Abstract: A nozzle holder for a laser processing head of a laser processing system is provided. The nozzle holder includes a substantially cylindrical hollow body shaped to matingly engage a laser nozzle. The hollow body defines a longitudinal axis extending therethrough and a plurality of apertures dispersing around a circumference of the hollow body. The nozzle holder also includes a plurality of pawls configured to operably engage the laser nozzle within the hollow body by extending through the plurality of apertures of the hollow body. The nozzle holder further includes a sleeve substantially surrounding the hollow body and the plurality of pawls. The sleeve includes a pawl retractor that is movable along the longitudinal axis to physically displace the plurality of pawls axially and radially relative to the longitudinal axis for disengagement of the plurality of pawls from the laser nozzle.

Abstract: A jacketed consumable cartridge is provided for a liquid cooled plasma arc torch. The jacketed consumable cartridge comprises an electrode, a swirl ring securely affixed to and disposed circumferentially about a distal end of the electrode, and a nozzle securely affixed to the swirl ring, the nozzle disposed circumferentially about the distal end of the electrode with a portion of the swirl ring located therebetween. The cartridge also comprises a cartridge jacket securely affixed to and disposed circumferentially about a distal end of the nozzle and a shield securely affixed to and disposed circumferentially about a distal end of the cartridge jacket. A proximal end of the cartridge jacket is adapted to extend (i) axially past a proximal end of the shield and (ii) radially beyond a radial extent of the shield.

Abstract: A nozzle holder for a laser processing head of a laser processing system is provided. The nozzle holder includes a substantially cylindrical hollow body shaped to matingly engage a laser nozzle. The hollow body defines a longitudinal axis extending therethrough and a plurality of apertures dispersing around a circumference of the hollow body. The nozzle holder also includes a plurality of pawls configured to operably engage the laser nozzle within the hollow body by extending through the plurality of apertures of the hollow body. The nozzle holder further includes a sleeve substantially surrounding the hollow body and the plurality of pawls. The sleeve includes a pawl retractor that is movable along the longitudinal axis to physically displace the plurality of pawls axially and radially relative to the longitudinal axis for disengagement of the plurality of pawls from the laser nozzle.

Abstract: A connector component configured for coupling a consumable component to a plasma arc torch is provided. The connector component comprises a body having a proximal end and a distal end disposed along and defining a longitudinal axis. The connector component includes at least two engagement regions disposed radially about the longitudinal axis on a surface of the body. Each engagement region includes at least one engagement feature disposed on the surface of the body. The connector component also includes at least two free regions disposed radially about the longitudinal axis on the surface of the body. Each free region is radially located between a pair of the engagement regions and characterized by an absence of the engagement feature.

Abstract: The invention features a double nozzle for a laser processing head and related methods for cutting a workpiece. The double nozzle includes an inner body portion having an interior surface defining a first bore, a first exterior circumferential surface disposed toward a distal end of the inner body portion, and a second exterior circumferential surface disposed toward a proximal end of the inner body portion. The second exterior circumferential surface is shaped to mate and align with the laser processing head. The double nozzle also includes an outer body portion having an interior surface defining a second bore. The outer body portion matingly engages with the first exterior circumferential surface of the inner body portion and is isolated from direct alignment contact with the laser processing head. The inner body portion and the outer body portion are aligned to define a coaxial fluid flow path therethrough.

Abstract: A connector component configured for coupling a consumable component to a plasma arc torch is provided. The connector component comprises a body having a proximal end and a distal end disposed along and defining a longitudinal axis. The connector component includes at least two engagement regions disposed radially about the longitudinal axis on a surface of the body. Each engagement region includes at least one engagement feature disposed on the surface of the body. The connector component also includes at least two free regions disposed radially about the longitudinal axis on the surface of the body. Each free region is radially located between a pair of the engagement regions and characterized by an absence of the engagement feature.

Abstract: A power contact for a liquid-cooled plasma arc cutting system is provided. The cutting system includes a torch body and a lower torch assembly. The power contact comprises a substantially hollow body including an upper portion and a lower portion, and an external surface of the upper portion of the hollow body configured to matingly engage the torch body. The power contact further includes a thread region disposed on an internal surface of the hollow body. The thread region is configured to retain an electrode holder of the lower torch assembly of the plasma arc cutting system to matingly engage the lower torch assembly and secure the lower torch assembly to the torch body.

Abstract: The invention features a double nozzle for a laser processing head and related methods for cutting a workpiece. The double nozzle includes an inner body portion having an interior surface defining a first bore, a first exterior circumferential surface disposed toward a distal end of the inner body portion, and a second exterior circumferential surface disposed toward a proximal end of the inner body portion. The second exterior circumferential surface is shaped to mate and align with the laser processing head. The double nozzle also includes an outer body portion having an interior surface defining a second bore. The outer body portion matingly engages with the first exterior circumferential surface of the inner body portion and is isolated from direct alignment contact with the laser processing head. The inner body portion and the outer body portion are aligned to define a coaxial fluid flow path therethrough.

Abstract: A power contact for a liquid-cooled plasma arc cutting system is provided. The cutting system includes a torch body and a lower torch assembly. The power contact comprises a substantially hollow body including an upper portion and a lower portion, and an external surface of the upper portion of the hollow body configured to matingly engage the torch body. The power contact further includes a thread region disposed on an internal surface of the hollow body. The thread region is configured to retain an electrode holder of the lower torch assembly of the plasma arc cutting system to matingly engage the lower torch assembly and secure the lower torch assembly to the torch body.

Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc cutting torch which minimizes the deposition of high emissivity material on the nozzle, reduces electrode wear, and improves cut quality. The electrode has a body having a first end, a second end in a spaced relationship relative to the first end, and an outer surface extending from the first end to the second end. The body has an end face disposed at the second end. The electrode also includes at least one passage extending from a first opening in the body to a second opening in the end face. A controller can control the electrode gas flow through the passages as a function of a plasma arc torch parameter. Methods for operating the plasma arc cutting torch with the electrode are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved electrode for use in a plasma arc torch. The electrode includes an electrode body, a bore defined by and disposed in the electrode body, and an insert disposed in the bore. The insert and/or the bore of the electrode are configured to improve retention of the insert in the electrode, thereby extending electrode life. The invention also includes a method for forming the electrode. The method includes a step of positioning an insert into a bore of an electrode such that an exterior gap is established that is greater than a second gap.

Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc cutting torch which minimizes the deposition of high emissivity material on the nozzle, reduces electrode wear, and improves cut quality. The electrode has a body having a first end, a second end in a spaced relationship relative to the first end, and an outer surface extending from the first end to the second end. The body has an end face disposed at the second end. The electrode also includes at least one passage extending from a first opening in the body to a second opening in the end face. A controller can control the electrode gas flow through the passages as a function of a plasma arc torch parameter. Methods for operating the plasma arc cutting torch with the electrode are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc cutting torch which minimizes the deposition of high emissivity material on the nozzle, reduces electrode wear, and improves cut quality. The electrode has a body having a first end, a second end in a spaced relationship relative to the first end, and an outer surface extending from the first end to the second end. The body has an end face disposed at the second end. The electrode also includes at least one passage extending from a first opening in the body to a second opening in the end face.