Importance

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Abstract

In the plasma arc torch of this invention the same gas may be used for generating a plasma and for secondary gas flow for cooling the torch and the workpiece. A torch housing defines a chamber which has an outlet at the end of the housing. The torch also includes an electrode in the chamber near the outlet and means in the chamber for separating the gas flowing towards the outlet of the housing into a primary gas flow adjacent to the electrode for generating a plasma and a secondary gas flow away from the electrode for cooling the torch and the workpiece. In the preferred embodiment, air may be used for both the plasma forming gas and the secondary gas and the electrode has a halfnium insert. The torch has a torch tip adjacent to the electrode and the torch may be started without a pilot arc by touching the workpiece with the torch tip. No standoff between the electrode and the workpiece needs to be maintained and the torch operator simply drags the torch tip on the workpiece resulting in a more accurate cut or weld.

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First Claim