Cutting thick aluminum + unsquare bevel

CrossFire ®
1

Hi everyone,

I’ve been getting really nice cuts on different thin materials 16Ga and under (aluminum, brass, steel, stainless). See video for test cut coupons after dialing things in nicely.

However, I recently tried cutting 1/8’’ and 1/4’’ aluminum with some challenges.

I’m using a Hypertherm 30XP, finecut consumables with THC. My cut height is 0.030’’ (recommended by Jim Colt for the finecut consumables).

I have several questions I’m hoping to get some opinions on:

  1. It looks like thick aluminum results in a lot of fine/fuzzy dust and dross. Is this normal?

  2. I’m noticing excessive parallel bevel, but only on the X axis sides. Consumables are very new. I’ve noticed that the hand torch has a lot of play specifically in the X axis (pretty rigid in the Y) and I suspect this is causing the problem. What do people do to ensure their torch stays square anytime it’s removed and re-seated?

Pictures/videos attached here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/hkBKf1RubzffeTTX9

Thanks!
Phil

2

It looks like you are moving too slowly. Try another coupon and speed it up by 10 or 15 ipm.
Make sure you don’t have aluminum funk
on your nozzle tip. I use Mig welder tip jelly. It will keep the dreaded funk off the tip. Let the comedian’s comments begin.

4 Likes
3

I started using this stuff. It seems to work well. Not cheap but a little goes a long way.

4 Likes
4

Thanks, I’ll try upping the speed and grab one of these cans.

You just spray it all over the nozzle and shield when it’s attached to your torch?