Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a gas supply to a plasma arc torch uses a proportional control solenoid valve positioned adjacent the torch to manipulate the gas flow to the torch, thereby extending electrode life during arc transfer and shutdown. Swirl ring design can be simplified and gas supply and distribution systems become less complicated. The invention also allows manipulation of shield gas flow to reduce divot formation when making interior cuts. The system can be controlled with a digital signal processor utilizing a feedback loop from a sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for thermal cutting, wherein a cutting gas is piped into a cutting nozzle and guided on to a work piece to be processed by means of the cutting nozzle. According to the invention the cutting gas is at least reduced in a periodically repetitive manner wherein the time in which the cutting gas is guided onto the work piece in an undiminished manner is shorter than half of a period. In addition the invention relates to a corresponding device with a valve.

Abstract: In a main circuit 11 of the plasma cutter power supply device 6, a plurality of DC power units 14-1, . . . 14-n of low capacity are connected in parallel on their DC output sides, and are connected to a plasma torch 20. Each power unit 14-1, . . . 14-n can operate asynchronously and independently from each other. The power supply control device 6 controls the number of power units to be operated, and the intensity of output electrical current at which each of them is to be operated, according to the cutting conditions (the nature of the material to be cut, its thickness, and the cutting speed) and according to the number of power units which can be operated. If some of the power units are faulty, the power supply control device 6 controls the cutting conditions which can be accepted, according to the number of normal power units.

Abstract: In order to increase the flow rate of coolant liquid supplied to the nozzle (88) of a plasma torch (10) and to extend the life of the plasma torch (10), within the plasma torch (10), an electrode coolant liquid passage (60, 84, 85, 86, and 64 which supplies coolant liquid to an electrode (80), and a nozzle coolant liquid passage (56, 70, 92, 72 and 68) which supplies coolant liquid to the nozzle (88), are provided separately as independent coolant liquid passages which extend in parallel, and which are mutually electrically insulated from one another. Moreover, the flow rate of coolant liquid in the nozzle coolant liquid passage is greater than the flow rate of coolant liquid in the electrode coolant liquid passage.

Abstract: Vented shield systems for plasma arc torches are provided that comprise a shield cup body defining a distal end portion, a vented retainer secured to the distal end portion of the shield cup body, and a shield cap secured to the vented retainer. The vented retainer defines at least one vent passageway that directs a flow of secondary gas inward toward the shield cap, and the vented shield system blocks at least a portion of molten metal from contacting components, such as a tip or nozzle, of the plasma arc torch. The shield cap may comprise a mechanized cap, a drag cap, a gouging cap, or a deflector cap, among others. Accordingly, various shield caps may be employed without removal or replacement of the vented retainer. The same vented retainer may be used throughout a variety of plasma arc torch applications.

Abstract: A system for providing a dynamically controlled plasma cutting system includes a plasma cutting system having a proportional valve and a sensing device arrangement and a controller connected to this arrangement. The system is configured to dynamically control gas flow in a plasma torch. The system measures gas pressure at a proportional valve and makes necessary gas pressure adjustments in the system by way of controlling a drive signal sent to the proportional valve to control gas flow.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus performs a specific plasma processing on a target substrate by disposing a first and a second electrode to face each other in a processing chamber, and supplying high-frequency electric power to at least one of the first and the second electrodes to thereby generate a plasma while introducing a processing gas onto the target substrate supported by the second electrode. The electrode for use as the first electrode includes: an electrode plate facing the second electrode; a support for supporting the electrode plate, wherein the support is in contact with a surface of the electrode plate and the surface is opposite to the second electrode; and a dielectric portion, provided on a contact surface of the support with the electrode plate, and having a shape in which a center portion thereof has a height different from that of an edge portion thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically determining a consumable type when a consumable is disposed within an electrode holder of a welding-type system is disclosed. The invention includes a detector assembly that measures a physical characteristic of a connected consumable and provides feedback regarding that which is measured. From the feedback, the operating parameters of a welding-type process may be automatically prescribed.

Abstract: A plasma torch assembly having a quick-connect retaining cup is disclosed. The plasma torch has a torch body constructed to receive an electrode therein. A retaining cup secures the electrode to the torch body by rotating the retaining cup less than approximately 360 degrees relative to the torch body.

