Swirl Ring

[seajinx]

When going with a 45 Amp fine cut tip on my table, is it necessary to change out the swirl ring and electrode to a 45 Amp ring? Trying to build knowledge as I go along.

ArcLight 1200
HP 85
Miller Syncrowave 200 W/Water Cooler
Lincoln 225 Mig

[jimcolt]

Here are the recommended consumables copied from the Powermax85 operators manual for FineCut consumables, machine cutting:

all finecut cons.jpg (25.59 KiB) Viewed 889 times

As you can see, the 220857 swirl ring is recommended....this is the same swirl ring used with the 45, 65, and 85 amp consumables. There is a different part number for the swirl ring if you are hand held cutting and have issues with the plasma arc transferring to the material when edge starting. This hand cutting swirl ring is not recommended for machine cutting, and not needed in 99% of the hand cutting applications.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

[michmetalman]

How long does a swirl ring generally last?

[agteacher]

How long does a swirl ring generally last?

This is my question also, or how do you know it is time to change it?

[jimcolt]

We sell about 50 nozzles for every swirl ring. If the swirl ring has no damage, has no burn marks and your torch does not misfire.....then it is probably good. The swirl ring is an insulator (between the positive nozzle and the negative electrode), it is a bearing that allows the blowback electrode to slide freely, it controls the air flow and swirl rate....and it aligns the nozzle and electrode for good cut concentricity.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

[seajinx]

Here are the recommended consumables copied from the Powermax85 operators manual for FineCut consumables, machine cutting:

all finecut cons.jpg

As you can see, the 220857 swirl ring is recommended....this is the same swirl ring used with the 45, 65, and 85 amp consumables. There is a different part number for the swirl ring if you are hand held cutting and have issues with the plasma arc transferring to the material when edge starting. This hand cutting swirl ring is not recommended for machine cutting, and not needed in 99% of the hand cutting applications.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

Thanks Jim.

[agteacher]

We sell about 50 nozzles for every swirl ring. If the swirl ring has no damage, has no burn marks and your torch does not misfire.....then it is probably good. The swirl ring is an insulator (between the positive nozzle and the negative electrode), it is a bearing that allows the blowback electrode to slide freely, it controls the air flow and swirl rate....and it aligns the nozzle and electrode for good cut concentricity.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

Thank you!

[gblaylo]

Here are the recommended consumables copied from the Powermax85 operators manual for FineCut consumables, machine cutting:

all finecut cons.jpg

As you can see, the 220857 swirl ring is recommended....this is the same swirl ring used with the 45, 65, and 85 amp consumables. There is a different part number for the swirl ring if you are hand held cutting and have issues with the plasma arc transferring to the material when edge starting. This hand cutting swirl ring is not recommended for machine cutting, and not needed in 99% of the hand cutting applications.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

Hi Jim

On a cnc machine with a machine torch (Hyperthem 65) and fine cut consumables, Candcnc electronics, should I be using the 220948 shield or the 220955 deflector. Currently I use the shield.

Thanks
Gary

[acourtjester]

If you are using CandCNC's feather touch you will need to use the Shield (220948 plus 220953 retaining cap) as it makes contact with the metal before the tip of the fine cut.

[jimcolt]

The shield is always the best choice.