within the scope of the invention, and many can have dimensions along the B and B' axes that are different.
  • At least one of the bore 1614 or the counter bore feature 1616 has a non-circular cross-sectional shape in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, where the plane is defined by a first transversal axis B and a second transversal axis B' perpendicular to each other.
  • the non-circular cross-sectional shape can have a first length along the first transversal axis B different than a second length along the second transversal axis B (e.g., the first length greater than or less than the second length).
  • the non-circular cross-section shape can be one of an ellipse, a trapezoid, a triangle, tri-lobed, a rectangle or a slot (i.e., a hybrid rectangle-ellipse, such as a rectangle with rounded corners).
  • These different shapes of the bore 1614 and/or the counter bore feature 1616 provide the operator the freedom to create variations in the gouge profiles in the workpiece.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the bore 1614 is circular while the cross-sectional shape of the counter bore feature 1616 is non-circular. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the bore 1614 is non-circular while the cross-sectional shape of the counter bore feature 1616 is circular. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shapes of the bore 1614 and the counter bore feature 1616 are both non circular and these non-circular shapes can be the same or different from each other. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 16a , the cross-sectional shape of the bore 1614 is elliptical while the cross-sectional shape of the counter bore feature 1616 has a slot shape (i.e., rectangular with rounded corners) .
  • the slotted cross-sectional shape of the counter bore feature 1616 has a larger area than that of the elliptical cross-sectional shape of the bore 1614.
  • the cross-sectional shapes of both the bore 1614 and the counter bore feature 1614 are elliptical.
  • the non-circular cross-sectional shape for at least one of the bore 1614 or the counter bore feature 1616 described in the present invention allows the plasma arc to achieve a non-circular cross-sectional shape (e.g., elliptical) when delivered to the workpiece.
  • a non-circular cross-sectional shape e.g., elliptical
  • the plasma arc can become diffused through an expansion in the first transversal axis B or the second transversal axis B', thus reducing the plasma arc's ability to melt the metallic workpiece fast enough to keep up with the linear speed of the operation, thereby producing a gouge in the workpiece after a single pass of the torch relative to the workpiece rather than a cut.
  • the non-circular cross-sectional shape of the diffused plasma arc is such that is has a first length along the first transversal axis that is different from a second length along the second transversal axis.
  • a traditional torch i.e., having the typical circular cross-sectional shape for both the bore 1614 and the counter bore feature 1616
  • the resulting gouge profile in the workpiece is non-symmetric and has a width to depth ratio of greater than 3 to 1.
  • the bore 1614 and/or the counter bore feature 1616 are non-circular in the cross section, its locational position can be clocked (i.e., positioned at a particular radial orientation in the B-B' plane relative to the longitudinal axis A).
  • the directionality of the resulting plasma arc relative to the torch or torch motion can be adjusted to provide directional dispersal of the plasma arc onto the workpiece during a gouge operation.
  • the bore 1614 and/or the counter bore feature 1616 can be adjusted such that the major axis of the elliptical cross-sectional shape of the plasma arc is oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of the gouge path in the workpiece.
  • the major axis of the elliptical cross-sectional shape of the bore 1614 or the counter bore feature 1616 is also oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of the gouge path in the workpiece.
  • This directional orientation of the bore 1614 and/or the counter bore feature 1616 allows the resulting gouge profile in the workpiece to obtain a width greater than depth (e.g., a width to depth ratio of greater than 3 to 1) after a single pass by the torch over the workpiece at a normal process speed and without torch oscillation.
  • the cross section of at least one of the bore 1614 or the counter bore feature 1616 is elliptical and the major axis of the elliptical cross-sectional shape of the bore 1614 or the counter bore feature 1616 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the workpiece in the direction of motion of the torch tip, this results in a gouging profile with a width to depth ratios of about 2:1 or lower for higher metal removal rates.
  • the nozzle is clocked relative to the torch handle to achieve the directional dispersal in the resulting plasma arc.
  • the nozzle is clocked relative to the torch handle to achieve the directional dispersal in the resulting plasma arc.
  • both the nozzle and the shield are clocked to achieve the directional dispersal in the resulting plasma arc.
  • the elliptical shaped cross section of the bore 1614 of the nozzle 1600 is aligned with the rectangular shaped cross section of the counter bore feature 1616 of the shield in such a manner that the centers of both shapes are aligned, the axes associated with the shorter lengths of both shapes are aligned, and the axes associated with the longer lengths of both shapes are aligned.
  • the operator can rotate the assembled consumable tip 1001 to a particular radial orientation about the longitudinal axis A and lock that particular radial orientation of the consumable tip 1001 in place.
  • the consumable tip design incorporating the bore 1614 and the counter bore feature 1616 as described above can be implemented in the plasma arc torch 1100 of FIG. 11 in place of the flush-cutting consumable tip. This consumable tip design can also be implemented in the cartridge 1200 of FIG. 12 in place of the substantially symmetrical consumable tip.
