Torch Cut Issues

[14u2cnc]

First thanks to all the people who contribute in this forum.

I am having cut issues whereas the torch cuts great to start and then it becomes a real gong show. I have been cutting 12g with fine cut at 45amp 190ipm using a hypertherm 1000 M3 hand torch with no issues for months ....until recently I cannot seem to get a good cut anymore. I have cleaned the ground with still no positive results and changed consumables. Any input would be helpful. Thank you in advance.

I run an old precision cnc table set up that are discontinued as they were made in Calgary years ago.

Notice the toggle switch for THC...MANUAL

In the dragon cuts the issues appears in the exact same place in all three cuts.

[Old Iron]

Are you using genuine Hypertherm consumables?
I had this issue when I had the bright idea to use aftermarket consumables.

[14u2cnc]

Yes sir I am using genuine Hypertherm consumables I buy from local Praxair store.

[WyoGreen]

Air supply issues, maybe a bad torch "O" ring?

Steve

[14u2cnc]

Good thought...I will get a new one tomorrow and let you know if it resolves the issue. Thats the only piece I have not replaced in the torch yet. Thank you

[little blue choo]

I'm with Steve. I had this same issue a while back. I tried everything, I though, Then someone suggested I check the O ring. It looked great but I changed it anyway and the problem went away.

Rick

[larrycameron44]

Hmmmm also you can see it cuts in the corners when it is slowing down, which means you are maybe going too fast, but also after a consumable change I have this issue until the 40th or so pierce. So I slow down after a consumable change for a bit.

Larry Cameron
RusticMetalArt

[jimcolt]

From the heat shadow it appears that the torch is running way too high off the material. Go back to exact book specs listed in the mechanized cut charts of the Powermax1000 operators manual, be sure you are using the mechanized shield listed on the cut charts....even though you are using a hand torch . Disable the height control and set the torch at exactly .06" (1/16") off the material and do a cut. If it cuts at book specs with no height control on....then perhaps the height control needs some work or adjustment. The heavy heat shadow indicates cutting far too slow (see the wider shadow in the corners where the machine slows?), and it also often indicates the torch is far too high.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

[14u2cnc]

Thank you very much guys for your input. Its making me wish I had THC. I have an old precision plasma table from Calgary which the company is out of production any longer. Its been a learning curve but making me want to upgrade to a bigger and better table real soon. I have made over 100 successful cuts with this old girl and recently have had these issues more and more. Thanks a bunch for your suggestions everyone. I think I better start from the beginning with speeds and height the best I can as suggested by Jim. Again I appreciate every ones input.

[leadsled71]

I'm with Steve. I had this same issue a while back. I tried everything, I though, Then someone suggested I check the O ring. It looked great but I changed it anyway and the problem went away.

Rick

Do you know a hypertgerm part # for the o ring? I changed everything but that, and I'm still having cut quality issues. I can't seem to find a new one or part# and wanna see if it makes a difference