Composite electrode for a plasma arc torch

a plasma arc torch and composite electrode technology, which is applied in the direction of non-electric welding apparatus, manufacturing tools, solventing apparatus, etc., can solve the problems of not having superior heat transfer characteristics, high cost, and inconvenient use, and achieves excellent heat transfer material properties, high strength, and maximize cooling

a plasma arc torch and composite electrode technology, which is applied in the direction of non-electric welding apparatus, manufacturing tools, solventing apparatus, etc., can solve the problems of not having superior heat transfer characteristics, high cost, and inconvenient use, and achieves excellent heat transfer material properties, high strength, and maximize cooling

US20050067387A1Inactive Publication Date: 2005-03-31CENTRICUT
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  • Composite electrode for a plasma arc torch
  • Composite electrode for a plasma arc torch
  • Composite electrode for a plasma arc torch

Examples

Experimental program
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Effect test

Embodiment Construction

[0025]FIG. 1 shows a plasma arc torch 10 embodying the principles of the invention. The torch has a body 12, which is typically cylindrical with an exit orifice 14 at a lower end 16. A plasma arc 18, i.e. an ionized gas jet, passes through the exit orifice and attaches to a workpiece 19 being cut. The torch is designed to pierce, cut, or mark metal, particularly mild steel, or other materials in a transferred arc mode. In cutting mild steel, the torch operates with a reactive gas, such as oxygen or air, as the plasma gas to form the transferred plasma arc 18.

[0026] The torch body 12 supports a composite electrode 20 having a generally cylindrical body 21. A hafnium insert 22 is disposed in the lower end 21a of the composite electrode 20 so that a planar emission surface 22a is exposed. The insert 22 can also be made of other materials possessing suitable physical properties, such as corrosion resistance and a high thermionic emissivity. In one embodiment, the insert material has an...

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Abstract

A plasma arc torch that includes a torch body having a nozzle mounted relative to a composite electrode in the body to define a plasma chamber. The torch body includes a plasma flow path for directing a plasma gas to the plasma chamber in which a plasma arc is formed. The nozzle includes a hollow, body portion and a substantially solid, head portion defining an exit orifice. The composite electrode can be made of a metallic material (e.g., silver) with high thermal conductivity in the forward portion electrode body adjacent the emitting surface, and the aft portion of the electrode body is made of a second low cost, metallic material with good thermal and electrical conductivity. This composite electrode configuration produces an electrode with reduced electrode wear or pitting comparable to a silver electrode, for a price comparable to that of a copper electrode.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 274,837, filed Mar. 9, 2001. The entire disclosure of this application is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a composite electrode for a plasma arc torch. In particular, the invention relates to a composite electrode for a plasma arc torch in which a forward portion of the electrode body comprises a first metallic material having high thermal conductivity and the remaining aft portion of the electrode body comprises a second low cost, metallic material with good thermal and electrical conductivity. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Plasma arc torches are widely used in the cutting or marking of metallic materials. A plasma torch generally includes an electrode mounted therein, a nozzle with a central exit orifice mounted within a torch body, electrical connections, passages for cooling and arc control fluids, a swirl ring to...

Claims

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Application Information

Patent Timeline
31 Mar 2005
Publication
US20050067387A1
IPC
B23K10/02; H05B7/07; H05B7/18; H05H1/34
CPC
H05H1/34; H05H2001/3442; H05H2001/3436; H05H1/3436; H05H1/3442; B23K20/129; B23K35/0216
Inventors
COOK, DAVID J.; FERLAND, KIRK H.