Abstract: Consumables for cutting torches include a distributor, an electrode, and a nozzle. The distributor defines a plurality of ports that extend from an internal cavity of the distributor to an exterior surface of the distributor. The electrode is disposed within and irremovably, fixedly coupled to the distributor. The nozzle defines at least one set of passageways that direct gas into a gap defined between the electrode and the nozzle, the nozzle being irremovably, fixedly coupled to the distributor.

Abstract: Recognizing interchangeable torch components, such as consumables, for welding and cutting torches includes determining that one or more interchangeable torch components installed in an operative end of a torch are genuine. Operational parameters for the one or more interchangeable torch components can also be determined. When the one or more interchangeable torch components are determined to be genuine, an indicator assembly can be activated to provide a first indication. When the operational parameters are implemented at a power supply connected to the torch, the indicator assembly can be activated to provide a second indication.

Abstract: Consumables for cutting torches include a distributor, an electrode, and a nozzle. The distributor defines a plurality of ports that extend from an internal cavity of the distributor to an exterior surface of the distributor. The electrode is disposed within and irremovably, fixedly coupled to the distributor. The nozzle defines at least one set of passageways that direct gas into a gap defined between the electrode and the nozzle, the nozzle being irremovably, fixedly coupled to the distributor.

Abstract: Recognizing interchangeable torch components, such as consumables, for welding and cutting torches includes determining that one or more interchangeable torch components installed in an operative end of a torch are genuine. Operational parameters for the one or more interchangeable torch components can also be determined. When the one or more interchangeable torch components are determined to be genuine, an indicator assembly can be activated to provide a first indication. When the operational parameters are implemented at a power supply connected to the torch, the indicator assembly can be activated to provide a second indication.

Abstract: A torch having first and second housing portions may contain multiple adjustment features such as an adjustable length, an adjustable pivot angle of the second housing portion, and an adjustable rotational angle of the second housing portion. The second housing portion may be both slidably and rotationally coupled to the first housing portion. The second housing portion may be configured to slide along a longitudinal axis of the torch to adjust a length of the torch. The second housing portion may be further configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the torch to adjust the rotational orientation of the second housing portion with respect to the first housing portion. At least a section of the second housing portion may be configured to pivot about a transverse axis with respect to the first housing portion, the transverse axis being transverse to the longitudinal axis of the torch.

Abstract: Consumables for cutting torches include a distributor, an electrode, and a nozzle. The distributor defines a plurality of ports that extend from an internal cavity of the distributor to an exterior surface of the distributor. The electrode is disposed within and irremovably, fixedly coupled to the distributor. The nozzle defines at least one set of passageways that direct gas into a gap defined between the electrode and the nozzle, the nozzle being irremovably, fixedly coupled to the distributor.

Abstract: Recognizing interchangeable torch components, such as consumables, for welding and cutting torches includes determining that one or more interchangeable torch components installed in an operative end of a torch are genuine. Operational parameters for the one or more interchangeable torch components can also be determined. When the one or more interchangeable torch components are determined to be genuine, an indicator assembly can be activated to provide a first indication. When the operational parameters are implemented at a power supply connected to the torch, the indicator assembly can be activated to provide a second indication.

Abstract: Automatically recognizing interchangeable torch components, such as consumables, for welding and cutting torches includes adding one or more passive markings to a surface of an interchangeable torch component. Then, the interchangeable component can be recognized by a torch assembly including a torch body and one or more imaging devices or by a system including the torch assembly and a power supply. The torch body has an operative end configured to removably receive the interchangeable torch component. The one or more imaging devices are positioned to optically acquire an image of or image data representative of the one or more passive markings included on the interchangeable torch components so that a processor can determine if the one or more interchangeable components are genuine.

Abstract: Recognizing interchangeable torch components, such as consumables, for welding and cutting torches includes determining that one or more interchangeable torch components installed in an operative end of a torch are genuine. Operational parameters for the one or more interchangeable torch components can also be determined. When the one or more interchangeable torch components are determined to be genuine, an indicator assembly can be activated to provide a first indication. When the operational parameters are implemented at a power supply connected to the torch, the indicator assembly can be activated to provide a second indication.

