METHOD INCREASING SERVICE LIFE OF PLASMA GENERATOR USED FOR PLASMA-ARC MACHINING OF MATERIALS Russian patent published in 2001 - IPC

FIELD: welding, design of electric arc plasma generators. SUBSTANCE: current variation coefficient which value is employed to evaluate stability of arcing is changed in process of machining. Short-time shunting of gap " cathode-nozzle-article " indicates growth of current variation coefficient with values of arc current above critical one which characterizes start of destruction of nozzle. Method allows start of destruction of nozzle to be registered in process of plasma-arc machining and rated operational condition of plasma generator to be restored which makes it feasible to avoid complete destruction of nozzle and prolong operational life of plasma generator. EFFECT: prolonged service life of plasma generator. 2 dwg