Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Processes
Air Plasma Cutting
Description
AirForce 250ci
™
Hob_Thank 2009−09
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Protect yourself and others from injury — read and follow these precautions.
The symbols shown below are used throughout this manual ELECTRIC SHOCK can kill.
to call attention to and identify possible hazards. When you
see the symbol, watch out, and follow the related instructions Touching live electrical parts can cause fatal shocks
or severe burns. The torch and work circuit are
to avoid the hazard. The safety information given below is
electrically live whenever the output is on. The input
only a summary of the more complete safety information power circuit and machine internal circuits are also
found in the Safety Standards listed in Section 1-5. Read and live when power is on. Plasma arc cutting requires
follow all Safety Standards. higher voltages than welding to start and maintain the arc (200 to 400
volts dc are common), but may also use torches designed with safety
Only qualified persons should install, operate, maintain, and interlock systems which turn off the machine when the shield cup is
repair this unit. loosened or if tip touches electrode inside the nozzle. Incorrectly
installed or improperly grounded equipment is a hazard.
During operation, keep everybody, especially children, away. Do not touch live electrical parts.
Wear dry, hole-free insulating gloves and body protection.
CUTTING can cause fire or explosion. Insulate yourself from work and ground using dry insulating mats or
covers big enough to prevent any physical contact with the work or
Hot metal and sparks blow out from the cutting arc. ground.
The flying sparks and hot metal, hot workpiece, and Do not touch torch parts if in contact with the work or ground.
hot equipment can cause fires and burns. Check
and be sure the area is safe before doing any cutting. Turn off power before checking, cleaning, or changing torch parts.
Disconnect input power before installing or servicing this equip-
Remove all flammables within 35 ft (10.7 m) of the cutting arc. If this ment. Lockout/tagout input power according to OSHA CFR
is not possible, tightly cover them with approved covers. 1910.147 (see Safety Standards).
Do not cut where flying sparks can strike flammable material. Properly install and ground this equipment according to its Owner’s
Protect yourself and others from flying sparks and hot metal. Manual and national, state, and local codes.
Be alert that sparks and hot materials from cutting can easily go Check and be sure that input power cord ground wire is properly
through small cracks and openings to adjacent areas. connected to ground terminal in disconnect box or that cord plug is
connected to a properly grounded receptacle outlet − always verify
Watch for fire, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
the supply ground.
Be aware that cutting on a ceiling, floor, bulkhead, or partition can
When making input connections, attach proper grounding conduc-
cause fire on the hidden side.
tor first.
Do not cut on closed containers such as tanks or drums.
Keep cords dry, free of oil and grease, and protected from hot metal
Connect work cable to the work as close to the cutting area as prac- and sparks.
tical to prevent cutting current from traveling long, possibly unknown
Frequently inspect input power cord for damage or bare wiring − re-
paths and causing electric shock, sparks, and fire hazards.
place cord immediately if damaged − bare wiring can kill.
Do not use plasma cutter to thaw frozen pipes.
Turn off all equipment when not in use.
Never cut containers with potentially flammable materials inside −
Inspect and replace any worn or damaged torch cable leads.
they must be emptied and properly cleaned first.
Do not wrap torch cable around your body.
Do not cut where the atmosphere may contain flammable dust,
gas, or liquid vapors (such as gasoline). Ground the workpiece to a good electrical (earth) ground if required
by codes.
Do not cut pressurized cylinders, pipes, or vessels.
Use only well-maintained equipment. Repair or replace damaged
Do not cut containers that have held combustibles.
parts at once.
Wear oil-free protective garments such as leather gloves, heavy
Wear a safety harness if working above floor level.
shirt, cuffless trousers, high shoes, and a cap.
Keep all panels and covers securely in place.
Do not locate unit on or over combustible surfaces.
Do not bypass or try to defeat the safety interlock systems.
Remove any combustibles, such as a butane lighter or matches,
from your person before doing any cutting. Use only torch(es) specified in Owner’s Manual.
