A method for using a plasma torch includes delivering a plasma gas through a plasma gas flow channel of a plasma torch while ionizing the plasma gas to produce a plasma arc that extends between the electrode and the workpiece. Additionally, shield fluid is delivered through a shield flow channel at a first pressure. A piercing operation to produce a pierce hole in the workpiece using the plasma arc is initiated while the shield fluid is delivered through the shield flow channel at the first pressure. After conducting the piercing operation for an amount of time, the shield fluid is delivered to the shield flow channel at a second pressure that is higher than the first pressure. Subsequent to the piercing operation, performing a cutting operation that forms a cut in the workpiece that originates at and extends away from a boundary of the pierce hole.

A cartridge for an air-cooled plasma arc torch is provided. The cartridge includes a swirl ring having a molded thermoplastic elongated body with a distal end, a proximal end, and a hollow portion configured to receive an electrode. The swirl ring also has a plurality of gas flow openings defined by the distal end of the elongated body and configured to impart a swirling motion to a plasma gas flow for the plasma arc torch. The swirl ring further includes a nozzle retention feature on a surface of the elongated body at the distal end for retaining a nozzle to the elongated body. The cartridge further includes a cap affixed to the proximal end of the elongated body of the swirl ring for substantially closing the proximal end of the elongated body.

A jacketed consumable cartridge is provided for a liquid cooled plasma arc torch. The jacketed consumable cartridge comprises an electrode, a swirl ring securely affixed to and disposed circumferentially about a distal end of the electrode, and a nozzle securely affixed to the swirl ring, the nozzle disposed circumferentially about the distal end of the electrode with a portion of the swirl ring located therebetween. The cartridge also comprises a cartridge jacket securely affixed to and disposed circumferentially about a distal end of the nozzle and a shield securely affixed to and disposed circumferentially about a distal end of the cartridge jacket. A proximal end of the cartridge jacket is adapted to extend (i) axially past a proximal end of the shield and (ii) radially beyond a radial extent of the shield.

In the case of the nozzle protection cap (7) according to the invention for a plasma arc torch (1), is arranged and fastened at the outside on the tip of the plasma arc torch (1), at which a plasma jet emerges from the plasma arc torch (1) through nozzle-like openings (4a, 7a). The nozzle protection cap (7) is produced from an iron alloy including sulfur in a fraction of at least 0.05%.

A two-step method is provided for the immobilization of a biomolecule through a linking molecule on a sample surface of a substrate by generating and maintaining a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma at a temperature between room temperature and 60° C. The preferred plasma temperature is room temperature. The method comprises of a first step and second step, which are sequentially carried out. In the first step of the method, the linking molecule is deposited onto the sample surface through exposing the sample surface to a first plasma jet and the linking molecule, generating a linking layer onto the sample surface. In a second sequential step of the method, the biomolecule is deposited onto the linking layer through exposing the linking layer to a second plasma jet and the biomolecule.

The invention relates to a plasma torch, in particular plasma cutting torch, in which at least one secondary medium is guided by at least one secondary feeder through a housing of the plasma torch to a nozzle protection cap opening and/or to further openings that are provided in a nozzle protection cap. In the at least one feeder, at least one valve for opening and closing the feeder is provided directly within the housing of the plasma torch, and wherein the at least one secondary feeder is divided into at least two parallel feeders through which the at least one media flows in the direction of the nozzle protection cap opening or the further openings, and at least two valves, which are each individually activatable, for opening and closing the at least two parallel feeders are provided within the housing.

A gas nozzle for the outflow of a protective/shielding gas stream from a gas outlet of the gas nozzle having a gas distributor/diffuser section has a double-walled configuration at least in a partial area of the gas distributor/diffuser section in order to create a flow space for the protective/shielding gas stream. The invention also relates to a torch neck and to a method for thermally joining at least one workpiece, in particular for arc joining, preferably for arc welding or arc brazing/soldering, with an electrode which is arranged in the torch neck or with a wire for producing an arc between the electrode or the wire and the workpiece, and having a gas nozzle for the outflow of a protective/shielding gas stream from a gas outlet.

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.

The invention relates to a plasma torch, in particular plasma cutting torch, in which at least one secondary medium is guided by at least one feeder through a housing of the plasma torch to a nozzle protection cap opening and/or to further openings that are provided in a nozzle protection cap. In the at least one feeder, at least one valve for opening and closing the feeder is provided directly within the housing of the plasma torch.

The invention features a replaceable cartridge for a plasma arc torch. The cartridge includes a cartridge body having a first section and a second section. The first and second sections are joined at an interface to form a substantially hollow chamber. The interface provides a coupling force that secures the first and second sections together. The cartridge also includes an arc constricting member located in the second section; an electrode included within the substantially hollow chamber; and a contact start spring element affixed to the electrode. The spring element imparts a separating force that biases the electrode toward at least one of the first section or the second section of the body. The separating force has a magnitude that is less than a magnitude of the coupling force.