ESAB Precision Plasmarc IEFC-S PT-24 User manual

PT-24 CUTTING TORCH
(for electronic flow controls with high speed marking)
0558004705 07/ 2008
Instruction Manual
Mechanized Cutting

2
This equipment will perform in conformity with the description thereof contained in this manual and accompa-
nying labels and/or inserts when installed, operated, maintained and repaired in accordance with the instruc-
tions provided. This equipment must be checked periodically. Malfunctioning or poorly maintained equipment
should not be used. Parts that are broken, missing, worn, distorted or contaminated should be replaced imme-
diately. Should such repair or replacement become necessary, the manufacturer recommends that a telephone
or written request for service advice be made to the Authorized Distributor from whom it was purchased.
This equipment or any of its parts should not be altered without the prior written approval of the manufacturer.
The user of this equipment shall have the sole responsibility for any malfunction which results from improper
use, faulty maintenance, damage, improper repair or alteration by anyone other than the manufacturer or a ser-
vice facility designated by the manufacturer.
BE SURE THIS INFORMATION REACHES THE OPERATOR.
YOU CAN GET EXTRA COPIES THROUGH YOUR SUPPLIER.
These INSTRUCTIONS are for experienced operators. If you are not fully familiar with the
principles of operation and safe practices for arc welding and cutting equipment, we urge
you to read our booklet, “Precautions and Safe Practices for Arc Welding, Cutting, and
Gouging,” Form 52-529. Do NOT permit untrained persons to install, operate, or maintain
this equipment. Do NOT attempt to install or operate this equipment until you have read
and fully understand these instructions. If you do not fully understand these instructions,
contact your supplier for further information. Be sure to read the Safety Precautions be-
fore installing or operating this equipment.
CAUTION
USER RESPONSIBILITY

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SECTION TITLE PAGE
PARAGRAPH
SECTION 1 SAFETY .................................................................................................................................... 5
1.0 Safety Precautions.................................................................................................................................................. 5
1.1 Safety - English ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
1.2 Safety - Spanish....................................................................................................................................................... 9
1.3 Safety - French ....................................................................................................................................................... 13
SECTION 2 DESCRIPTION........................................................................................................................................................17
2.0 Description..............................................................................................................................................................17
2.1 PT-24 Technical Specifications .........................................................................................................................18
2.2 Interconnecting Lines.........................................................................................................................................18
2.3 Accessories..............................................................................................................................................................19
SECTION 3 INSTALLATION......................................................................................................................................................21
3.0 Torch Mounting.....................................................................................................................................................21
SECTION 4 OPERATION............................................................................................................................................................23
4.0 Using a 5 Solenoid Torch Manifold.................................................................................................................23
4.1 Cut Quality ..............................................................................................................................................................24
4.2 Influence of Gas Options on Cut Quality......................................................................................................29
4.3 Process Data ...........................................................................................................................................................33
4.4 Kerf Values...............................................................................................................................................................76
4.5 Plasma Marking with Precision Plasma and Integrated Flow Control...............................................88
SECTION 5 MAINTENANCE .................................................................................................................................................111
5.0 Torch Maintenance.............................................................................................................................................111
5.1 PT-24 Consumable Disassembly and Inspection ....................................................................................114
5.2 PT-24 Torch Tip Re-Assembly..........................................................................................................................117
SECTION 6 TROUBLESHOOTING.....................................................................................................................................119
6.0 Troubleshooting Guide ....................................................................................................................................119
SECTION 7 REPLACEMENT PARTS ...................................................................................................................................123
7.0 General ...................................................................................................................................................................123
7.1 Ordering.................................................................................................................................................................123
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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WARNING: These Safety Precautions are
for your protection. They summarize pre-
cautionaryinformationfromthereferences
listed in Additional Safety Information sec-
tion. Before performing any installation or operating
procedures, be sure to read and follow the safety
precautions listed below as well as all other manuals,
materialsafetydatasheets,labels,etc.Failuretoobserve
Safety Precautions can result in injury or death.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS --
Some welding, cutting, and gouging
processes are noisy and require ear
protection.Thearc,likethesun,emits
ultraviolet (UV) and other radiation
and can injure skin and eyes. Hot metal can cause
burns. Training in the proper use of the processes
and equipment is essential to prevent accidents.
Therefore:
1. Always wear safety glasses with side shields in any
workarea,evenifweldinghelmets,faceshields,and
goggles are also required.
2. Use a face shield fitted with the correct filter and
cover plates to protect your eyes, face, neck, and
ears from sparks and rays of the arc when operat-
ing or observing operations. Warn bystanders not
to watch the arc and not to expose themselves to
the rays of the electric-arc or hot metal.