Abstract: A plasma torch is provided, comprising a first electrode holder configured to be received by the plasma torch and adapted to cut a thinner workpiece. The first electrode holder is configured to receive a first electrode assembly comprising a holder element having an emissive insert element received therein. A second electrode holder is also configured to be received by the plasma torch and is adapted to cut a thicker workpiece. The second electrode holder is interchangeable with the first electrode holder, with respect to the plasma torch. The second electrode holder is further configured to receive a second electrode assembly comprising a pencil element. The interchangeable first and second electrode holders thereby allow a single plasma torch to cut both the thinner and thicker workpieces. An associated electrode system and an electrode device are also provided.

Abstract: Cutting quality of the product, in particular, hole cutting quality, in plasma arc cutting is improved. A control unit, which controls a plasma cutting apparatus for cutting a product from a plate material by moving a plasma torch at a cutting speed along a cutting path corresponding to the product shape to cut the plate material, while supplying an arc current and a plasma gas to the plasma torch and forming a plasma arc from a nozzle of the plasma torch to the plate material, conducts control so that, when a hole is cut, a cutting speed is lower, a value of the arc current value is smaller, and a plasma gas flow rate or pressure is less than those when a contour is cut.

Abstract: A thermal cutting machine and a cutting method using the same are described, which employ a simple, long-life torch hood for effectively shutting off spatter, the torch hood enabling easy supervision of the cut condition of a workpiece and easy replacement of the consumable parts of the torch. In the thermal cutting machine for cutting a metal by a plasma arc or laser beam generated from the torch, a hood liftable by an actuator is disposed so as to surround the torch and a control unit is provided for giving an instruction to the actuator to lower the hood to a torch-shielding position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating a temperature of a torch consumable is disclosed. The invention includes a shielding cup constructed to be attached to a torch having a coating which indicates a temperature of the shielding cup during a welding/cutting process. Preferably, the coating indicates to a user when the temperature of the torch is beyond a preferred operating range thereby preventing excessive wear of the consumables associated with overheating.

Abstract: A cutting system is disclosed for a plasma cutting torch movable by a driver relative to a work piece along a Z-axis. During cutting, the torch provides an arc voltage proportional to a distance between the torch and the work piece. A height control feedback circuit is connected to the torch and includes sensor circuitry providing an electrical signal proportional to the arc voltage and an analog-to-digital converter for converting the proportional signal to a digital signal. A computer and controller, including controls for selecting a desired height of the plasma torch, receive the digital signal, compare the actual height to the desired height, and actuate the driver to move the torch to within a preset limit of the desired height.

Abstract: A plasma cutting machine is provided in which a dross adhesion inhibitor is jetted from a plasma torch toward the cutting start position (piercing position) of the object material. A dross adhesion inhibitor supply flow path for feeding the dross adhesion inhibitor is connected to an assist gas feeding line in which an assist gas for assisting cutting of the object material with the plasma arc flows.

Abstract: A guide that is used in conjunction with a plasma cutting torch includes a main circular ring having a small circular ring mounted on the outer periphery thereof. The small ring includes a bearing assembly and accommodates the plasma cutting torch. A guide bolt is mounted on the main circular ring and is attached to the workpiece and forms the center of a circular hole that will be cut with the plasma torch. Once the main ring is attached to the workpiece, the plasma torch is attached to the small ring. The torch and rings are then rotated about the bolt with the plasma torch activated to cut a hole that has a radius equal to the radius of the main circular ring plus the radius of the small ring.

Abstract: A metal jet cutting system, which includes a jetting heat, a heater and a power source, is used for modifying a workpiece. The jetting head includes a crucible and an inlet for receiving a feed stock of a conductive material. The heater melts the conductive material in the crucible to provide a conductive fluid, which exits the jetting head via an outlet. The power source, which is in electrical communication with the conductive fluid, increases the temperature of the conductive fluid. The conductive fluid is applied to the workpiece to modify the workpiece.

Abstract: A torch lead extension is provided that comprises a conduit having a distal end and a proximal end. The torch lead extension further comprises a distal connector member disposed at the distal end of the conduit and a proximal connector member disposed at the proximal end of the conduit. The distal connector member is engageable with a torch lead connector member secured to a proximal end of a torch lead. The proximal connector member is engageable with a power supply connector member of a power supply. Generally, the distal connector member and the torch lead connector member comprise a distal quick disconnect, and the proximal connector member and the power supply connector member comprise a proximal quick disconnect. Accordingly, the torch lead extension may be quickly assembled between or disassembled from the torch lead and the power supply.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system including a plasma cutting torch having an output electrode and a plasma cutter starting circuit configured to generate a pilot arc at the output electrode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for a plasma cutting system including a plasma cutting power source and a plasma torch operationally connected to the plasma cutting power source. A processing unit is disposed within the plasma torch and is configured to control the plasma cutting power source during a plasma cutting process based on operational feedback gathered of the plasma cutting process.

