0-30-0 code. Can’t find root cause

[TXTig]

Have cut over 200 sheets of 12 and 14 gauge HRS with my Hypertherm 85 using fine cut consumables with nearly zero issues. Recently I’ve started experiencing a problem I cannot figure out. The torch will attempt to fire and sometimes I might get a weak spark and I get an error 0-30. Checking the expanded menu I find that 0-30-0 code means the electrode is not making contact. I’ve checked all the issues/replaced all consumables including the swirl ring and still get the issue. On of the possibilities is a leaking gas valve; don’t know how to check for this one except that I don’t hear any air leaking.

I believe I have a clean air source. After the compressor the air goes thru a pre-cooler, then a Champion refrigerated air dryer, 75’ of steel pipe that feeds a Devilbiss air filter and a short rubber high flow connection to the machine. None of the liquid traps past the air dryer show signs of moisture or contamination, however the nozzle and electrode do show signs of some kind of particle contamination as shown by the small swirl inside the nozzle and on the outside of the electrode. I’ve seen this swirl on all the previous used consumables that have cut several sheets of steel without issue so not sure if this is the issue or not.

Additionally, on the most recent failure, I pulled the electrode and when I picked at the hafnium insert which was not worn (it had only made 2 cuts) it disappeared into the electrode body (see photo). I admit I did buy these off eBay and they came in a genuine hypertherm package. Would a knock off electrode do this as I’m sure some eBay sellers have no issue repackaging counterfeit parts. I have more electrodes ordered from a hypertherm distributor to see if this changes the outcome as well.

Hoping someone has some experience to offer some advice as it doesn’t make any sense to make 2 cuts, take apart the torch and make two more cuts.

[djreiswig]

I've never had the hafnium disappear. I would contact hypertherm with information about where you bought them. They may be interested in researching this seller and possibly shutting them down if they are indeed counterfeit.

[cstroke]

I just bought some consumables and parts for my hypertherm.
One swirl ring came and it looked like genuine hypertherm packaging minus the hypertherm name.
You have to pay super close attention, these guys are fairly clever with hiding these counterfits.

[TXTig]

Thanks for the insight! Do you think it is possible/probable that a defective electrode could cause this. In the 5 pack that I bought, so far 2 have caused the error, 1 has cut a least two sheets without issue and I haven’t used two.

[TXTig]

I think it must have been the substandard electrodes. I polished up some older used ones and it cut one sheet flawlessly.

[djreiswig]

I would definitely pass the info along to Hypertherm. Possibly save someone else the headaches you went through.

[adbuch]

Thanks for the insight! Do you think it is possible/probable that a defective electrode could cause this. In the 5 pack that I bought, so far 2 have caused the error, 1 has cut a least two sheets without issue and I haven’t used two.

Yes - I think it is more than likely that your non-OEM electrodes were causing your problem. My best advise is to purchase Hypertherm OEM consumables from a reputable Hypertherm distributor.
David

[HypHyDef]

I think it must have been the substandard electrodes. I polished up some older used ones and it cut one sheet flawlessly.

Could you share with me where you purchased the consumables from? I work at Hypertherm and I'd like to investigate and pass on the information if they are indeed not OEM. I'm glad to hear you got your issue resolved.

[TXTig]

Will see if I can find which eBay seller I received these from. As far as I can tell they were in a genuine package.

.

[acourtjester]

Here are images of the real deal one regular and one copper plus. Laser etched part numbers, and batch number

hyoertherm regular.JPG (63.89 KiB) Viewed 1184 times

hyoertherm regular.JPG (63.89 KiB) Viewed 1184 times

hypertherm copper plus.JPG (69.94 KiB) Viewed 1184 times

hypertherm copper plus.JPG (69.94 KiB) Viewed 1184 times

[HypHyDef]

Will see if I can find which eBay seller I received these from. As far as I can tell they were in a genuine package.

.D51AAB28-A5E8-4D92-9129-05A2000A76E1.jpeg
D51AAB28-A5E8-4D92-9129-05A2000A76E1.jpeg

Thanks for the pictures, it's hard to tell from those. if you can manage to find the ebay seller that would be very helpful.

[TJS]

That box is 2 years old. I just got some on ebay about a month ago and the box was dated 6/4/2021. I have been using the same seller for over a year.

[HypHyDef]

That box is 2 years old. I just got some on ebay about a month ago and the box was dated 6/4/2021. I have been using the same seller for over a year.

I just got word that those packages are indeed counterfeit. Please let me know as soon as you find out about the seller. Thanks very much. I'm sorry that you got bad parts that you thought were OEM.

[adbuch]

That box is 2 years old. I just got some on ebay about a month ago and the box was dated 6/4/2021. I have been using the same seller for over a year.

I just got word that those packages are indeed counterfeit. Please let me know as soon as you find out about the seller. Thanks very much. I'm sorry that you got bad parts that you thought were OEM.

Perhaps you could arrange for Hypertherm to "comp" him some replacements.
David

[djreiswig]

That would definitely be a nice gesture, but it's a chance you take buying things online.

[adbuch]

That would definitely be a nice gesture, but it's a chance you take buying things online.

Perhaps "wishful" thinking on my part.
David

[HypHyDef]

That would definitely be a nice gesture, but it's a chance you take buying things online.

Unfortunately we can not comp things that are purchased outside of our authorized network of distriburtors. We all know that at times you try and save as much money as possible when things are tight. We manufacture our consumables to last longer and perform better than anything you can buy that isn't OEM therefore lowering your overall cost. I'm very glad he was able to get his system working properly again. Hopefully we can track down the seller and put a stop to them selling inferior products.

[acourtjester]

I bought all of mine from eBay through the Harris welding company (authorized dealer) as it is easy to order that way. I bought the PM 65s from them direct. They sell under torchking vendor.

[HypHyDef]

I bought all of mine from eBay through the Harris welding company (authorized dealer) as it is easy to order that way. I bought the PM 65s from them direct. They sell under torchking vendor.

We do have several authorized distributors selling through ebay and Harris is definitely one of them.