AIR COOLED PLASMA TORCH AND COMPONENTS THEREOF

摘要

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an air cooled, retract-start plasma cutting torch having improved performance. The torch comprises any one, or a combination of an improved nozzle, electrode, shield cap and swirl ring, where these components have improved geometries and physical properties which optimize plasma jet performance during cutting.

主权项

1. A swirl ring for an air cooled plasma cutting torch, said ring comprising:
an upstream portion having an outer surface and an inner cavity, and a downstream portion having an outer surface and an inner cavity, wherein said outer surface of said upstream portion has an outer diameter which is larger than an outer diameter of said outer surface of said downstream portion; wherein said upstream portion has a plurality of channels formed in said outer surface of said upstream portion which extend along a length of said upstream portion; and wherein said downstream portion has a plurality of holes which extend from said outer surface of said downstream portion to said inner cavity of said downstream portion, where said plurality of holes are comprised of a first type of said holes, each of which having a centerline which extends through the centerline of said downstream portion such that the centerline of said first types of holes are normal to the centerline of the downstream portion, and a second type of holes which, each of having a centerline which is angled relative to said centerline of said downstream portion.