Abstract: In the process of plasma dicing in which the semiconductor wafer 6 is divided into individual pieces by plasma, SiO2 layer 42 and the protective layer 43, which are formed covering the active layer 41, are utilized as an etching stop layer for absorbing fluctuation of the etching rate in the first plasma dicing step in which the wafer base layer 40 is etched and cut off. Next, the second plasma dicing step is conducted in which the etching stop layer exposed by the first plasma dicing step is cut off with plasma of the second plasma generating gas capable of etching at a high etching rate, and heat damage is prevented which is caused when the protective sheet 30 is exposed to plasma for a long period of time.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for monitoring the processing of a workpiece that includes directing an incident laser beam onto the workpiece and using an optical detector for measuring a signal emitted from the workpiece as a result of the incident laser beam. The detector generates at least two signals based upon the optical signal. The method also involves use of a light source monitor in determining workpiece processing quality based upon the quotient of the two outputs as well as a magnitude of one of the two quotients.

Abstract: A dual mode plasma arc torch is provided that preferably comprises a start cartridge disposed between an electrode and a tip. In one form, the start cartridge comprises an initiator that is in electrical contact with the electrode and that is resiliently biased into contact with the tip, such that when the plasma arc torch is in a contact start mode, the initiator is movable against the resilient bias to separate from the tip and establish a pilot arc between the initiator and the tip. Further, when the plasma arc torch is in a high frequency start mode, the start cartridge spaces the tip from the electrode such that a pilot arc is established between the electrode and the tip. In other forms, a contact start torch is provided that is operable under high frequency, and conversely, a high frequency start torch is provided that is operable under low voltage.

Abstract: A main arc ignition method capable of extending lives of a plasma electrode and a nozzle. For this purpose, before or immediately after starting arc, a plasma torch is supplied with a plasma gas at least either at a lower flow rate or at lower gas pressure; the plasma gas is switched to a gas flow rate and gas pressure of a time of cutting a work, after pilot arc is ignited between an electrode and a nozzle, or after main arc is ignited between the electrode and the work; and when generation of the main arc between the electrode and the work is detected, a pilot current is interrupted promptly by a semiconductor switch which is interposed in series with a resistance, in a pilot current circuit that is connected to the nozzle and supplies the pilot current to the pilot arc.

Abstract: Not only damage to a nozzle caused by spatter generated during piercing is prevented but also the deterioration of the nozzle owing to a pilot arc is restrained, whereby the service life of the nozzle is significantly increased. To this end, the plasma torch is positioned at an initial level which is the distance between the plasma torch and a steel plate when generating a plasma arc to start piercing operation and which has been set equal to a cutting level which is the distance between the plasma torch and the steel plate when carrying out cutting operation. After generation of the plasma arc, the plasma torch is immediately raised to a piercing level which is more distant from the steel plate W than the initial level and piercing operation is performed at the piercing level. After completion of the piercing operation, the plasma torch is lowered to the cutting level to start cutting operation. Just after transfer from a pilot arc into a main arc, a pilot current is cut off by turning a transistor off.

Abstract: A device for allowing a rotating plasma arc to perform cutting or welding operations inside tubes with small inside diameters by being attached to existing plasma arc power sources where in the speed and axis of rotation of the arc are controlled by the device, and the components of the device in proximity to the plasma arc itself are protected by the ceramic composition of the device and an inert gas shield.

Abstract: Shown is a device and a process for the simultaneous separating and welding of foils or foil tubes (5) where the device comprises at least one welding terminal (2) and an opposing terminal (3), and at least a part of the surface of the opposing terminal (3) turned toward the welding terminal (2) is equipped with a flexible absorbing body (4). It is inventive that the surface of the absorbing body (6) turned toward the welding terminal consists of metal.

