MULTI-COMPONENT ELECTRODE FOR A PLASMA CUTTING TORCH AND TORCH INCLUDING THE SAME

摘要

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a plasma arc cutting torch and an electrode assembly used in the torch. The electrode assembly includes a high thermionic emissive insert and a high thermally conductive wrap which covers at least a portion of the insert. The wrap aids in cooling the insert during operation and improves the operational life of the electrode.

主权项

1. A cutting electrode assembly, comprising:
an electrode body having a cooling cavity and a second cavity positioned at a distal end of the electrode body; a thermally conductive shell inserted into said second cavity, where said thermally conductive shell has an outer wall surface and a shell cavity with an opening at a distal end of said thermally conductive shell; and a thermionic emissive insert positioned in said shell cavity such that at least a distal end surface of said thermionic emissive insert is not enclosed, wherein said thermally conductive shell has a thermal conductivity of at least 700 W/mK at 20° C., and wherein said thermally conductive shell has a higher thermal conductivity than silver throughout a temperature range of 100 to 1,600° C.