Cutting issues.

Cut quality issues can be discussed here, most common issues have been discussed here and should help you.
Post Reply
Jb_engineering
2.5 Star Elite Contributing Member
2.5 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 166
Joined: Thu Sep 22, 2022 6:03 pm

Cutting issues.

Post by Jb_engineering »

Hi, been having some cutting issues lately. I thought i had fixed it with fitting a new torch, but the problem has came back intermittantly. The arc seems to stop for a second and restart again, hench not completing cuts, but then will start cutting fine again.
New torch added, new consumables, clean dry air. I didnt know if anybody has a fix for the issue.
Thans and look forward to replies.
20240926_160606.mp4
(180.12 MiB) Downloaded 12 times
20240926_160606.mp4
(180.12 MiB) Downloaded 12 times
adbuch
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 9651
Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2017 5:22 pm
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Contact:

Re: Cutting issues.

Post by adbuch »

Chris - as I recall you installed a replacement torch that was not the exact same model as the one you were using before. Is this still that same torch, or were you able to get an exact replacement? It is possible that this could be a problem with your plasma cutter, or maybe your torch trigger circuit. I would try testing by using a hand torch and do some manual cutting to see if the problem still persists. If it does, then I would suspect a problem with your plasma cutter. If it cuts fine using a manual torch, then I would suspect either the new torch or the trigger circuit for the machine torch.

You might also try swapping out the plasma cutter for a similar model and test to see if the problem goes away (or not).

David
torch mis-firing.jpg
Jb_engineering
2.5 Star Elite Contributing Member
2.5 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 166
Joined: Thu Sep 22, 2022 6:03 pm

Re: Cutting issues.

Post by Jb_engineering »

Its now the correct torch david. It cut half of this job fine, then started to have issues, let it run for a few minutes like the video shows (arc cutting out and restarting) then it finished the job fine. The problem doesnt seem consistant, and only does it sometimes.
adbuch
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 9651
Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2017 5:22 pm
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Contact:

Re: Cutting issues.

Post by adbuch »

Nevertheless, I would still do the tests I suggested to see if it has any "arc cutting out" issues under any of those scenarios.
David
User avatar
acourtjester
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 8059
Joined: Sat Jun 02, 2012 6:04 pm
Location: Pensacola, Fla

Re: Cutting issues.

Post by acourtjester »

Looking at the video it looks like the torch fire and stops for an instant at the start then restarts. As David suggested it may be in the trigger circuit.
Maybe you could rig a parallel circuit with a led to see if its the controller signal dropping or internal to the plasma unit itself.
On the outside chance do you have the unit in the "Expanded metal cutting" position??
DIY 4X4 Plasma/Router Table
Hypertherm PM65 Machine Torch
Drag Knife and Scribe
Miller Mig welder
13" metal lathe
Small Mill
Everlast PowerTig 255 EXT
adbuch
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 9651
Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2017 5:22 pm
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Contact:

Re: Cutting issues.

Post by adbuch »

acourtjester wrote: Fri Sep 27, 2024 11:07 am Looking at the video it looks like the torch fire and stops for an instant at the start then restarts. As David suggested it may be in the trigger circuit.
Maybe you could rig a parallel circuit with a led to see if its the controller signal dropping or internal to the plasma unit itself.
On the outside chance do you have the unit in the "Expanded metal cutting" position??
:Like :Like :Like
Tom has some great suggestions! I like his suggestion to wire a test light to the trigger circuit.
David
Jb_engineering
2.5 Star Elite Contributing Member
2.5 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 166
Joined: Thu Sep 22, 2022 6:03 pm

Re: Cutting issues.

Post by Jb_engineering »

Thanks for the imput. Ive used it today and its cut fine. Its strange as sometimes it runs faultless. Surely if there was a problem with the trigger circuit etc, the problem would be there all the time?
adbuch
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 9651
Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2017 5:22 pm
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Contact:

Re: Cutting issues.

Post by adbuch »

Jb_engineering wrote: Fri Sep 27, 2024 7:08 pm Thanks for the imput. Ive used it today and its cut fine. Its strange as sometimes it runs faultless. Surely if there was a problem with the trigger circuit etc, the problem would be there all the time?
That's why they call the "intermittent problems".
David
User avatar
SegoMan DeSigns
4 Star Member
4 Star Member
Posts: 934
Joined: Sat Jan 06, 2018 4:45 pm

Re: Cutting issues.

Post by SegoMan DeSigns »

adbuch wrote: Fri Sep 27, 2024 8:58 pm
Jb_engineering wrote: Fri Sep 27, 2024 7:08 pm Thanks for the imput. Ive used it today and its cut fine. Its strange as sometimes it runs faultless. Surely if there was a problem with the trigger circuit etc, the problem would be there all the time?
That's why they call the "intermittent problems".
David
Those are the funnest to diagnose or tell the mechanic about... :HaHa :HaHa
User avatar
acourtjester
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 8059
Joined: Sat Jun 02, 2012 6:04 pm
Location: Pensacola, Fla

Re: Cutting issues.