Abstract: A device to place an incision into matter with a harmonious plasma cloud. A radiofrequency generator system produces pulsed or continuous electromagnetic waveform which is transmitted by an active transmitter incising electrode tip. This generated electromagnetic wave is utilized to initiate a plasma cloud with processes such as thermal ionization and a photoelectric effect which then trigger an Avalanche Effect for charged atomic particles at the surface of the active transmitter incising electrode tip. This electromagnetic wave is impedance matched, frequency matched, power matched and tuned to the plasma cloud in order to sustain and control a harmonious plasma cloud with reduced atomic particle turbulence and chaos. This harmonious plasma cloud forms a coating over the surface of the active transmitter electrode tip as well as acts to reduce the energy needed from the power amplifier of our plasma cutting device.

Abstract: A metal cutting process employs an apparatus including a cutting machine operable to cut two dimensional profiles in plates. The plates are transported to and from the cutting machine on carriages. The carriages are movable between a cutting, or burn position, an un-loading position, and a loading, or re-loading position along a path. The path forms a closed circuit, or loop. In the burn position the cutting machine is operable to cut profiles in the plates. Cutting on one carriage can occur while another carriage, or other carriages, are being loaded or unloaded, or both. The carriages can be cycled along the path repeatedly. The apparatus can include a de-coiling machine for un-coiling coils of steel sheet, and the process can include uncoiling a steel sheet directly onto one of the carriages. The process can also include cutting a steel sheet in a single piece to form the side of a large structure, such as a rail road car.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a strain relief mechanism for a plasma arc torch. In particular, the invention relates to a strain relief system including a positive axial restraint component for restraining axial movement of a lead relative to a housing and a positive rotational restraint component for restraining rotational movement of the lead relative to the housing, wherein the positive axial restraint component and the positive rotational restraint component are independent components arranged in a spaced relationship relative to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plasma arc cutting process for cutting a metal workpiece, in which a dual-gas-flow torch fitted with an electrode with an emissive insert is used, the said torch delivering a central gas stream and an annular gas stream, the said annular stream being delivered peripherally to the central gas stream, characterized in that the central gas stream contains a hydrogen-nitrogen mixture and the peripheral gas stream contains carbon dioxide. The invention also relates to a unit comprising such a torch.

Abstract: A device to place an incision into matter with a harmonious plasma cloud. A radiofrequency generator system produces pulsed or continuous electromagnetic waveform which is transmitted by an active transmitter incising electrode tip. This generated electromagnetic wave is utilized to initiate a plasma cloud with processes such as thermal ionization and a photoelectric effect which then trigger an Avalanche Effect for charged atomic particles at the surface of the active transmitter incising electrode tip. This electromagnetic wave is impedance matched, frequency matched, power matched and tuned to the plasma cloud in order to sustain and control a harmonious plasma cloud with reduced atomic particle turbulence and chaos. This harmonious plasma cloud forms a coating over the surface of the active transmitter electrode tip as well as acts to reduce the energy needed from the power amplifier of our plasma cutting device.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for oxygen cutting pieces of steel. The cutter and trimmer members (5, 10) are positioned in such a manner that the cutting jet (6) is applied to the top face (1.1) of the piece (1) in a substantially vertical direction, while the trimming jet (12) is applied to the bottom face (1.2) of said piece in an oblique direction that remains pointed towards the outlet point (14) of the cutting jet (6), simultaneous cutting and trimming being performed by moving the cutter and trimmer members (5, 10) horizontally in synchronous manner. A sprayer member (11) is also provided for spraying fluid during the cutting process towards molten particles in order to reduce fume emissions.

Abstract: A metal jet cutting system, which includes a jetting heat, a heater and a power source, is used for modifying a workpiece. The jetting head includes a crucible and an inlet for receiving a feed stock of a conductive material. The heater melts the conductive material in the crucible to provide a conductive fluid, which exits the jetting head via an outlet. The power source, which is in electrical communication with the conductive fluid, increases the temperature of the conductive fluid. The conductive fluid is applied to the workpiece to modify the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for coordinating the idle mode of a plasma cutter with the idle mode of a power supply so as to prevent lock-out of the plasma cutter when the power supply is in an idle operating state. By putting the plasma cutter in a non-lock-out or “sleep” mode, fuel consumption as well as noise generated by the power supply are reduced. Additionally, by placing the plasma cutter in sleep mode, the user need not turn the power switch of the plasma cutter on and off in order to save power. User input to the plasma cutter kicks the power supply out of idle. The power supply will remain at a non-idle, full operating run mode during the cutting process. However, once the cut is complete and the current draw of the plasma cutter is at a level lower than the power supply idle mode, the plasma cutter will return to sleep mode.

