Topside sparks, how much is too much?

[chadmjohn]

The title pretty much says it all.

This is pretty much more of general recommendation type question as opposed to a cut quality one. In this case, I'm talking about thin material, (16g, 170ipm, 32amp, 55psi, .06" cut height with an everlast plasma cutter) but I don't want to go down the rabbit hole of specifics.

When traveling, sparks will shoot out between the torch head and the material, in the direction of travel. To me, this seems to indicate that I'm either traveling too fast or the amperage is too low. However, I get very good cut quality with minimal bevel and almost zero backside dross. The only topside build up is around my pierce points and it is minimal. I can reduce it by increasing current or reducing travel speed, but either of those negatively impact my cut quality.

I've heard "it's normal, don't worry about it" to "there should be almost no topside sparks". What's the community thought on this one?

TIA!

[acourtjester]

Yes there are topside sparks, your best indicator is the low dross on the underside, which you said you have. Party on dude
this is 65 amps on 3/8" steel

[djreiswig]

I think some of the top side sparking is the mill scale burning off.

[acourtjester]

Interesting I had not thought of that

[adbuch]

I get top side sparks regardless it the material is hot rolled with mill scale or cold rolled. If you are getting nice cuts with minimal backside dross, then I think you have found your "sweet spot".
David

[chadmjohn]

Thanks for the input everyone! I do appreciate it. I had run across a significant number of posts talking about it being indicative of a cut problem yet to be solved (but I have good cuts). But, like all things on 'the net' I don't just blindly trust 'anonymous statements of fact'. I *DO* however place greater trust in the members of this forum (as well as a select few others) to have more experience as both professionals in the trade or hobbyists.

[weldguy]

Perfectly normal. If your happy with your cut quality your doing better than many folks so stick with what your doing

[AJNess822]

Top side sparks seem to be extremely common when cutting stainless steel, but I don't see much with mild steel. If your cut quality is great try cutting the same parts with very small differences between your arc height and arc voltage.