After completion of work, inspect area to ensure it is free of sparks, Keep away from torch tip and pilot arc when trigger is pressed.
glowing embers, and flames. Clamp work cable with good metal-to-metal contact to workpiece
Use only correct fuses or circuit breakers. Do not oversize or by- (not piece that will fall away) or worktable as near the cut as
practical.
pass them.
Insulate work clamp when not connected to workpiece to prevent
Follow requirements in OSHA 1910.252 (a) (2) (iv) and NFPA 51B
contact with any metal object.
for hot work and have a fire watcher and extinguisher nearby.
FLYING METAL or DIRT can injure eyes. High frequency (H.F.) can interfere with radio
navigation, safety services, computers, and
Wear safety glasses with side shields or wear communications equipment.
face shield. Have only qualified persons familiar with elec-
tronic equipment perform this installation.
The user is responsible for having a qualified electrician promptly
ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS (EMF) correct any interference problem resulting from the installation.
can affect Implanted Medical Devices. If notified by the FCC about interference, stop using the equipment
at once.
Wearers of Pacemakers and other Implanted
Have the installation regularly checked and maintained.
Medical Devices should keep away.
Keep high-frequency source doors and panels tightly shut, keep
Implanted Medical Device wearers should consult their doctor spark gaps at correct setting, and use grounding and shielding to
and the device manufacturer before going near arc welding, spot minimize the possibility of interference.
welding, gouging, plasma arc cutting, or induction heating
operations.
ARC CUTTING can cause interference.
OVERUSE can cause OVERHEATING. Electromagnetic energy can interfere with
sensitive electronic equipment such as
Allow cooling period; follow rated duty cycle. computers and computer-driven equipment
Reduce amperage (thickness) or reduce duty such as robots.
cycle before starting to cut again. To reduce possible interference, keep cables as short as possible,
close together, and down low, such as on the floor.
Locate cutting operation 100 meters from any sensitive electronic
EXPLODING HYDROGEN hazard. equipment.
Be sure this cutting power source is installed and grounded
When cutting aluminum underwater or with the according to this manual.
water touching the underside of the aluminum,
If interference still occurs, the user must take extra measures such
free hydrogen gas may collect under the work-
as moving the machine, using shielded cables, using line filters, or
piece.
shielding the work area.
See your cutting engineer and water table instructions for help.
Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, ANSI Standard Z49.1, Safe Practice For Occupational And Educational Eye And Face Protec-
from Global Engineering Documents (phone: 1-877-413-5184, website: tion, ANSI Standard Z87.1, from American National Standards Institute,
www.global.ihs.com). 25 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036 (phone: 212-642-4900, web-
site: www.ansi.org).
Recommended Practices for Plasma Arc Cutting and Gouging, Ameri- Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot
can Welding Society Standard AWS C5.2, from Global Engineering Work, NFPA Standard 51B, from National Fire Protection Association,
Documents (phone: 1-877-413-5184, website: www.global.ihs.com). Quincy, MA 02269 (phone: 1-800-344-3555, website: www.nfpa.org.
Safe Practices for the Preparation of Containers and Piping for Welding OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry,
and Cutting, American Welding Society Standard AWS F4.1, from Glob- Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 1910, Subpart Q, and
al Engineering Documents (phone: 1-877-413-5184, website: Part 1926, Subpart J, from U.S. Government Printing Office, Superin-
www.global.ihs.com). tendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954
National Electrical Code, NFPA Standard 70, from National Fire Protec- (phone: 1-866-512-1800) (there are 10 OSHA Regional Offices—phone
tion Association, Quincy, MA 02269 (phone: 1-800-344-3555, website: for Region 5, Chicago, is 312-353-2220, website: www.osha.gov).
www.nfpa.org and www. sparky.org). Applications Manual for the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation, The Na-
Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Cylinders, CGA Pamphlet P-1, tional Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 1600
from Compressed Gas Association, 4221 Walney Road, 5th Floor, Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333 (phone: 1-800-232-4636, website:
Chantilly, VA 20151 (phone: 703-788-2700, website:www.cganet.com). www.cdc.gov/NIOSH).
Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, CSA Standard
W117.2, from Canadian Standards Association, Standards Sales, 5060
Spectrum Way, Suite 100, Ontario, Canada L4W 5NS (phone:
800-463-6727, website: www.csa-international.org).
Se protéger et protéger les autres contre le risque de blessure — lire et respecter ces consignes.
SECTION 3 − DEFINITIONS
3-1. Symbols And Definitions For Nameplate And Serial Number/Rating Label
A Amperes
Plasma Arc Cutting
(PAC)
Adjust Air/Gas
Pressure
Low Air Pressure
Light
V Volts Increase
No − Do Not Do
This
Temperature
Protective Earth
Single Phase Constant Current Voltage Input
(Ground)
U0 Rated No Load
Voltage (Average) U1 Primary Voltage
U2 Conventional Load
Voltage
Line Connection
Single Phase
IP Degree Of
Protection
Loose Shield Cup Input Hz Hertz
I1eff pf S1
Suitable for Some Power Rating,
Maximum Effective
Supply Current
power factor
S Hazardous
Locations
Product Of Voltage
And Current (KVA)
SECTION 4 − INSTALLATION
4-1. Specifications For Power Source
Individual Mild Steel
Branch Primary Rated Max**
Primary Primary Duty Service Secondary Secondary Cutting Power OCV
Volts Amperes Cycle (Recommended) Volts (DC) Amperes KW KVA Capacity Factor (DC)
1/8 in. (3.2 mm)
120 19 (0.25*) 35% 20A 110 12 2.01 2.27 At 10 IPM (4.2 0.82 375
mm/s)
*While idling
**10% High line condition
Overheating
15
Minutes
8-3/8 in.
(213 mm)
1 in.
(25
mm)
1-3/8 in.
3.0 lb (1.4 kg) (35 mm) Ref. 801 397-A
12-1/4 in.
(311 mm)
1 Lifting Handle
10 in.
(254 mm)
10 in.
(254 mm)
50/60 Hz
Single
Phase
Input Voltage (V) 120
Input Amperes (A) At Rated Output 19
Max Recommended Standard Fuse Rating In Amperes 1
Time-Delay Fuses 2 20
Normal Operating Fuses 3 30
Min Input Conductor Size In AWG 4 12
34
Max Recommended Input Conductor Length In Feet (Meters)
(10)
Min Grounding Conductor Size In AWG 4 12
! Engine Control Switch must be set at “RUN” ! Set generator Fine Adjustment Control The 115 volts AC output of a
position − not “RUN/IDLE”. to 10 for maximum auxiliary power. brushless generator will momen-
tarily droop when loaded. This
may result in arc outages at the
cutter. Connecting a load, such
as a 500 watt halogen light bulb,
to the 115 volts AC generator
circuit will pre-load the circuit and
may result in less generator
output droop and better cutting
performance.
804 885-A
SECTION 5 − OPERATION
5-1. Controls
230 442-B
1 1
Trigger Locked Slide Button Back
When Button Is In To Unlock Trigger
Forward Position (Either Left Or
(Left And Right Side) Right Side)
Always connect work clamp to a clean, DO NOT start pilot arc without cutting as this
paint-free location on workpiece, as close to shortens the life of the tip and electrode.
cutting area as possible.
Do not connect work clamp to the portion
of the workpiece that will fall when cut.
90°
Maintain approximately a 90° angle to the Sparks should pass through the workpiece If sparks flare back from surface, this
workpiece surface for proper cutting results. and out the bottom when cutting. usually is an indication that travel
speed is too fast.
Wt
DO NOT put pressure on shield when Pulling rather than pushing the torch
drag cutting; instead, slide shield along makes cutting easier. Use a proper guide
the surface for proper cutting results. or template for accurate cutting operations.
804 848-A
Stand-off Guide
Installation
Split section
to bottom
1/16 in.
