[Beefy]

Hi All,

does anyone actually monitor air flow while there plasma torch is cutting. The cutting charts for the Hypertherm Duramx torch give air flow in their cutting charts.

This actually makes sense to me because it really is the amount of air flowing through the nozzle which is of importance. You could have the correct pressure and zero air flow theoretically speaking.

Poor quality cuts can also be as a result of a "lazy flame" due to insufficient air flow (I'm not going to say air pressure) so it would be reassuring to know this parameter is correct.

Does anyone know a low cost means of measuring up to 500 SCFH (235 SLPM) at typical compressed air pressures of up to 120 psi.

Thanks, Keith.

[mcphill]

SO many people don't understand that pressure and flow are two independent measurements. Congratulations on making the smart insight that measuring flow is exactly what you need to do!

eBay is your friend on this one. New meters in that flow range can top $1000 each. Here is one listed for under $10!

2) DWYER AIR FLOWMETER FLOW METER SCFH 0-600 RMB-57-SSV | eBay

[Beefy]

Thanks very much for that Mcphill, and the compliment is appreciated too.

Keith.

[CNCCajun]

http://www.bluwhite.com/Products/Var...TECH_F-550.pdf

These guys seem to be affordable . . .

Steve

[jimcolt]

While Hypertherm's high end systems (some) monitor gas flow very accurately....the air plasma systems all monitor air pressure upstream of the torch. Assuming you are using the correct nozzle (as recommended by the manufacturer) for a given amperage and material thickness....the the air pressure setting in the Hypertherm systems is extremely accurate, assuming there are no leaks or restrictions in the torch or leads. With a known orifice size (plasma nozzle orifice) , pressure is a good way to maintain proper flow.

The newest Hypertherm systems, Powermax65 and 85, the airflow regulator is pilot operated and has a closed loop circuit tied into the control board with a pressure transducer. The board knws what pressure to adjust to based on the amperage setting (and torch lead length/nozzle orice size) to maintain proper air flow by ensuring the internal pressure is correct.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

Hi All,

does anyone actually monitor air flow while there plasma torch is cutting. The cutting charts for the Hypertherm Duramx torch give air flow in their cutting charts.

This actually makes sense to me because it really is the amount of air flowing through the nozzle which is of importance. You could have the correct pressure and zero air flow theoretically speaking.

Poor quality cuts can also be as a result of a "lazy flame" due to insufficient air flow (I'm not going to say air pressure) so it would be reassuring to know this parameter is correct.

Does anyone know a low cost means of measuring up to 500 SCFH (235 SLPM) at typical compressed air pressures of up to 120 psi.

Thanks, Keith.