  • the bore 1614 and the counter bore feature 1616 are both disposed in the nozzle 1600, while a second bore feature (not shown), with a circular or non-circular cross section, is disposed in the shield.
  • the nozzle 1600 and shield can be connected to each other using the approach described above with respect to FIG. 15 .
  • the nozzle 1600 further defines a set of gas passageways disposed about the bore 1614.
  • Each gas passageway has a port 1620 arranged about the distal end 1610 of the nozzle 1600 in a non-circular manner as shown in FIG. 16a .
  • the arrangement of the ports can be such that one or more ports are missing around a flat surface 1622 disposed on a circumferential section of the nozzle 1600.
  • the flat surface 1622 of the nozzle 1600 is adapted to correspond to the flat surface 1500 of the locking element 1106 and a flat surface (not shown) of a shield. As described above with respect to FIG.
  • these flat surfaces of the consumable components are aligned, which also radially and axially align the bore 1614 of the nozzle exit orifice 1604 with counter bore feature 1616 of the shield exit orifice.
  • the locking element 1106 locks the consumable components at the aligned position (e.g., via interference fit) such that the consumable tip 1001 moves (e.g., rotates or translates) as a unitary component.
  • the flat surface 1622 indicates the direction the torch 1100 needs to be dragged during a gouging operation.
  • Table 1 below shows the test results of nozzles with various configurations illustrated in FIGS 19a-c . To obtain the test results, these nozzles were operated at 45 amps, a torch angle of 45 degrees, a speed of 20 impressions per minute (ipm) and a standoff of about 0.2 inches.
  • the "Rev 2" row of Table 1 shows characteristics of a gouge profile obtained using a traditional nozzle 1902 of FIG. 19a , where the cross-sectional shapes of the bore 1902a and the counter bore feature 1902b of the nozzle 1902 are both circular.
  • the "Rev 4 (V)" and “Rev 4 (H)” rows of Table 1 show characteristics of a gouge profile obtained using the nozzle 1904 of FIG.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the bore 1904a is circular and the cross-sectional shape of the counter bore feature 1904b is elliptical.
  • the designation "V” is used when the narrower dimension 1908 (i.e., the minor axis) of the elliptical counter bore feature 1904b is oriented substantially parallel to the direction of the gouge by the torch, thus yielding a narrower and deeper gouge.
  • the designation "H” is used when the wider dimension 1910 (i.e., the major axis) of the elliptical counter bore feature 1904b is oriented substantially parallel to the direction of torch travel, thus yielding a wider and shallower gouge.
  • the "Rev 5 (V)” and “Rev 5 (H)” rows of Table 1 show characteristics of a gouge profile obtained using the nozzle 1906 of FIG. 19c , where the cross-sectional shapes of the bore 1906a and the counter bore feature 1906b are both elliptical.
  • the designation "V” is used when the narrower dimension 1912 of both the elliptical bore 1906a and counter bore feature 1906b is oriented substantially parallel to the direction of the gouge by the torch
  • the designation "H” is used when the wider dimension 1914 of both the elliptical bore 1906a and counter bore feature 1906b is oriented substantially parallel to the direction of torch travel.
  • the "stock PMX 45" row of Table 1 shows characteristics of a gouge profile obtained using the existing Hyperterm TM PMX 45 nozzle, where the cross-sectional shapes of the bore and the counter bore feature of the nozzle are also both circular.
  • the gouge profile created using the "Rev 5 (H)" nozzle which corresponds to the nozzle shown in FIG. 19c , has the best width-to-depth ratio of greater than 3 (i.e., 3.7) and the lowest volume (of workpiece material removed) of 28 mm 3 .
  • the less the workpiece material removed indicates more control by the torch in a single pass and the greater the dispersion of the plasma arc.
  • the gouge profile created using the "Rev 4 (H)" nozzle which corresponds to the nozzle shown in FIG. 19b , has the second best width-to-depth ratio of 2.17 and the second lowest volume of 41.
  • FIG. 17 shows an isometric view of the plasma arc torch 1100 of FIG. 11 fully assembled.
  • the consumable tip 1001 comprises the nozzle 210 coupled to and aligned with the shield 1102 such that the nozzle exit orifice 225 and the shield exit orifice 1104 are radially affixed to each other.
  • the consumable tip 1001 forms a unitary structure, where the nozzle 210 and the shield 1102 rotate together as a single unit.
  • the consumable tip 1001 is independently rotatable about the longitudinal axis A prior to the fixed engagement of the mounting element 1002 to the torch body 1005 via the plasma processing interface 1004.
  • the consumable tip 1001 such that its asymmetric feature (e.g., the nozzle exit orifice 225 and/or the shield exit orifice 1104) is at a specific radial orientation about the longitudinal axis A, thereby permitting the first alignment surface 1122 and/or the second alignment surface 1126 of the shield 1104 to also rotate to a position such that they can fit into a corner of a workpiece to perform flush cutting.
  • its asymmetric feature e.g., the nozzle exit orifice 225 and/or the shield exit orifice 1104
  • the main consumable body 1003 prior to the fixed engagement, is also independently rotatable about the longitudinal axis A (as indicated by the arrow) such that it can be clocked into a predetermined radial orientation with the plasma processing interface 1004 in order to maintain certain electrical, data, gas and/or liquid connections between the torch body 1005 and the consumable set 1000.
  • Fixed engagement between the mounting element 1004 and the torch body 1005 via the plasma processing interface 1004 allows the various radial orientations of the elements in the consumable set 1000 to be locked into place during torch operation.
  • FIG. 18 shows an exemplary process 1800 for assembling the consumable set 1000 of FIG. 10 to a torch body.
  • the consumable set 1000 can be encapsulated in a cartridge or comprise multiple separate pieces.
