Abstract: Pressure loss in a feed channel of a powder filler material feed system of a plasma welding apparatus is compensated using an adapter body having a connection for taking shielding gas into the inside of the adapter body, a connection for feeding the powder filler material into the adapter body and therein into the shielding gas flow, and a connection for taking the mixture of the shielding gas and the powder filler material from the adapter body into a feed channel of the welding cable. The adapter body is formed with a channel section which flares in the direction of the shielding gas flow, and the connection for taking the shielding gas into the adapter body incorporates an injector nozzle insert having its discharge end adapted to exit into the start end of the flaring flow channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plasma torch in which the position of the center electrode (1) is adjustable relative to the orifice of the plasma torch (2). The invention is based on a construction in which the center electrode (1) is mounted to the body part (9) of the plasma torch by way of a pivotal ball joint (7, 23), whereby the electrode (1) can be pivotally rotated in said joint (7, 23), thus making it possible to align the electrode tip to the orifice center of the plasma nozzle (2). The spherical element (7) of the pivotal joint is attached to the bearing box (23) with the help of a tightening gland nut (11, 12). The depth of the center electrode (1) can be adjusted by rotating a depth adjustment gland nut (14), which is attached to the spherical element (7) by a threaded joint. Due to its versatile adjustability the function of the plasma torch can be maintained in a stable range, thus significantly contributing to reduced wear and damage of the plasma nozzles.