3. Wear flameproof gauntlet type gloves, heavy long-
sleeve shirt, cuffless trousers, high-topped shoes,
and a welding helmet or cap for hair protection, to
protect against arc rays and hot sparks or hot metal.
Aflameproofapronmayalsobedesirableasprotec-
tion against radiated heat and sparks.
4. Hot sparks or metal can lodge in rolled up sleeves,
trouser cuffs, or pockets. Sleeves and collars should
bekeptbuttoned,andopenpocketseliminatedfrom
the front of clothing.
5. Protect other personnel from arc rays and hot
sparks with a suitable non-flammable partition or
curtains.
6. Usegogglesoversafetyglasseswhen chippingslag
orgrinding.Chipped slagmay be hotand canfly far.
Bystanders should also wear goggles over safety
glasses.
FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS -- Heat from
flames and arcs can start fires. Hot
slag or sparks can also cause fires and
explosions. Therefore:
1. Remove all combustible materials well away from
the work area or cover the materials with a protec-
tivenon-flammablecovering.Combustiblematerials
include wood, cloth, sawdust, liquid and gas fuels,
solvents, paints and coatings, paper, etc.
2. Hot sparks or hot metal can fall through cracks or
crevices in floors or wall openings and cause a hid-
densmolderingfireorfiresonthefloorbelow.Make
certain that such openings are protected from hot
sparks and metal.“
3. Do not weld, cut or perform other hot work until
theworkpiecehasbeencompletelycleanedsothat
there are no substances on the work piece which
mightproduceflammableortoxicvapors.Donotdo
hot work on closed containers. They may explode.
4. Havefireextinguishingequipmenthandyforinstant
use, such as a garden hose, water pail, sand bucket,
orportablefireextinguisher.Besureyouaretrained
in its use.
5. Do not use equipment beyond its ratings. For ex-
ample, overloaded welding cable can overheat and
create a fire hazard.
6. After completing operations, inspect the work area
tomake certain thereare no hot sparks or hot metal
whichcouldcausealaterfire.Usefirewatcherswhen
necessary.
7. For additional information, refer to NFPA Standard
51B, "Fire Prevention in Use of Cutting andWelding
Processes", available from the National Fire Protec-
tion Association, Battery march Park, Quincy, MA
02269.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK -- Contact with
live electrical parts and ground can
causesevereinjury ordeath.DONOT
useACweldingcurrentindampareas,
if movement is confined, or if there is
danger of falling.
SECTION 1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1.0 Safety Precautions 1.1 Safety - English

6
1. Be sure the power source frame (chassis) is con-
nected to the ground system of the input power.
2. Connect the work piece to a good electrical
ground.
3. Connect the work cable to the work piece. A poor
or missing connection can expose you or others
to a fatal shock.
4. Use well-maintained equipment. Replace worn or
damaged cables.
5. Keep everything dry, including clothing, work
area, cables, torch/electrode holder, and power
source.
6. Make sure that all parts of your body are insulated
from work and from ground.
7. Do not stand directly on metal or the earth while
working in tight quarters or a damp area; stand
on dry boards or an insulating platform and wear
rubber-soled shoes.
8. Put on dry, hole-free gloves before turning on the
power.
9. Turn off the power before removing your gloves.
10. Refer to ANSI/ASC Standard Z49.1 (listed on
next page) for specific grounding recommenda-
tions. Do not mistake the work lead for a ground
cable.
ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS
— May be dangerous. Electric cur-
rent flowing through any conduc-
tor causes localized Electric and
Magnetic Fields (EMF).Welding and
cuttingcurrentcreatesEMFaroundweldingcables
and welding machines. Therefore:
1. Welders having pacemakers should consult their
physician before welding. EMF may interfere with
some pacemakers.
2. ExposuretoEMFmayhaveotherhealtheffectswhich
are unknown.
3. Welders should use the following procedures to
minimize exposure to EMF:
A. Route the electrode and work cables together.
Secure them with tape when possible.
B. Never coil the torch or work cable around your
body.
C. Do not place your body between the torch and
work cables. Route cables on the same side of
your body.
D. Connecttheworkcabletotheworkpieceasclose
as possible to the area being welded.
E. Keep welding power source and cables as far
away from your body as possible.
FUMES AND GASES -- Fumes and
gases,cancausediscomfortorharm,
particularly in confined spaces. Do
notbreathefumesandgases.Shield-
ing gases can cause asphyxiation.