  • the process 1800 includes loosely engaging the proximal end 1014 of the mounting element 1002 to the plasma processing interface 1004 by, for example, threading (step 1802).
  • the loose engagement can be achieved by partial threading (e.g., threading 80% from being fully threaded), so that the mounting element 1002 is only loosely connected to the plasma processing interface 1004.
  • the consumable tip 1001 includes multiple consumable components, where at least one consumable component has an asymmetric feature that is asymmetrically disposed in the consumable tip 1001 relative to the longitudinal axis A.
  • the consumable tip 1001 can be implemented (i) as the design of FIG. 15 for flush cutting or (ii) include the asymmetric nozzle 1600 of FIG. 16 for selectively performing a cutting or gouging operation.
  • the mounting element 1002, the main consumable body 1003 and/or the consumable tip 1001 are already assembled together prior to the loose engagement, but these elements are rotatably coupled relative to each other such that they can rotate independently about the longitudinal axis A.
  • the process 1800 also includes, prior to the loose engagement, assembling the consumable tip 1001 by fixedly locking the multiple consumable components of the consumable tip 1001 together using, for example, the locking element 1106.
  • the locking of the consumable components in the consumable tip 1001 is adapted to axially and radially align the one or more asymmetric features in the consumable tip 1001 while enabling the consumable tip 1001 to function as a unitary structure.
  • the consumable body 1003 can be disposed in the hollow body of the mounting element 1002 and the consumable tip 1001 can be rotatably engaged to the distal end 1012 of the mounting element 1002.
  • the consumable tip 1001 can be oriented/adjusted relative to the mounting element 1002 about the longitudinal axis A to attain a specific radial orientation of the asymmetric feature of the consumable tip 1001 with respect to the longitudinal axis A (step 1804).
  • the aligned nozzle exit orifice 225 and shield exit orifice 1104 can be positioned at a specific radial orientation about the longitudinal axis A, which in turn rotates the first alignment surface 1122 and/or the second alignment surface 1126 of the shield 1104 to a position so that they can fit into a corner of a workpiece to perform flush cutting.
  • the consumable tip 1000 can be rotated to a desired radial orientation such that the major axis of the elliptical cross section 1608 of the nozzle exit orifice 1604 is either parallel or perpendicular to the direction of the torch operation, depending on whether cutting or gouging is desired by the operator.
  • the proximal end 1014 of the mounting element 1002 is fixedly engaged to the plasma processing interface 1004 by, for example, tightening the remaining 20% of the threads (step 1806).
  • the fixed engagement imparts a frictional force between the mounting element 1002 and the consumable tip 1001 to both axially and radially secure the consumable tip 1001 to the torch body 1005, such that the asymmetric feature of the torch tip is 1001 is locked at the specific radial orientation (set from step 1804).
  • An exemplary manufacturing method can include fabricating the nozzle body 250 (of FIG. 2A ) having a longitudinal axis A extending therethrough, forming the nozzle exit orifice 225 in the nozzle body 250 that is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the longitudinal axis A, and locating at least one alignment surface 254 on an external surface of the nozzle body 250.
  • the method can also include fabricating a shield to include one or more of the above-described elements.
  • Another exemplary manufacturing method can include fabricating the nozzle body 450 (of FIG. 7A ) having a longitudinal axis 446 extending therethrough, forming the nozzle exit orifice 425 in the nozzle body 450 oriented at a non-zero bevel angle 444 relative to the longitudinal axis 446, and locating at least one alignment surface 454 on the nozzle body 450 that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 446.
  • the bevel angle 444 can be between about 20 to about 60 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 446.
  • the alignment surface 454 can be dimensioned to align the plasma arc exiting the nozzle exit orifice 425 to impinge on the processing surface 438 of the workpiece 430 at the bevel angle 444 while the plasma arc torch 400 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the processing surface 438.
  • the method can also include fabricating a shield to include one or more of the above-described features.
  • the method of manufacturing can include coating the nozzle and/or shield with an electrically insulating material.
  • the method of manufacturing can further include disposing a set of bearings in/on the alignment surface 454 to reduce an amount of friction created when the alignment surface 454 slidingly contacts the guiding surface 436 of the template 432.
  • the alignment surface 454 can be fabricated to be substantially planar to facilitate the sliding contact with the guiding surface 436.
  • the method of manufacturing includes locating a second alignment surface 456 on an exterior surface of the nozzle body 450 that is substantially perpendicular to the alignment surface 454.
  • the exterior opening 425a of the nozzle exit orifice 425 can be fabricated on the second alignment surface 456 to introduce a plasma arc to the workpiece 430.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
  • Plasma Technology (AREA)
  • Arc Welding In General (AREA)
EP23216683.5A 2016-12-05 2017-12-05 Asymmetrische verbrauchsmaterialien für einen plasmalichtbogenbrenner Pending EP4319490A3 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201662430108P 2016-12-05 2016-12-05
US15/685,659 US10721812B2 (en) 2012-08-06 2017-08-24 Asymmetric consumables for a plasma arc torch
EP17817619.4A EP3549409A1 (de) 2016-12-05 2017-12-05 Asymmetrische verbrauchsgüter für einen plasmalichtbogenbrenner
PCT/US2017/064691 WO2018106676A1 (en) 2016-12-05 2017-12-05 Asymmetric consumables for a plasma arc torch