Abstract: Automatically recognizing interchangeable torch components, such as consumables, for welding and cutting torches includes adding one or more passive markings to a surface of an interchangeable torch component. Then, the interchangeable component can be recognized by a torch assembly including a torch body and one or more imaging devices or by a system including the torch assembly and a power supply. The torch body has an operative end configured to removably receive the interchangeable torch component. The one or more imaging devices are positioned to optically acquire an image of or image data representative of the one or more passive markings included on the interchangeable torch components so that a processor can determine if the one or more interchangeable components are genuine.

Abstract: An automated plasma cutting system is provided that includes a positioning system mounted to a support, an automated plasma arc torch mounted to the positioning system, and at least one power supply operatively connected to the automated plasma arc torch. The power supply may provide electrical power and fluid flow to the automated plasma arc torch for operation. The system further includes a controller in communication with the automated plasma arc torch and the power supply, and an auxiliary plasma arc torch operatively connected to the power supply, wherein the power supply provides electrical power and fluid flow to both the automated plasma arc torch and the auxiliary plasma arc torch. The automated plasma arc torch may process the workpiece to generate a set of features, while the auxiliary plasma arc torch may process/cut a residual framework of the workpiece remaining after formation of the set of features.

Abstract: An automated plasma cutting system is provided that includes a positioning system mounted to a support, an automated plasma arc torch mounted to the positioning system, and at least one power supply operatively connected to the automated plasma arc torch. The power supply may provide electrical power and fluid flow to the automated plasma arc torch for operation. The system further includes a controller in communication with the automated plasma arc torch and the power supply, and an auxiliary plasma arc torch operatively connected to the power supply, wherein the power supply provides electrical power and fluid flow to both the automated plasma arc torch and the auxiliary plasma arc torch. The automated plasma arc torch may process the workpiece to generate a set of features, while the auxiliary plasma arc torch may process/cut a residual framework of the workpiece remaining after formation of the set of features.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for improved run-in control during a start of a welding process. A power circuit generates welding output power. A control circuit in communication with the power circuit controls the output power. The control circuit receives a selection of a wire feed speed setting representing a wire feed speed. The control circuit receives a selection of a run-in setting representing a run-in percentage of the wire feed speed. The control circuit determines an effective run-in percentage that is equal to the run-in percentage plus an extra percentage.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for improved run-in control during a start of a welding process. A power circuit generates welding output power. A control circuit in communication with the power circuit controls the output power. The control circuit receives a selection of a wire feed speed setting representing a wire feed speed. The control circuit receives a selection of a run-in setting representing a run-in percentage of the wire feed speed. The control circuit determines an effective run-in percentage that is equal to the run-in percentage plus an extra percentage.

Abstract: A dual mode plasma arc torch and methods of operation thereof are provided, wherein the plasma arc torch is operable with both a high frequency power supply and a contact start power supply.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch and method for improving the life of the consumable parts of the plasma are torch, including the electrode, the tip and the shield cap. The method includes turbulating gas as it flows over the exposed surfaces of the electrode, tip and shield cap to increase turbulence in the hydrodynamic boundary layer of the gas flow, thereby enhancing convective heat transfer. The result of enhanced cooling is improved consumable parts life. For example, to increase the turbulence of the gas flow over the outer surface of the electrode, the plasma arc torch electrode has a roughened, or textured outer surface formed with dimples, axially extending grooves or spiraling grooves formed in the outer surface of the electrode. The inner and outer surfaces of the tip and the inner surface of the shield cap are similarly textured.

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: In a plasma arc torch parts distribution network, the present invention provides a method of providing plasma arc torch parts for use in a single plasma arc torch model through a plurality of distribution channels. In one form of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of providing a first set of plasma arc torch parts to a replacement parts distributor, providing a second set of plasma arc torch parts to an original equipment manufacturer, and providing a third set of plasma arc torch parts to a select original equipment manufacturer. The first, second, and third set of plasma arc torch parts are not interchangeable such that the replacement parts distributor, the original equipment manufacturer, and the select original equipment manufacturer maintain separate inventories of plasma arc torch parts.

Abstract: A tip for a plasma arc torch includes a ridge for improved electrical contact with a starting member.