Abstract: The invention features a centralized control architecture for a closely-coupled plasma arc system, in which the “intelligence” of the system is integrated into a single controller. The closely-coupled plasma arc system includes a power source, an automatic process controller and a torch-height controller, where each of these components individually has a closed-loop dynamic relationship with the controller.

Abstract: Not only damage to a nozzle caused by spatter generated during piercing is prevented but also the deterioration of the nozzle owing to a pilot arc is restrained, whereby the service life of the nozzle is significantly increased. To this end, the plasma torch is positioned at an initial level which is the distance between the plasma torch and a steel plate when generating a plasma arc to start piercing operation and which has been set equal to a cutting level which is the distance between the plasma torch and the steel plate when carrying out cutting operation. After generation of the plasma arc, the plasma torch is immediately raised to a piercing level which is more distant from the steel plate W than the initial level and piercing operation is performed at the piercing level. After completion of the piercing operation, the plasma torch is lowered to the cutting level to start cutting operation. Just after transfer from a pilot arc into a main arc, a pilot current is cut off by turning a transistor off.

Abstract: A multi-axis machine method and apparatus for the control of the motion of a material processing device is disclosed. The device has supply element and the apparatus has a supply co-ordination element. The motion of the processing device can be co-ordinated with the motion of the apparatus such that the loading or twisting forces on the supply element is substantially reduced. The supply co-ordination element includes an angle drive mechanism and rotator housing assembly. An angle drive mechanism for setting the angle of a processing device, the mechanism includes a linear actuator connected to a rod and the rod is pivotally connected at a first end to the actuator and connected at a second end to a device support, the actuator being connected to the rod such that movement of the actuator causes the rod to move the processing device relative to the device support, in the device support.

Abstract: With reliable application of a necessary amount of dross adhesion inhibitor to a cutting start position of an object material, adhesion and deposition of dross is prevented, improved productivity is attained by reducing the cycle time, and a reduction in the running cost as well as man power and improved reliability are achieved. To this end, a plasma cutting machine has a jetting means for jetting the dross adhesion inhibitor toward the cutting start position (piercing position) of the object material W from a plasma torch used for generating the plasma arc. This jetting means is constructed such that a dross adhesion inhibitor supply flow path for feeding the dross adhesion inhibitor is connected to an assist gas feeding line in which an assist gas for assisting cutting of the object material W carried out with the plasma arc flows after jetted along the plasma arc.

Abstract: A tool-holder head for machines using radiant energy beams, that is suitable in particular for plasma beam cutting machines, includes a vertical sliding saddle to which at least an energy beam source is constrained through an articulated support that secures the position of normal use of the source and allows the source to move according to the vertical axis or to translate according to the working position when transversal or axial forces are applied to the source's terminal part. The tool-holder bead is also equipped with a sensing system of the above-said movings and translations so to be able to operate on the control of the machine with the more suitable proceedings according to the operating condition consequent to the senses.

Abstract: An apparatus for draft control and debris collection in a downdraft metal cutting table includes one or more partitions positioned beneath the work surface of the table which divide the table into a plurality of suction zones, each of which communicate with a suction source. Each suction zone is equipped with a damper positioned to selectively control airflow through the respective suction zone between the suction source and the work surface. Each damper includes a damper flap having a proximate end pivotally connected to the table. Actuators selectively open and close the damper flaps. When the flaps are open, a distal end of each flap extends downwardly from the proximate end. Slidably removable debris collection receptacles are positioned beneath the dampers such that when said dampers are open, debris falling through the work surface is directed into the receptacles by the damper flaps.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for coordinating the idle mode of a plasma cutter with the idle mode of a power supply so as to prevent lock-out of the plasma cutter when the power supply is in an idle operating state. By putting the plasma cutter in a non-lock-out or “sleep” mode, fuel consumption as well as noise generated by the power supply are reduced. Additionally, by placing the plasma cutter in sleep mode, the user need not turn the power switch of the plasma cutter on and off in order to save power. User input to the plasma cutter kicks the power supply out of idle. The power supply will remain at a non-idle, full operating run mode during the cutting process. However, once the cut is complete and the current draw of the plasma cutter is at a level lower than the power supply idle mode, the plasma cutter will return to sleep mode.