Therefore:
1. Alwaysprovideadequateventilationintheworkarea
bynaturalormechanicalmeans.Donotweld,cut,or
gouge on materials such as galvanized steel, stain-
less steel, copper, zinc, lead, beryllium, or cadmium
unless positive mechanical ventilation is provided.
Do not breathe fumes from these materials.
2. Donotoperateneardegreasingandsprayingopera-
tions.The heator arcrayscan react with chlorinated
hydrocarbon vapors to form phosgene, a highly
toxic gas, and other irritant gases.
3. If you develop momentary eye, nose, or throat ir-
ritation while operating, this is an indication that
ventilation is not adequate. Stop work and take
necessary steps to improve ventilation in the work
area. Do not continue to operate if physical discom-
fort persists.
4. RefertoANSI/ASCStandardZ49.1(seelistingbelow)
for specific ventilation recommendations.
SECTION 1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

7
5. WARNING: Thisproduct,whenusedforwelding
or cutting, produces fumes or gases
which contain chemicals known to
the State of California to cause birth
defects and, in some cases, cancer.
(California Health & Safety Code
§25249.5 et seq.)
CYLINDER HANDLING -- Cylinders,
if mishandled, can rupture and vio-
lently release gas. Sudden rupture
ofcylinder, valve, or reliefdevice can
injure or kill. Therefore:
1. Use the proper gas for the process and use the
proper pressure reducing regulator designed to
operate from the compressed gas cylinder. Do not
use adaptors. Maintain hoses and fittings in good
condition.Followmanufacturer'soperatinginstruc-
tions for mounting regulator to a compressed gas
cylinder.
2. Always secure cylinders in an upright position by
chain or strap to suitable hand trucks, undercar-
riages, benches, walls, post, or racks. Never secure
cylinders to work tables or fixtures where they may
become part of an electrical circuit.
3. When not in use, keep cylinder valves closed. Have
valve protection cap in place if regulator is not con-
nected.Secureandmovecylindersbyusingsuitable
hand trucks. Avoid rough handling of cylinders.
4. Locatecylindersawayfromheat,sparks,andflames.
Never strike an arc on a cylinder.
5. Foradditionalinformation,refertoCGAStandardP-1,
"PrecautionsforSafeHandlingofCompressedGases
in Cylinders", which is available from Compressed
Gas Association, 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway,
Arlington, VA 22202.
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE -- Faulty or
improperly maintained equipment can
cause injury or death. Therefore:
1. Alwayshavequalifiedpersonnelperformtheinstal-
lation, troubleshooting, and maintenance work.
Do not perform any electrical work unless you are
qualified to perform such work.
2. Before performing any maintenance work inside a
power source, disconnect the power source from
the incoming electrical power.
3. Maintaincables,groundingwire,connections,power
cord, and power supply in safe working order. Do
not operate any equipment in faulty condition.
4. Do not abuse any equipment or accessories. Keep
equipmentawayfromheatsourcessuchasfurnaces,
wet conditions such as water puddles, oil or grease,
corrosive atmospheres and inclement weather.
5. Keepallsafetydevicesandcabinetcoversinposition
and in good repair.
6. Use equipment only for its intended purpose. Do
not modify it in any manner.
ADDITIONALSAFETYINFORMATION--For
more information on safe practices for
electric arc welding and cutting equip-
ment, ask your supplier for a copy of
"Precautions and Safe Practices for Arc
Welding, Cutting and Gouging", Form
52-529.
The following publications, which are available from
theAmericanWeldingSociety,550N.W.LeJueneRoad,
Miami, FL 33126, are recommended to you:
1. ANSI/ASC Z49.1 - "Safety in Welding and Cutting"
2. AWS C5.1-"Recommended PracticesforPlasmaArc
Welding"
3. AWS C5.2-"Recommended PracticesforPlasmaArc
Cutting"
4. AWS C5.3 - "Recommended Practices for Air Carbon
Arc Gouging and Cutting"
SECTION 1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

8
SECTION 1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
5. AWS C5.5 - "Recommended Practices for Gas Tung-
sten Arc Welding“
6. AWS C5.6 - "Recommended Practices for Gas Metal
Arc Welding"“
7. AWS SP - "Safe Practices" - Reprint, Welding Hand-
book.
8. ANSI/AWS F4.1, "Recommended Safe Practices for
Welding and Cutting of Containers That Have Held
Hazardous Substances."
MEANING OF SYMBOLS - As used
throughout this manual: Means Atten-
tion! Be Alert! Your safety is involved.
Meansimmediatehazardswhich,
if not avoided, will result in im-
mediate, serious personal injury
or loss of life.
