Abstract: A method for using a plasma torch includes delivering a plasma gas through a plasma gas flow channel of a plasma torch while ionizing the plasma gas to produce a plasma arc that extends between the electrode and the workpiece. Additionally, shield fluid is delivered through a shield flow channel at a first pressure. A piercing operation to produce a pierce hole in the workpiece using the plasma arc is initiated while the shield fluid is delivered through the shield flow channel at the first pressure. After conducting the piercing operation for an amount of time, the shield fluid is delivered to the shield flow channel at a second pressure that is higher than the first pressure. Subsequent to the piercing operation, performing a cutting operation that forms a cut in the workpiece that originates at and extends away from a boundary of the pierce hole.

Abstract: A cable hose suitable for welding or cutting systems includes one or more conductors and monolithic tubing that extends around and between the one or more conductors. The monolithic tubing defines one or more discrete passageways for the one or more conductors that provide a closed path from a first end of the cable hose to a second end of the cable hose for the one or more conductors. The monolithic tubing also defines an inner conduit configured to allow a gas to flow from the first end of the cable hose to the second end of the cable hose. The cable hose may be formed by arranging the one or more conductors in a specific configuration and overmolding an insulator onto the one or more conductors to secure the one or more conductors in a specific configuration.

Abstract: Methods for forming pierce holes in a metal workpiece are disclosed. According to one implementation, upon a plasma torch be energized, the cutting axis of the torch is rotated repeatedly between first and second angular positions to produce successively deeper pierces in a workpiece until a pierce hole is produced through a thickness of the workpiece. According to other implementations pierce holes are produced by rotating the cutting axis of the plasma torch tip around a designated central axis of the pierce hole in a diametrically reducing manner so that the produced pierce hole has a tapered profile with a cross-sectional area of the pierce hole at a top surface of the workpiece being greater than a cross-sectional area of the pierced hole at a bottom surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a welding or plasma cutting system is provided that includes a torch having a torch body. Located on or in the torch body are one or more status indicators that provide, for example, a status of a process parameter (e.g. current data, pressure data, etc.) and/or of an operating mode of the torches. Control circuitry coupled to the one or more status indicators is configured to activate the one or more status indicators prior to a carrying out of a welding or plasma cutting operation through use of the torch and to deactivate the one or more status indicators during a time when the welding or plasma cutting operation is being carried out by the torch. An associated method of operating the torch includes activating the one or more status indicators prior to a carrying out of a welding or plasma cutting operation by use of the torch, and during a time when the welding or plasma cutting operation is being carried out by use of the torch, deactivating the one or more status indicators.

Abstract: Methods for forming pierce holes in a metal workpiece are disclosed. According to one implementation, upon a plasma torch be energized, the cutting axis of the torch is rotated repeatedly between first and second angular positions to produce successively deeper pierces in a workpiece until a pierce hole is produced through a thickness of the workpiece. According to other implementations pierce holes are produced by rotating the cutting axis of the plasma torch tip around a designated central axis of the pierce hole in a diametrically reducing manner so that the produced pierce hole has a tapered profile with a cross-sectional area of the pierce hole at a top surface of the workpiece being greater than a cross-sectional area of the pierced hole at a bottom surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a welding or plasma cutting system is provided that includes a torch having a torch body. Located on or in the torch body are one or more status indicators that provide, for example, a status of a process parameter (e.g. current data, pressure data, etc.) and/or of an operating mode of the torches. Control circuitry coupled to the one or more status indicators is configured to activate the one or more status indicators prior to a carrying out of a welding or plasma cutting operation through use of the torch and to deactivate the one or more status indicators during a time when the welding or plasma cutting operation is being carried out by the torch. An associated method of operating the torch includes activating the one or more status indicators prior to a carrying out of a welding or plasma cutting operation by use of the torch, and during a time when the welding or plasma cutting operation is being carried out by use of the torch, deactivating the one or more status indicators.

Abstract: Approaches herein provide a plasma arc torch including a tip surrounding an electrode, the electrode having a proximal end and a distal end, and a shield surrounding the tip, the shield including an exit orifice proximate the distal end of the electrode. The torch may further include a linear actuating device coupled to the electrode for actuating the electrode such that the distal end of the electrode moves axially relative to the tip and the exit orifice of the shield. In some approaches, the linear actuating device is operable to actuate the electrode along a central longitudinal axis extending through the tip. In some approaches, the linear actuating device may include one of: a micro linear drive motor, a micro linear stepper motor, a voice coil, a solenoid coil, and a magnetostrictive actuator. In some approaches, the electrode is actuated during a welding or cutting cycle of the torch.

Abstract: A cable hose suitable for welding or cutting systems includes one or more conductors and monolithic tubing that extends around and between the one or more conductors. The monolithic tubing defines one or more discrete passageways for the one or more conductors that provide a closed path from a first end of the cable hose to a second end of the cable hose for the one or more conductors. The monolithic tubing also defines an inner conduit configured to allow a gas to flow from the first end of the cable hose to the second end of the cable hose. The cable hose may be formed by arranging the one or more conductors in a specific configuration and overmolding an insulator onto the one or more conductors to secure the one or more conductors in a specific configuration.

Abstract: Approaches herein provide a plasma arc torch including a tip surrounding an electrode, the electrode having a proximal end and a distal end, and a shield surrounding the tip, the shield including an exit orifice proximate the distal end of the electrode. The torch may further include a linear actuating device coupled to the electrode for actuating the electrode such that the distal end of the electrode moves axially relative to the tip and the exit orifice of the shield. In some approaches, the linear actuating device is operable to actuate the electrode along a central longitudinal axis extending through the tip. In some approaches, the linear actuating device may include one of: a micro linear drive motor, a micro linear stepper motor, a voice coil, a solenoid coil, and a magnetostrictive actuator. In some approaches, the electrode is actuated during a welding or cutting cycle of the torch.