A torch having an adjustable length. The torch may include a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The second housing portion may be slidably coupled to the first housing portion. The second housing portion may be configured to slide along a longitudinal direction of the torch to adjust a length of the torch.

A frame for a replaceable, unitary consumables cartridge configured for installation into a plasma arc torch. The frame includes a hollow body adapted to receive a translatable contact start electrode. The body has an internal surface and an external surface and includes: a substantially cylindrical metallic core; an electrically insulative overmolded plastic casing at least substantially surrounding a circumference of a distal end of the substantially cylindrical metallic core; and a set of flow passages fluidly connecting the external surface of the hollow body and the internal surface of the hollow body, the flow passages offset to impart a swirling fluid flow pattern to a plasma gases passing therethrough.

Method for fitting or plugging a first connecting part into a second connecting part of a processing head for thermal material processing, the first connecting part having, on an encircling outer face, and/or the second connecting part having, on an encircling inner face, at least one slot, extending at least around a partial circumference, with a slot width B130, B230 and a slot depth T130, T230, T112, T120, which receives an O-ring or profile ring, extending around the entire circumference, with a cord size Sa, wherein, when the first connecting part is fitted or plugged into the second connecting part, the O-ring or profile ring is initially in contact with the opposite inner face or opposite outer face only around a partial circumference, which extends along the slot, or around a plurality of partial circumferences, which extend along the slot, and connecting parts and arrangements made up thereof.

In some aspects, torch receptacles for coupling a plasma arc torch to a torch lead can include: a body having a first end to connect to the torch lead and a second end to connect to a torch body; a set of ports within the first end to fluidly connect to a set of fluid conduits within the torch lead; and a multiway valve within the body and fluidly connected to the set of ports and to a torch gas conduit formed in the second end, the multiway valve being configured to: i) manipulate a flow of fluids between the first end and the second end to select from primary gases entering the set of ports, ii) deliver a selected primary gas to the torch body through the torch gas conduit, and iii) fluidly connect the torch gas conduit to a gas supply manifold of the plasma cutting system.

A plasma generator capable of detecting whether a connector of a head is electrically connected to a power cable. When the connector of the plasma head is electrically connected to the cable harness, a signal current flows in a path from the controller to the ground via a photocoupler, a relay, a cable, a terminal, another terminal, and a first ground cable in response to a pulse signal outputted from the controller. Accordingly, the plasma generator is able to detect whether the connector of the head is electrically connected to the first power cable and the second power cable, based on whether the photocoupler detects a signal current.

A center pipe is used in a plasma torch including a base portion and an electrode to supply cooling water into the electrode. The center pipe includes a pipe body and a contact piece. The pipe body has a tube-like shape with a cooling water channel therein. The pipe body is electrically conductive and configured to be electrically connected to an external power source via the base portion. The contact piece is arranged radially outside the pipe body at an intermediate position between a base end surface and a tip end surface of the pipe body. The contact piece is electrically conductive and energizes the electrode through contact with an internal circumferential surface of the electrode. The base end surface is disposed outside the electrode when the center pipe is inserted into the electrode. The pipe body is configured to be electrically connected to the electrode via the contact piece.

Provided herein is a quick disconnect torch handle for use in a plasma arc system. In one approach, the plasma arc system includes a lead having a first end connected to a power source and a second end connected to a torch handle. The quick disconnect is located at a proximal end of the torch handle, and may include at least one signal connection, a pilot connection, a fluid connection, and a main power connection. The fluid and power connection may be formed by a connection between a main power socket and a conductive conduit. Specifically, the main power socket includes a conductive spring and an O-ring encircling an interior bore thereof. Removal of the conductive conduit from the main power socket causes the fluid connection to break between the O-ring and the conductive conduit, and then the power connection to break between the conductive spring and the conductive conduit.

A plasma arc torch comprises an electrode, a tip, and a shape memory alloy (SMA) starter. The electrode and the tip that are aligned concentrically with a gap therebetween. The electrode is adapted for electrical connection to a cathodic side of a power supply and the tip is adapted for electrical connection to an anodic side of the power supply during piloting. The SMA starter comprises a SMA starter element disposed between the electrode and the tip and is configured deform when heated. A deformation of the SMA starter element draws a pilot arc that extends at least partially through the gap between the electrode and the tip.

In some aspects, a plasma torch head for a plasma arc torch can include ports disposed within a base portion that are configured to receive fluids and electrical signals from a plasma torch lead via a plasma torch receptacle, the ports being shaped to align the torch head and the plasma torch receptacle during connection and including: a central coolant supply port to convey a liquid coolant to the torch head, the central coolant supply port extending a length to primarily align the plasma torch head with the torch receptacle, the central coolant supply port further including a flat surface shaped to secondarily align the torch head with the torch receptacle upon mating engagement, and an ohmic contact connector defining a tertiary alignment feature; and a connector disposed about the base portion shaped to engage with and couple to the torch receptacle.

A practical plasma processing machine is provided, in which attachment mechanism is provided for attaching plasma head to attachment section of a head moving device that moves the plasma head. Since the plasma head can be attached or detached, for example, it is easy to exchange it with a different type of plasma head, remove for maintenance, attaching after maintenance, or the like.