Means potential hazards which
could result in personal injury or
loss of life.
Meanshazardswhichcouldresult
in minor personal injury.

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SECTION 1 SEGURIDAD
1.2 La seguridad - español
ADVERTENCIA: Estas Precauciones de
Seguridad son para su protección. Ellas
hacen resumen de información pro-
veniente de las referencias listadas en la sección
"Información Adicional Sobre La Seguridad". Antes
de hacer cualquier instalación o procedimiento de
operación , asegúresedeleer y seguirlas precaucio-
nes de seguridad listadas a continuación así como
también todo manual, hoja de datos de seguridad
del material, calcomanias, etc. El no observar las
Precauciones de Seguridad puede resultar en daño
a la persona o muerte.
PROTEJASE USTED Y A LOS DEMAS--
Algunosprocesosdesoldadura,corte
y ranurado son ruidosos y requiren
protección para los oídos. El arco,
como el sol , emite rayos ultravioleta (UV) y otras
radiaciones que pueden dañar la piel y los ojos. El
metalcalientecausaquemaduras.ELentrenamiento
en el uso propio de los equipos y sus procesos es
esencial para prevenir accidentes. Por lo tanto:
1. Utilice gafas de seguridad con protección a los lados
siempre que esté en el área de trabajo, aún cuando
esté usando careta de soldar, protector para su cara u
otro tipo de protección.
2. Useuna careta quetengael filtrocorrecto ylente para
proteger sus ojos, cara, cuello, y oídos de las chispas y
rayos del arco cuando se esté operando y observando
las operaciones. Alerte a todas las personas cercanas
de no mirar el arco y no exponerse a los rayos del arco
eléctrico o el metal fundido.
3. Useguantesdecueroapruebadefuego,camisapesada
de mangas largas, pantalón de ruedo liso, zapato alto
al tobillo, y careta de soldar con capucha para el pelo,
paraprotegerelcuerpodelos rayosy chispascalientes
provenientes del metal fundido. En ocaciones un del-
antal a prueba de fuego es necesario para protegerse
del calor radiado y las chispas.
4. Chispas y partículas de metal caliente puede alojarse
en las mangas enrolladas de la camisa , el ruedo del
pantalón o los bolsillos. Mangas y cuellos deberán
mantenerseabotonados,bolsillosalfrentedelacamisa
deberán ser cerrados o eliminados.
5. Proteja a otras personasde losrayosdel arcoychispas
calientesconunacortina adecuadano-flamablecomo
división.
6. Usecaretaprotectoraademásdesusgafasdeseguridad
cuando esté removiendo escoria o puliendo.
La escoria puede estar caliente y desprenderse
convelocidad. Personascercanas deberánusar
gafas de seguridad y careta protectora.
FUEGO Y EXPLOSIONES -- El calor de
lasflamas yelarco puedenocacionar
fuegos. Escoria caliente y las chispas
pueden causar fuegos y explosiones.
Por lo tanto:
1. Remueva todo material combustible lejos del área
de trabajo o cubra los materiales con una cobija a
prueba de fuego. Materiales combustibles incluyen
madera, ropa, líquidos y gases flamables, solventes,
pinturas, papel, etc.
2. Chispas y partículas de metal pueden introducirse
en las grietas y agujeros de pisos y paredes cau-
sandofuegosescondidosenotrosnivelesoespacios.
Asegúresedequetodagrietayagujeroestécubierto
para proteger lugares adyacentes contra fuegos.
3. No corte, suelde o haga cualquier otro trabajo rela-
cionadohastaquelapiezadetrabajoestétotalmente
limpia y libre de substancias que puedan producir
gases inflamablesovaporestóxicos.Notrabajeden-
troofueradecontenedoresotanquescerrados.Estos
pueden explotar si contienen vapores inflamables.
4. Tenga siempre a la mano equipo extintor de fuego
para uso instantáneo, como por ejemplo una
manguera con agua, cubeta con agua, cubeta con
arena, o extintor portátil. Asegúrese que usted esta
entrenado para su uso.
5. Nouse el equipo fuera de su rango de operación. Por
ejemplo,elcalorcausadoporcablesobrecargaenlos
cables de soldar pueden ocasionar un fuego.
6. Despuésdetermirarlaoperacióndelequipo,inspec-
cione el área de trabajo para cerciorarse de que las
chispas o metal caliente ocasionen un fuego más
tarde. Tenga personal asignado para vigilar si es
necesario.
