Hypertherm Copper Plus Electrodes

[benval76]

Has anyone had the opportunity to try out the new Hypertherm Copper Plus electrodes yet? They are claimed to have double life over the standard electrodes. I just got a new package of them in, but haven't had the chance to use them yet. Just curious if anyone else had.

[jimcolt]

They work best at all amperages, but when cutting thinner than 1/2". When you cut thicker than 1/2" the arc voltage gets too high....and the life is essentially the same as the standard electrodes. They definitely provide longer life, lower cut costs.

Jim Colt

[abmagrum]

Hey,Jim

What is the difference between the copper plus and the fine cut tip?

Is the fine cut good for 18 to 10 gauge?

Thanks
Al

[mdwalker]

I think you are getting the nozzle and electrode confused. The copper plus is an electrode and the fine cut is a nozzle.

Hey,Jim

What is the difference between the copper plus and the fine cut tip?

Is the fine cut good for 18 to 10 gauge?

Thanks
Al

[abmagrum]

Mdwalker,

You are right . I am confused.

I am running a 45 amp electrode on a duramax machine tip/gun

what do I need to run the fine tips?

Or better yet what will give the best cut on like 20-12 gauge.

just learning

Thanks
Al

[jimcolt]

First.....if you look in the Hypertherm operators manuals there are no parts called a "tip". Other manufactures sometimes call a nozzle a tip, still others call an electrode a tip, others call a shield a tip. For less confusion....Hypertherm has chosen to call each torch part by the engineering function name.

Hypertherm torches have:

Nozzle....used to shape the plasma arc.
Electrode....used to supply the cutting power to the process
Swirl ring.....controls gas flow and swirl for consumable life and cut quality
Shield......acts as a double insulator to make the nozzle last longer....on newer systems also increases arc energy density for squarere, cleaner cuts


So....the Copper Plus denotes a new design electrode that was developed and patented by Hypertherm. This electrode can be used with any of the sets of consumables (Fine Cut, 45 amp, 65 amp, 85 amp and 105 amps consumables). The Copper Plus electrode uses a unique design that actually feeds the center emitter (which is made of the earth element, hafnium) out as it wears....increasing the electrode life by up to 50%.

The FineCut consumables are a set of consumables that are designed to cut materials thinner than 10 gauge with cleaner squarer edges at slower cut speeds. These Fine cut consumables are designed to work on thin stainless and carbon steels (there are no cut charts for aluminum for these consumables)....and provide a slightly narrower kerf as compared to the shielded 45 amp consumables.....but typically a slightly shorter life.

Hope this clears it up a bit!


Jim Colt Hypertherm

Hey,Jim

What is the difference between the copper plus and the fine cut tip?

Is the fine cut good for 18 to 10 gauge?

Thanks
Al

[drakus]

Jim, according to the hypertherm website, it says that this electrode is on good for 65 + machines & the new duramax torches. I haven't seen or didn't see one for the PM45 on the website. Can you point me into the right direction or give me some extra details?

I run a PM45 currently and plan on upgrading to PM65, but that will not be for a while.

Thanks

Ted

[jimcolt]

The copper plus electrode fits the Duramax torches....as used on the Powermax65, 85 and 105. The Duramax torch is also available as an upgrade torch for he older Powermax600, 800, 900, 1000, 1250 and 1650 systems. The Duramax torch is not currently available for the Powermax45. So...to answer the question....no the Copper Plus electrode is not available for the Powermax45.


Jim Colt

Jim, according to the hypertherm website, it says that this electrode is on good for 65 + machines & the new duramax torches. I haven't seen or didn't see one for the PM45 on the website. Can you point me into the right direction or give me some extra details?

I run a PM45 currently and plan on upgrading to PM65, but that will not be for a while.

Thanks

Ted

[drakus]

Thank you for clarifying Jim.

Ted