APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMPROVED ASSEMBLY CONCENTRICITY IN A PLASMA ARC TORCH

摘要

Disclosed is a method and structure for improving alignment of a plasma arc with an axial centerline of a plasma arc torch. At least one of an electrode and nozzle are mounted in respective bores of a cathode block and torch body using a radial spring element. By concentrically machining the bores along a n axial centerline of the torch and centering the consumable components within the bores using the spring elements, an insert disposed in a tip of the electrode is axially aligned with an orifice formed in a tip of the nozzle. Asymmetric wear of the nozzle orifice due to a skewed arc path is markedly reduced or eliminated. The torch may be employed in computer controlled cutting and marking systems to produce components or workpieces with reduced dimensional and angular errors.