Expanded Metal Question

[Buggy Chief]

I have a PP205 and just cut some expanded metal with my plasma cutter. Question is why does arc not stay continuous and has to restart every time it sees metal. What a P.I.T.A...

Any help is appreciated here. Thanks

[Rambozo]

Different machines have different arc transfer sensing. Some can do expanded metal while others struggle. An easy fix is to use some scrap sheet metal backing behind your cut. Sometimes you can even use some folded up aluminum foil.

[GWD]

If the machine does not have a "pilot arc" then you are screwed with expanded metal.

Most of the Power Plasma machines have the pilot arc. I cut expanded metal often and easily. It doesn't help your situation, I know.

[performance]

The pilot arc should start the arc with this unit currently but will not transfer back on. I haven't tested the machine myself, but I know this is something we are working on changing around. It is meant to save the tip. Some of the newer models will relight if the trigger is held and it takes place in a fraction of the second but the arc restarts completely. We are making some changes for 2015 all the way around on that and other things with the plasmas. I think 2015 is bringing us the best plasmas yet. The multi process machines with the plasma are somewhat of a compromise as we can't offer all the features of the regular plasmas due to space limitations.