PM45 Consumables swap

[truebluelew]

I've had my PM45 about 9 months now, and it cuts great. I catch myself swapping out the nozzle and electrode probably more than I need to. I think just looking at the tip of the nozzle and how it gets larger makes me think it's time to change it.
My question is, do you change the electrode every time you change the nozzle? And at what point do most of you change your consumables? When the cut quality starts to suffer? or when they start looking used? I've kept all of the ones I have swapped out, and I have a feeling they have life left in them... Thanks for your advice.

[ccawgc]

Hypertherm wants you to replace the electrode and nozzle at the same time.
But on a practical side, if you damage a nozzle (tip) do to piercing, long arc cutting & ect.
And the hafnium is barely worn. you can get away with just a nozzle change.
I use mine until the cut starts to suffer then change them. your owners manual gives pictures on when electrodes are worn out. Nozzles are easy, when the hole is no longer round and you have to slow down to cut and the kerf gets larger.

[truebluelew]

That makes sense.. I really can't remember when the cut quality started to suffer much. This machine just keeps on plowing through... I thought it might be bad for it to run on consumables that needed replacing. The nozzle is fairly easy to spot when it's ready, but It's still kinda hard to tell when an electrode needs replacing. They all turn a little color after you start using them. I will follow your rule of thumb. Thanks for your advise...

[jimcolt]

The Hypertherm operators manual for the 45 has a page that shows how to inspect the consumables for wear. In 3 years with my Powermax45 on a cnc machine....I have used about 6 nozzles and less than 2 electrodes. The electrodes will (if you have dry air) last much longer than the nozzles...in most cases.

If I have a big cutting job that requires good precision, and it pays well....I will occasionally put a new nozzle and electrode in...just to get the best edge quality.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

[truebluelew]

Thanks for that info Jim... I will probably start using up some of the not so bad nozzles I swapped, as well as the electrodes that really didn't look that bad. I really enjoy using my PM45. Thanks again..