Volts to Amps??

[Heavyopp]

I'm wondering why the cut charts are written in volts instead of amps.

I guess it's got something to do with machine torches and the programs used on the cnc.

How do I convert what's written in the cut charts as volts into amps so I have a usable setting on my Powermax 65? I can't dial in volts on the front screen.

Keep in mind I'm using a shielded hand torch if that matters much.

I'm just trying to get ideas as to where to be when cutting certain materials.

Thanks again for any help, Jer

[ccawgc]

With a cutting machine, they use arc volts to control the height of the torch.
The whole chart should be for 1 amp setting. 60, 80, 100 ect.
The chart give arc volts, travel speed, plate thickness, cut in air, under water, on water.
every thing you need to program a cnc to get a good cut on the plate size used.
All a hand cut operator can use is the travel speed for the amps used and plate thickness.
Depending on the plasma, air pressure to the torch.
Most cut charts are based on production speeds and the ability to pierce the plate.

[jimcolt]

If you look at the top of the cut charts for the Powermax65 and 85.....you will see an amperage setting such as: 85A shielded. That means that for every material thickness cut on that page, using the recommended 85Amp shielded consumables...you will set the amperage to 85 amps. Using 85 amp consumables at less than 85 amps will only make for worse cut quality and performance as the energy density will be reduced.

Voltage is on the charts for use on mechanized applications where an arc voltage controlled torch height control system is used. Higher voltage means a longer arc length.....so for higher torch standoff, or for cutting thicker materials...a higher voltage will need to be dialed in on the cnc machines torch height control system. Some torch height controls use a sample and hold system....(PlasmaCam and some industrial height controls use this technology) so the operator sets only a physical height, and the height control adjust the torch to work distance based on this height, while internally monitoring the arc voltage (arc length) to maintain this height during the cut.

So...Amperage is the relative amount of power for cutting...and should be set based on the consumables you are using. Voltage is proportional to arc length....there is no setting in the plasma system that controls arc voltage.

If you are cutting by hand, use the hand cutting shield and drag on the plate...this shield holds the correct distance, which will provide the coreect arc length (voltage).

Hope this helps with the explanation.

Jim Colt Hypertherm




I'm wondering why the cut charts are written in volts instead of amps.

I guess it's got something to do with machine torches and the programs used on the cnc.

How do I convert what's written in the cut charts as volts into amps so I have a usable setting on my Powermax 65? I can't dial in volts on the front screen.

Keep in mind I'm using a shielded hand torch if that matters much.

I'm just trying to get ideas as to where to be when cutting certain materials.

Thanks again for any help, Jer

[Heavyopp]

I thought they where optimized settings for better cuts using the amp control on the plasma but I see it now. The cut charts are for 1 amp setting thru the whole chart. The cut charts really do nothing for the hand torch.

Got it. Thanks for explaining.

Jer

[jimcolt]

That is correct....just set the amperage for the nozzle size you are running....and a little experince with hand cutting will get the best cut quality. You can certainly use lower amperage settings...and you may very well find a setting that works best for you. It is not recommended to go higher than the nozzle amperage rating (65 amps on a 45 amp nozzle will cause extremely short nozzle life!), but lower is fine.

Jim Colt