Related Parent Applications (1)

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EP17817619.4A Division EP3549409A1 (de) 2016-12-05 2017-12-05 Asymmetrische verbrauchsgüter für einen plasmalichtbogenbrenner

Publications (2)

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EP4319490A2 true EP4319490A2 (de) 2024-02-07
EP4319490A3 EP4319490A3 (de) 2024-06-12

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EP17817619.4A Pending EP3549409A1 (de) 2016-12-05 2017-12-05 Asymmetrische verbrauchsgüter für einen plasmalichtbogenbrenner
EP23216691.8A Pending EP4319491A3 (de) 2016-12-05 2017-12-05 Asymmetrische verbrauchsmaterialien für einen plasmalichtbogenbrenner
EP23216683.5A Pending EP4319490A3 (de) 2016-12-05 2017-12-05 Asymmetrische verbrauchsmaterialien für einen plasmalichtbogenbrenner

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EP17817619.4A Pending EP3549409A1 (de) 2016-12-05 2017-12-05 Asymmetrische verbrauchsgüter für einen plasmalichtbogenbrenner
EP23216691.8A Pending EP4319491A3 (de) 2016-12-05 2017-12-05 Asymmetrische verbrauchsmaterialien für einen plasmalichtbogenbrenner

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EP (3) EP3549409A1 (de)
CN (1) CN110291846A (de)
WO (1) WO2018106676A1 (de)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2586497B (en) * 2019-08-21 2022-03-30 Airbus Operations Ltd Plasma constriction nozzle

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2018106676A1 (en) 2018-06-14
EP4319490A3 (de) 2024-06-12
EP4319491A2 (de) 2024-02-07
EP4319491A3 (de) 2024-05-15
EP3549409A1 (de) 2019-10-09
CN110291846A (zh) 2019-09-27

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