Cost effective cartridge for a plasma arc torch

摘要

A cartridge (100) for an air-cooled plasma arc torch is provided. The cartridge includes a swirl ring (102) having a molded thermoplastic elongated body with a distal end, a proximal end, and a hollow portion configured to receive an electrode. The swirl ring (102) also has a plurality of gas flow openings (136) defined by the distal end of the elongated body and configured to impart a swirling motion to a plasma gas flow for the plasma arc torch. The swirl ring (102) further includes a nozzle retention feature (216) on a surface of the elongated body at the distal end for retaining a nozzle to the elongated body. The cartridge further includes a cap (106) affixed to the proximal end of the elongated body of the swirl ring (102) for substantially closing the proximal end of the elongated body.