Plasma cutting system description and components
The plasma cutting system has at least four primary components and can cut a wide range of metals.
Plasma power supply specifications
The part number and some specifications differ for each type of plasma power supply.
Gas connect console specifications
The part number and some specifications differ for each type of gas connect console.
TorchConnect™ console specifications
There is one TorchConnect™ console for all XPR® system configurations. Use these dimensions for console mounting or placement.
Torch specifications
The dimensions and weight differ for each type of torch and torch sleeve. But the general specifications are the same for all torch configurations.
Safety and EMC symbols and marks
You can see different safety and EMC symbols and marks on your system. Each image identifies a specific regional certification.
IEC symbols
You can see different IEC symbols on the system. Each image has a specific meaning in the context of operating a plasma cutting system.
Operator qualifications
A person is considered qualified to operate the cutting system if he or she is trained and knowledgeable about cutting system equipment construction, operation, and work methods, and about how to recognize and avoid hazards that can be present with certain cutting system equipment or work methods.
Qualifications of service personnel
It can be hazardous to do service and maintenance on industrial cutting systems and equipment.
Process-gas requirements for all gas connect consoles
You must supply the process gases for your cutting system.
Shield-water requirements (VWI and OptiMix)
If you use water as a shield fluid, use the following water pressure requirements, flow requirements, and water-purity guidelines.
Torque specifications for gas or water plumbing and hose connections
For the best results, use the recommended torque specifications for plumbing and hose fittings.
Coolant requirements
Add the correct type and amount of coolant before you operate the plasma cutting system.
Torch mounting bracket requirements
Make sure to use a torch mounting bracket that obeys the requirements for XPR® torches.
Torch lifter requirements
Use a torch lifter that has the correct weight capacity for XPR® torches.
CNC requirements for plasma cutting systems
There are specific Computer Numerical Control (CNC) features that are necessary for integration with plasma cutting systems.
Recommended grounding and shielding
It is important to use grounding and shielding best practices when you set up a plasma cutting system. This can minimize problems related to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), or electrical noise.
Installation checklist
This checklist summarizes major installation steps. You can use it to record their completion. For full information, refer to auc1699974626495.html.
Installation steps
Use this information to install the different system components.
Communication methods for XPR® cutting systems
There are multiple communication methods to fully operate the plasma cutting system.
Requirements for EtherCAT®
This information prepares you to connect the plasma power supply to the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) with EtherCAT® cables.
Requirements for serial RS-422
This information prepares you to connect the plasma power supply to the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) with serial RS-422 cables.
Requirements for discrete
This information prepares you to connect the plasma power supply to the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) with discrete cables.
VDC3 PCB installation for AVC with RS-422 and discrete-only connections (if applicable)
The VDC3 Printed Circuit Board (PCB) installation instructions are for Arc Voltage Control (AVC) with serial RS-422 and discrete-only connections.
Requirements for the XPR web interface
You can connect to the XPR® web interface through Wi-Fi® with Access Point (AP) mode or through a direct connection with Ethernet Local Area Network
(LAN).
Requirements for Ethernet LAN (wired)
Before you use an Ethernet Local Area Network
(LAN) interface to connect to the XPR® cutting system, review this information. This information prepares you to use an Ethernet LAN interface.
Requirements for manual-set mode
This information prepares you to use EtherCAT®, serial RS-422, Ethernet Local Area Network
(LAN), or the XPR® web interface through Wi-Fi® or Ethernet LAN to enable or disable manual-set mode
Change the device that has control
Use these steps to make sure that the correct device has control of the plasma power supply.
Use ohmic contact sense
You can use internal or external ohmic contact sense. No action is necessary for internal ohmic contact sense. To use external ohmic contact sense, make the following modification to the ohmic wiring inside of the TorchConnect™ console.
Install a remote on-off switch
As an alternative to using the main power source, do these steps to install your own remote on-off switch so that you can control power to the gas connect console, TorchConnect™ console, and other parts.
Install a redundant remote on-off switch
Do these steps if you want to use the redundant remote on-off switch.
Overview of cutting system coolant
The cutting system ships without coolant in the reservoir. Before you operate the cutting system, you must fill it with coolant.
Fill the cutting system with coolant
Use the correct amount and type of coolant mixture to help prevent damage to the cutting system.
CNC controls and display
A Computer Numerical Control (CNC) controls cutting system operation.
Wireless device controls
You can use a wireless device to set up and monitor the plasma cutting system.
Power-indicator LEDs
An Light Emitting Diode (LED) illuminates to show the power status on the plasma power supply and on other system components.
Sequence of operation
A set of flowchart images shows the sequence of operation for the plasma cutting system.
Process selection
All of the cutting processes have a process ID that is a unique identification number. Each process ID aligns with a set of preprogrammed values in the cut chart database in the plasma power supply control Printed Circuit Board (PCB).
Cut charts
A cut chart contains parameters that are necessary to get optimal results for your cutting process with special materials and thicknesses.
Torch consumables
The plasma cutting system uses the same consumable parts for perpendicular-position processes (90° angle) and bevel-cutting processes.
Example configurations for consumables
Consumables that are worn or have damage can have a bad effect on cut quality.
Recommendations for maximum consumable life
Consumables are the parts of the torch that wear as they are used. Consumables that are near end-of-life can have a bad effect on cut quality and performance.
Arc Response Technology
Arc Response
Technology™ lets the plasma cutting system adapt to problems at the torch that can cause decreased consumable life or possible torch damage.
Overview of cutting system maintenance
Hypertherm® cutting systems can operate in harsh conditions for many years. For satisfactory cutting system performance, decreased operation costs, and longer cutting system life, it is important to do all maintenance procedures on schedule.
Remove the power from the cutting system
It is necessary to remove the power from the cutting system for many procedures.
Cleaning and inspection schedule for preventive maintenance
The cleaning and inspection schedule for plasma cutting systems shows the intervals of preventive maintenance tasks.
Coolant maintenance
If the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) alerts you that the coolant level is low, remove the power from the cutting system and refill the coolant reservoir immediately.
Safety considerations for troubleshooting
Before you start troubleshooting for a problem, make sure to read, understand, and comply with all of the safety instructions.
Initial inspection steps
Some conditions do not give a diagnostic code. For example, there are no diagnostic codes (and the cutting system does not work) if electric power is removed from the cutting system.
Diagnostic code conventions
It is important to know these abbreviations and categories when you see diagnostic codes on the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) or XPR® web interface.
Diagnostic codes
Use this table to identify a diagnostic code and where to find more troubleshooting information about it.
Cable, hose, and lead parts
Use the following cables, hoses, and leads to connect cutting system components.
Descriptions of warning label icons
This warning label is affixed to some plasma power supplies. It is important that the operator and maintenance technician understand the intent of these warning symbols as described.
Valve states during operation
During each stage of cutting system operation, different valves are active (ON) or inactive (OFF). The type of gas connect console and the type and timing of the active process changes the valves that are active or inactive.