(1.6 mm)
Place stand-off guide on work. Stand-off Slide trigger lock back. After cutting arc
guide provides 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) gap Press trigger. Pilot arc starts.
starts, slowly
between tip and workpiece. move torch
across metal.
Move torch to upright Maintain torch position Release trigger. Postflow cooling
position 90° to surface. and continue cutting. continues after releasing trigger.
Start cutting when arc Postflow must finish before
pierces workpiece. trigger will restart pilot arc.
Each
Use
Torch Tip, Electrode,
And Shield Cup
Every
Week
Shield Cup Shutdown
System
OR
Every
6
Months
1 Power Light
Light is steady if input power is
okay. Light flashes if input power is
less than 92 volts AC or greater
than 136 volts AC. Light stops
flashing 15 seconds after condition
1 is corrected or when torch trigger is
pressed.
If certain problems occur, the
2
trouble light comes on, and output
stops.
3 2 Cup Light
Lights if shield cup is loose/off.
Check shield cup shutdown system
as follows:
Turn power On and loosen shield
cup. If shutdown system works
properly, Cup light comes on. If
not, turn power Off and have a
factory authorized service agent
check unit.
Checking Torch Shield Cup Shutdown System If system works properly,
retighten cup. Power must be
Power switch must be reset whenever cup shutdown system is activated. reset whenever the cup
Always turn Off power source when changing or checking consumables. shutdown is activated.
Check shield cup shutdown
system once a week.
A flashing Cup light indicates that
the torch consumables are stuck
or worn and should be inspected
and/or replaced (see
Section 6-3).
3 Temp Light
Lights if power source overheats or
when ambient temperature is below
−40° C (−40° F). If unit overheats,
allow fan to cool unit for 15 minutes
(see Sections 4-3).
3
4 Power/Temp Lights
When both lights flash, the com-
pressor current limit was exceeded
either above or below its operating
range. The lights flash for 15 sec-
onds before the torch can be retrig-
gered. If this condition continues
during unit operation, have a facto-
ry authorized service agent check
unit.
! Inspect shield cup, tip, and electrode for wear before cutting or whenever cutting speed has been significantly
reduced. Do not operate torch without a tip or electrode in place. Be sure to use genuine replacement parts.
A good practice is to replace both the tip and electrode at the same time.
2
Make sure swirl ring is clean of any
debris and no holes are
obstructed. 6
5
4 Electrode
3 Wrench
New
*Pit
Depth
New 1
Worn
Tools Needed:
5/16 in.
5/8 in.
Ref. 804 887-A
Tools Needed:
5/16 in.
*
The compressor current lim-
Is input power it was exceeded either
No Connect unit to proper input above or below its operating
connected to
voltage. (see Section 4-10). Are Power and Yes range (see Section 6-2).
correct line
voltage? Temp lights
flashing?
Yes
No
* Yes
No Check Power switch S1
Is Power light
(see Section 6-2). Check
on?
Control board PC1.
Press torch trigger and
check if pilot arc ignites.
Does pilot arc No Check torch consumables.
Yes ignite? *Check torch connections,
Control board PC1, com-
pressor, and torch.
*
Yes Reset Power switch S1 and
Is Power light
verify input line voltage during
flashing? Yes
cutting (see Section 6-2).
Check Control board PC1.
Yes
No *
Check all connections.
*
Unit overheated or ambient
temperature is below −40° C
Is Temp light Yes (−40° F) (see Section 6-2).
On? Check function of cooling
fan.
No
Go to Section 6-6.
230 449-C
CAUTION
FAILURETOREPLACEWORNTIPORELECTRODE
WILLDAMAGETORCHANDVOIDWARRANTY.
Turnoffpowerbeforecheckingtorchparts.
Checkbeforeeachuseandhourlyduringoperation.
Torqueelectrodelightlyw/smallwrench(15–20in.lbs.)
