Abstract: A plasma arc torch is provided that includes a torch body and a torch height controller. The torch height controller includes a movable part mounted to the torch body and a fixed part connected to a robotic arm. The movable part and the torch body are biased toward a workpiece and are translational relative to the fixed part.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch is provided that includes a tip having an improved life. The tip defines a first set of fluid passageways, a second set of fluid passageways and an internal cavity in fluid communication with the first and second fluid passageways. The internal cavity includes a base portion disposed proximate and surrounding a central orifice of the tip. A first set of fluid passageways allow for entry of a cooling fluid into the tip and a second set of fluid passageways allow for exit of the cooling fluid from the tip.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch is provided that includes a tip having an improved life. The tip defines a first set of fluid passageways, a second set of fluid passageways and an internal cavity in fluid communication with the first and second fluid passageways. The internal cavity includes a base portion disposed proximate and surrounding a central orifice of the tip. A first set of fluid passageways allow for entry of a cooling fluid into the tip and a second set of fluid passageways allow for exit of the cooling fluid from the tip.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch is provided that includes a tip having an improved life. The tip defines a first set of fluid passageways, a second set of fluid passageways and an internal cavity in fluid communication with the first and second fluid passageways. The internal cavity includes a base portion disposed proximate and surrounding a central orifice of the tip. A first set of fluid passageways allow for entry of a cooling fluid into the tip and a second set of fluid passageways allow for exit of the cooling fluid from the tip.

Abstract: A method of starting a multi-gas plasma arc torch for cutting a workpiece is provided that includes directing a pre-flow gas within the plasma arc torch and switching the pre-flow gas to a plasma gas before a pilot arc is transferred to the workpiece. The plasma gas is supplied initially at a first gas pressure when the pre-flow gas is switched to the plasma gas. The gas pressure is switched to a second gas pressure that is different than the first gas pressure after the pilot arc is transferred. The method provides a smooth transition from the pre-flow gas to the plasma gas and reduces the time delay in replacing the pre-flow gas with the plasma gas in the plasma arc torch, thereby improving cut or marking quality.

Abstract: A method of starting a plasma arc torch is provided that includes directing a pre-flow gas and a start shield gas through the plasma arc torch during generation and transfer of a plasma arc, and switching from the pre-flow gas to a plasma gas, and switching from the start shield gas to a primary shield gas after transfer of the plasma arc to a workpiece. A method of stopping a plasma arc torch is also provided that includes directing a plasma gas and a primary shield gas through the plasma arc torch during steady-state operation, and switching from the primary shield gas to a stop shield gas during ramp down of an operating current.

Abstract: A method of starting a plasma arc torch is provided that includes directing a pre-flow gas and a start shield gas through the plasma arc torch during generation and transfer of a plasma arc, and switching from the pre-flow gas to a plasma gas, and switching from the start shield gas to a primary shield gas after transfer of the plasma arc to a workpiece. A method of stopping a plasma arc torch is also provided that includes directing a plasma gas and a primary shield gas through the plasma arc torch during steady-state operation, and switching from the primary shield gas to a stop shield gas during ramp down of an operating current.

Abstract: A method of starting a multi-gas plasma arc torch for cutting a workpiece is provided that includes directing a pre-flow gas within the plasma arc torch and switching the pre-flow gas to a plasma gas before a pilot arc is transferred to the workpiece. The plasma gas is supplied initially at a first gas pressure when the pre-flow gas is switched to the plasma gas. The gas pressure is switched to a second gas pressure that is different than the first gas pressure after the pilot arc is transferred. The method provides a smooth transition from the pre-flow gas to the plasma gas and reduces the time delay in replacing the pre-flow gas with the plasma gas in the plasma arc torch, thereby improving cut or marking quality.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch is provided that includes a tip having an improved life. The tip defines a first set of fluid passageways, a second set of fluid passageways and an internal cavity in fluid communication with the first and second fluid passageways. The internal cavity includes a base portion disposed proximate and surrounding a central orifice of the tip. A first set of fluid passageways allow for entry of a cooling fluid into the tip and a second set of fluid passageways allow for exit of the cooling fluid from the tip.

Abstract: The present invention is a nozzle for an injection molding runner system where parts of the nozzle, and in particular the nozzle tip are made from a nanocrystalline material. Nanocrystalline materials used include nanocrystalline copper and nanocrystalline nickel, which have high thermal conductivity and increased material strength. A conventional form of the metal is worked till its grains are reduced in size to less than 100 nm to achieve the desired properties.

Abstract: The present invention is a nozzle for an injection molding runner system where parts of the nozzle, and in particular the nozzle tip are made from a nanocrystalline material. Nanocrystalline materials used include nanocrystalline copper and nanocrystalline nickel, which have high thermal conductivity and increased material strength. A conventional form of the metal is worked till its grains are reduced in size to less than 100 nm to achieve the desired properties.

Abstract: A valve bushing for an injection molding apparatus and method of use is disclosed. This includes an actuator, a manifold having an internal channel for the flow of melted resin, a valve stem, having a longitudinal axis, and is operatively connected to the actuator and movable within at least a portion of the internal channel of the manifold, and a valve bushing that at least partially encircles the valve stem along the longitudinal axis, wherein the valve bushing includes a projecting member so that when pressure is applied to a bottom portion of the valve bushing, that deflection of the valve bushing occurs along the longitudinal axis of the valve stem, which is then translated into radial constriction by the projecting member of the valve bushing to reduce leakage.

Abstract: A plug for use with a residual hole of a passageway in a hot runner system manifold may include an external surface for sealing with the residual hole, wherein a portion of the external surface is in direct contact with the resin in the passageway, a cavity having an internal surface that does not contact the resin, and a sensor secured to the internal surface using chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, plasma spray, or an adhesive. An ejector pin may include a sensor secured to the sidewall using chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, plasma spray, or an adhesive. A mold may include two inserts each an external surface and an internal surface defining a mold cavity. A sensing element may be secured to the external surface the first or second mold inserts wherein the sensing element does not contact the internal surface of the mold cavity.

Abstract: The present invention is a nozzle for an injection molding runner system where parts of the nozzle, and in particular the nozzle tip are made from a nanocrystalline material. Nanocrystalline materials used include nanocrystalline copper and nanocrystalline nickel, which have high thermal conductivity and increased material strength. A conventional form of the metal is worked till its grains are reduced in size to less than 100 nm to achieve the desired properties.