Post by acourtjester »

With intermittent problem there can be different reasons for them. Broken wires the make or break contact with motion, plug and jacks can have small amounts of corrosion or dirt on the pins. Or the plug may not be fully connected for the pins to be engaged in their sockets. If you connect the CNC connector at the rear of the Hyperther plasma to operate it and disconnect after, you may not be tightening the plug enough. It has a inconvenient location and it may not be tight each time you use it.
DIY 4X4 Plasma/Router Table
Hypertherm PM65 Machine Torch
Drag Knife and Scribe
Miller Mig welder
13" metal lathe
Small Mill
Everlast PowerTig 255 EXT
adbuch
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 9651
Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2017 5:22 pm
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Contact:

Re: Cutting issues.

Post by adbuch »

acourtjester wrote: Sat Sep 28, 2024 9:58 am With intermittent problem there can be different reasons for them. Broken wires the make or break contact with motion, plug and jacks can have small amounts of corrosion or dirt on the pins. Or the plug may not be fully connected for the pins to be engaged in their sockets. If you connect the CNC connector at the rear of the Hyperther plasma to operate it and disconnect after, you may not be tightening the plug enough. It has a inconvenient location and it may not be tight each time you use it.
:Like :Like :Like

Tom - those are some great ideas of additional areas he can investigate.
David
User avatar
acourtjester
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 8059
Joined: Sat Jun 02, 2012 6:04 pm
Location: Pensacola, Fla

Re: Cutting issues.

Post by acourtjester »

thanks just trying to give a little direction, may not be the solution, but you got to start somewhere.
DIY 4X4 Plasma/Router Table
Hypertherm PM65 Machine Torch
Drag Knife and Scribe
Miller Mig welder
13" metal lathe
Small Mill
Everlast PowerTig 255 EXT
Jb_engineering
2.5 Star Elite Contributing Member
2.5 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 166
Joined: Thu Sep 22, 2022 6:03 pm

Re: Cutting issues.

Post by Jb_engineering »

Ive noticed today, that the plastic threaded part has a split all the way down. This pic isnt my pic (i forgot to take one). Would this be a cause of the faults?
s-l1200.webp
adbuch
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 9651
Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2017 5:22 pm
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Contact:

Re: Cutting issues.

Post by adbuch »

Let's see a photo of your actual ohmic cap showing the split.
Thanks,
David
Jb_engineering
2.5 Star Elite Contributing Member
2.5 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 166
Joined: Thu Sep 22, 2022 6:03 pm

Re: Cutting issues.

Post by Jb_engineering »

This is my one.
20240930_113825.jpg
adbuch
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 9651
Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2017 5:22 pm
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Contact:

Re: Cutting issues.

Post by adbuch »

I can't tell from your photo, because when I zoom in the resolution is tool low to see the detail of the "crack" - which looks almost like a factory groove. However, if the replacement ohmic caps do not have this "crack" - then I would try a new one. Does your shield screw on tight?

David
User avatar
acourtjester
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 8059
Joined: Sat Jun 02, 2012 6:04 pm
Location: Pensacola, Fla

Re: Cutting issues.

Post by acourtjester »

That almost looks like one for a different torch. have you checked the part number against on my 65 the part number is 220953 and I think is used on the Duramax torch used on many Hypertherm units. Could that be a knock off brand?????
DIY 4X4 Plasma/Router Table
Hypertherm PM65 Machine Torch
Drag Knife and Scribe
Miller Mig welder
13" metal lathe
Small Mill
Everlast PowerTig 255 EXT
adbuch
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 9651
Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2017 5:22 pm
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Contact:

Re: Cutting issues.

Post by adbuch »

acourtjester wrote: Mon Sep 30, 2024 9:04 am That almost looks like one for a different torch. have you checked the part number against on my 65 the part number is 220953 and I think is used on the Duramax torch used on many Hypertherm units. Could that be a knock off brand?????
Tom - he is not using a Hypertherm cutter. He discusses his plasma cutter here.

viewtopic.php?p=239051#p239051

David
Jb_engineering
2.5 Star Elite Contributing Member
2.5 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 166
Joined: Thu Sep 22, 2022 6:03 pm

Re: Cutting issues.

Post by Jb_engineering »

It isnt supposed to be there david. Ordered a new one to see if its the problem.
adbuch
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 9651
Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2017 5:22 pm
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Contact:

Re: Cutting issues.

Post by adbuch »

Jb_engineering wrote: Mon Sep 30, 2024 9:35 am It isnt supposed to be there david. Ordered a new one to see if its the problem.
Chris - Let's hope the new one fixes your problem. Let us know.
David
Post Reply

Return to “Plasma Cut Quality Forum”