hypertherm 0-12 code

[cutnweld]

Hi all, I have recently been having problems cutting thicker materials, 1" strenx 100 and hardox. It cuts perfectly for awhile then in the middle of nowhere the arc starts pulling back into kerf and if i turn feed rate way down it resumes cutting thru again. was running 13 ipm in times past, now i'm down to 10 ipm and still have problems, sometimes have to go down to 5 ipm. Front panel code 012. If I go into diagnostics i get a 0-12-0 code. Gas pressure at inlet 100 psi. powermax 85

[WyoGreen]

It sounds like you are having air flow problems. What is your air pressure at the back of the plasma cutter when you start having cutting problems?

Steve

[cutnweld]

ya thats what I'm thinking. I never had a chance to check gauge when the problem occurs cuz I'm scrambling to save my $60 sqare foot metal...but presssure while normal cutting is around 100 psi on back of unit. gauge wraps around when not cutting as its only rated for 100 psi, i know im getting pressure drop but thought 100 on back of unit was sufficient. Looking at this and hoping it is something simple
https://www.hypertherm.com/en-US/learn/ ... odes-0-12/

[cutnweld]

ha when will I learn to start with the basics?... I drained off the air pressure and the gauge happily sat at 10 psi, So i have been getting a bad reading. Have a lot of confidence it will work fine once I get my drier cleaned out, the dessicant was caked on the bottom along with water

[weldguy]

Ah yes the desiccant cake. Seen that many times before. Dry it out 275 degrees for 2 hours or so, fluff it up and go at it again. Sounds like your plasma cutter was using more air than the desiccant cake would flow. Glad you found the issue.

[Rodw]

0-12-0 is low air pressure. Its times like these that a good refrigerated drier setup might pay for itself pretty quickly as there is nothing to cake then.
With pre and post filters on it, there is no need for additional filtering or dessicant.

[djreiswig]

I'd suggest getting a gauge with a higher range. Wrapping gauges past their limits isn't very good on them.

[cutnweld]

could I put a refrig drier only on the plasma side of my air system? like I'd need a good sized one to do all my compressor air(10 hp), not like it would hurt but I do a ton of carbon arc gouging and don't need clean air for that, didn't know if I could put a smaller unit in my plasma line that would run when the plasma is being used? Not at all familiar with them, setup and operation etc. I have a new gauge on the way as well.

[djreiswig]

Yup. I have one of the harbor freight ones just on the table.