Abstract: A metal jet cutting system, which includes a jetting heat, a heater and a power source, is used for modifying a workpiece. The jetting head includes a crucible and an inlet for receiving a feed stock of a conductive material. The heater melts the conductive material in the crucible to provide a conductive fluid, which exits the jetting head via an outlet. The power source, which is in electrical communication with the conductive fluid, increases the temperature of the conductive fluid. The conductive fluid is applied to the workpiece to modify the workpiece.

Abstract: Here is disclosed a plasma generator using microwave wherein a plasma generating chamber is provided with a plurality of wave guide tubes extending in parallel one to another at regular intervals, each of the wave guide tubes being formed with a plurality of coupling ports arranged intermittently in an axial direction of the wave guide tube and dimensioned so that coupling coefficient thereof become gradually higher toward a distal end of the wave guide tube, and a plurality of dielectric windows provided through the plasma generating chamber in association with the respective coupling ports so that microwave electric power radiated through the coupling ports into the plasma generating chamber may be uniformized and thereby plasma of a large area may be generated with high and uniform density.

Abstract: A metal jet cutting system, which includes a jetting heat, a heater and a power source, is used for modifying a workpiece. The jetting head includes a crucible and an inlet for receiving a feed stock of a conductive material. The heater melts the conductive material in the crucible to provide a conductive fluid, which exits the jetting head via an outlet. The power source, which is in electrical communication with the conductive fluid, increases the temperature of the conductive fluid. The conductive fluid is applied to the workpiece to modify the workpiece.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided that control gas flow to a plasma arc torch local to a torch handle. Generally, a plasma arc torch is provided that comprises a gas control device operable with a torch lead and a torch head, and an activation member operable with the gas control device. Accordingly, the activation member activates the gas control device such that gas flow is supplied from the torch lead to the torch head, and the activation member deactivates the gas control device such that the gas flow is terminated. Further, the activation member may comprise a trigger system, a button, or a safety member, among others. Moreover, the gas control device may comprise a gas control valve or a switch that activates a gas control device disposed within a power supply, among others.

Abstract: A thermal cutting machine and a dust collecting method capable of reducing in size and exhausting fumes and a high pressure gas efficiently. For this purpose, the thermal cutting machine includes a plurality of exhaust chambers (20) which are placed side by side inside a table (3), an exhaust port (23) provided at one end side of each of the exhaust chambers, an exhaust device (25) communicating with each of the exhaust ports, an opening and closing drive device (24b) for opening and closing each of the exhaust ports, an air blow port (21) provided at a position substantially opposing each of the exhaust ports, an air blow device (22) which blows air into the each air blow port (21), and a control device (6) for controlling the opening and closing drive device and the air blow device in synchronism with each other, or controlling them individually, correspondingly to a horizontal position of a torch (4) which is under cutting operation.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided that control gas flow to a plasma arc torch local to a torch handle. Generally, a plasma arc torch is provided that comprises a gas control device operable with a torch lead and a torch head, and an activation member operable with the gas control device. Accordingly, the activation member activates the gas control device such that gas flow is supplied from the torch lead to the torch head, and the activation member deactivates the gas control device such that the gas flow is terminated. Further, the activation member may comprise a trigger system, a button, or a safety member, among others. Moreover, the gas control device may comprise a gas control valve or a switch that activates a gas control device disposed within a power supply, among others.

Abstract: A trigger system for operating a plasma arc torch is provided that comprises a selector that operates between at least a first operating position and a second operating position, wherein the first operating position operates the plasma arc torch in a first mode to deliver gas to the plasma arc torch, and the second operating position operates the plasma arc torch in a second mode to deliver the gas and electric power to the plasma arc torch. Further, the selector comprises a neutral position that selects a neutral mode in which delivery of gas and electric power to the plasma arc torch is inhibited. The selector is preferably disposed within a housing of the plasma arc torch and is slidably operable between the first operating position, the second operating position, and the neutral position.

Abstract: A metal jet cutting system, which includes a jetting heat, a heater and a power source, is used for modifying a workpiece. The jetting head includes a crucible and an inlet for receiving a feed stock of a conductive material. The heater melts the conductive material in the crucible to provide a conductive fluid, which exits the jetting head via an outlet. The power source, which is in electrical communication with the conductive fluid, increases the temperature of the conductive fluid. The conductive fluid is applied to the workpiece to modify the workpiece.