7. Para información adicional , haga referencia a la
publicación NFPA Standard 51B, "Fire Prevention in
Use of Cutting and Welding Processes", disponible
a través de la National Fire Protection Association,
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
CHOQUE ELECTRICO -- El contacto
conlasparteseléctricas energizadas
y tierra puede causar daño severo o
muerte. NO use soldadura de corri-
ente alterna (AC) en áreas húmedas,
demovimiento confinadoenlugares
estrechos o si hay posibilidad de caer al suelo.

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SECTION 1 SEGURIDAD
1. Asegúrese de que el chasis de la fuente de poder
esté conectado a tierra através del sistema de
electricidad primario.
2. Conecte la pieza de trabajo a un buen sistema de
tierra física.
3. Conecte el cable de retorno a la pieza de trabajo.
Cables y conductores expuestos o con malas
conexiones pueden exponer al operador u otras
personas a un choque eléctrico fatal.
4. Use el equipo solamente si está en buenas condi-
ciones. Reemplaze cables rotos, dañados o con
conductores expuestos.
5. Mantengatodoseco,incluyendosuropa,eláreade
trabajo, los cables, antorchas, pinza del electrodo,
y la fuente de poder.
6. Asegúreseque todaslas partesde sucuerpo están
insuladas de ambos, la pieza de trabajo y tierra.
7. Noseparedirectamentesobremetalotierramien-
trastrabajaenlugaresestrechosoáreashúmedas;
trabaje sobre un pedazo de madera seco o una
plataforma insulada y use zapatos con suela de
goma.
8. Useguantessecosysinagujerosantesdeenergizar
el equipo.
9. Apage el equipo antes de quitarse sus guantes.
10. Use como referencia la publicación ANSI/ASC
StandardZ49.1(listado enla próximapágina)para
recomendacionesespecíficasdecomoconectarel
equipo a tierra. No confunda el cable de soldar a
la pieza de trabajo con el cable a tierra.
CAMPOS ELECTRICOS Y MAGNETI-
COS - Son peligrosos. La corriente
eléctrica fluye através de cualquier
conductor causando a nivel local
Campos Eléctricos y Magnéticos
(EMF). Lascorrienteseneláreadecorteysoldadura,
crean EMF alrrededor de los cables de soldar y las
maquinas. Por lo tanto:
1.Soldadores uOperadoresque use marca-pasospara
el corazón deberán consultar a su médico antes de
soldar. El Campo Electromagnético (EMF) puede
interferir con algunos marca-pasos.
2.Exponerseacamposelectromagnéticos(EMF)puede
causar otros efectos de salud aún desconocidos.
3.Los soldadores deberán usar los siguientes proced-
imientos para minimizar exponerse al EMF:
A. Mantenga el electrodo y el cable a la pieza de
trabajo juntos, hasta llegar a la pieza que usted
quiere soldar. Asegúrelos uno junto al otro con
cinta adhesiva cuando sea posible.
B. Nunca envuelva los cables de soldar alrededor
de su cuerpo.
C. Nunca ubique su cuerpo entre la antorcha y el
cable, a la pieza de trabajo. Mantega los cables a
un sólo lado de su cuerpo.
D. Conecte el cable de trabajo a la pieza de trabajo
lo más cercano posible al área de la soldadura.
E. Mantengalafuentedepoderyloscablesdesoldar
lo más lejos posible de su cuerpo.
HUMO Y GASES -- El humo y los
gases, pueden causar malestar o
daño, particularmente en espacios
sin ventilación. No inhale el humo
o gases. El gas de protección puede
causar falta de oxígeno.
Por lo tanto:
1. Siempre provea ventilación adecuada en el área
de trabajo pormedionaturalo mecánico.No solde,
corte, o ranure materiales con hierro galvanizado,
acero inoxidable, cobre, zinc, plomo, berílio, o cad-
mio a menos que provea ventilación mecánica
positiva . No respire los gases producidos por
estos materiales.
2. No opere cerca de lugares donde se aplique sub-
stancias químicas en aerosol. El calor de los rayos
del arco pueden reaccionar con los vapores de
hidrocarburo clorinado paraformar un fosfógeno,
o gas tóxico, y otros irritant es.
3. Si momentáneamente desarrolla inrritación de
ojos, nariz o garganta mientras est á operando, es
indicación de que la ventilación no es apropiada.
Pare de trabajar y tome las medidas necesarias
para mejorar la ventilación en el área de trabajo.
No continúe operando si el malestar físico per-
siste.
4. Hagareferenciaalapublicación ANSI/ASC Standard
Z49.1 (Vea la lista a continuación) para recomen-
daciones específicas en la ventilación.