3.4 Machine Functions
3.4.1 Gas pre-flow
A gas pre-flow occurs prior to the start of cutting. This avoids inadvertent ignition
of the pilot arc (safety). Moreover, it also means that the torch bundle is flushed
thoroughly and ensures even with unusually long hose bundles that the volume of
air needed for cutting is available to the torch. The predetermined time is four
seconds. This pre-flow time can be shortened using the quick start function.
3.4.2 Soft start
REHM BARRACUDA cutting equipment is equipped with a soft start function. On
ignition of the cutting arc, the cutting current is raised steadily to the pre-set value.
This increases the service life of the torch's wear parts.
3.4.3 Quick start
The gas pre-flow time can be reduced by pressing twice on the torch button. This
function makes it possible to start a work sequence rapidly. During the post-purge
gas flow time, pressing the torch button once is sufficient to interrupt the post-flow
time and immediately resume cutting operation.
3.4.4 Safety shut-down
If no cutting current arrives within four seconds when the pilot arc is on, the
equipment shuts down automatically. This avoids undue wear and tear on the
torch.
3.4.5 Post-purge gas flow time
To cool the torch sufficiently, the gas continues to flow after the end of cutting.
The post-purge gas flow time is based in a demand-oriented manner on the
cutting performance available during the cutting operation, divided into stages of
32, 64 or 96 seconds. If the torch button has been activated, but no cutting
operation occurred, the post-purge gas flow time is set to 12 seconds.
Important!
Under no circumstances should the equipment be shut down before the
post-purge gas flow time has finished, as otherwise the torch components
will not be adequately cooled.
3.4.6 Safety contact in plasma torch
All torches are fitted with a safety contact which only permits functioning to
commence if the torch is assembled in the proper manner. When wear parts are
changed, the contact is automatically interrupted for safety reasons so that cutting
operations cannot resume.
3.4.7 Detection of phase failure
REHM BARRACUDA cutting equipment is provided with automatic phase failure
detection. This prevents the equipment from being overloaded as a result of the
failure of one phase of the supply voltage. Depending on which phase fails, either
the green MAINS ON control lamp goes out and the equipment cannot be made
to work, or else, on ignition of the pilot arc, the power component switches off
again immediately (one can tell that this has occurred because the power
contactor pulls in and is then immediately released).