ANY PROBLEMS CAUSED BY A SPLASH SHIELD?

[enzed]

Because of water splashing upwards and onto the torch 'z' movement mechanism on my CNC table, I decided to make and attach a splash shield to protect the mechanism - see attached photo. The shield is made from a cheap aluminum frying pan of about 9"diameter. I reduced the width of the rim to 3/4".

But are there any disadvantages of attaching this shield? I am referring particularly to the Hypertherm machine torch, and the fact that sparks which move upwards, especially during piercing, will tend to be concentrated and confined, instead of flying away.

I will appreciate any comments and advice.

enzed

[acourtjester]

I made one some time back from a stainless burner cover, used it a few times, it does keep the water off the Z axis. have not used it in a long time.
have fun with your
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ntjGi- ... w&index=13

[tnbndr]

The splashing water doesn't seem to harm anything! so I just let it splash.

[WyoGreen]

I made one from the end of a toilet plunger. It worked fine, kept everything clean. I took it off while playing with a laser torch alignment setup. The laser never was that great an idea, and I never did put the splash shield back on. After a while you just get used to a little crud on the machine.

Steve

[enzed]

Hi acourtjester, tnbndr, and WyoGreen. Thanks very much for the comments. I am relieved that water splashing onto the mechanism does not seem to harm anything. My main concern was water damaging electrical components and/or causing electrical shorts. And as far as the torch itself is concerned, I guess that with the air blowing out of it at high pressure, the possibility of water entering it is practically zero. To be completely certain if there are any risks however, I will appreciate the comments from a Hypertherm expert. enzed.

[jimcolt]

Should not be a problem as long as you periodically clear off any spatter that may build up. I have fabricated similar shields a few times in specific applications over the years.

I was demoing 400 amp piercing of 2" steel at a trade show one time.....and the fire marshal at the convention center did not like the large slugs of red hot molten steel flying out on the carpet....a similar shield was made so we could continue our demos at the show.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

[enzed]

Thank you Jim. It is reassuring to know that no damage will be done to the torch. And that the shield also restricts the spread of red-hot metal flying out! enzed