HP-25CONSUMABLEKITS
770496
Tip Electrode
RetainingCup SwirlRingO-Ring
770497 230446-B
230 446-B
229895
MATERIAL THICKNESS GAUGE
Effective January 1, 2010
5/3/1 WARRANTY applies to all Hobart welding equipment, plasma cutters and spot welders with a
Warranty Questions?
serial number preface of MA or newer.
Call This limited warranty supersedes all previous Hobart warranties and is exclusive with
1-800-332-3281 no other guarantees or warranties expressed or implied.
7 AM − 5 PM EST Hobart products are serviced by Hobart or Miller Authorized Service Agencies.
LIMITED WARRANTY − Subject to the terms and conditions Hobart’s 5/3/1 Limited Warranty shall not apply to:
below, Hobart/Miller Electric Mfg. Co., Appleton, Wisconsin,
warrants to its original retail purchaser that new Hobart 1. Consumable components; such as contact tips,
Service cutting nozzles, contactors, brushes, relays, work
You always get the fast, equipment sold after the effective date of this limited warranty is
free of defects in material and workmanship at the time it is station table tops and welding curtains, or parts that
reliable response you shipped by Hobart. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU fail due to normal wear. (Exception: brushes and
need. Most replacement OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, relays are covered on all engine-driven products.)
parts can be in your INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
hands in 24 hours. FITNESS. 2. Items furnished by Hobart/Miller, but manufactured by
others, such as engines or trade accessories. These
Support Within the warranty periods listed below, Hobart/Miller will repair items are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, if
Need fast answers to the or replace any warranted parts or components that fail due to
any.
such defects in material or workmanship. Hobart/Miller must be
tough welding questions? notified in writing within thirty (30) days of such defect or failure, at
Contact your distributor or 3. Equipment that has been modified by any party other
which time Hobart/Miller will provide instructions on the warranty
call 1-800-332-3281. The claim procedures to be followed. than Hobart/Miller, or equipment that has been
expertise of the distributor improperly installed, improperly operated or misused
Hobart/Miller shall honor warranty claims on warranted based upon industry standards, or equipment which has
and Hobart is there to equipment listed below in the event of such a failure within the not had reasonable and necessary maintenance, or
help you, every step of warranty time periods. All warranty time periods start on the
equipment which has been used for operation outside of
the way. delivery date of the equipment to the original retail purchaser, and
the specifications for the equipment.
not to exceed one year after the equipment is shipped to a North
Assistance American distributor or eighteen months after the equipment is HOBART PRODUCTS ARE INTENDED FOR PURCHASE AND
Visit the Hobart website: shipped to an International distributor. USE BY COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL USERS AND PERSONS
www.HobartWelders.com 1. 5 Years — Parts and Labor TRAINED AND EXPERIENCED IN THE USE AND
MAINTENANCE OF WELDING EQUIPMENT.
* Original Main Power Rectifiers only to include SCRs,
diodes, and discrete rectifier modules In the event of a warranty claim covered by this warranty, the
* Reactors exclusive remedies shall be, at Hobart’s/Miller’s option: (1) repair;
or (2) replacement; or, where authorized in writing by
* Stabilizers Hobart/Miller in appropriate cases, (3) the reasonable cost of
* Transformers repair or replacement at an authorized Hobart/Miller service
station; or (4) payment of or credit for the purchase price (less
2. 3 Years — Parts and Labor reasonable depreciation based upon actual use) upon return of
* Drive Systems the goods at customer’s risk and expense. Hobart’s/Miller’s
option of repair or replacement will be F.O.B., Factory at
* Idle Module Appleton, Wisconsin, or F.O.B. at a Hobart/Miller authorized
* PC Boards service facility as determined by Hobart/Miller. Therefore no
compensation or reimbursement for transportation costs of any
* Rotors, Stators and Brushes
kind will be allowed.
* Solenoid Valves
TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE REMEDIES
* Spot Welder Transformer PROVIDED HEREIN ARE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE
* Switches and Controls REMEDIES. IN NO EVENT SHALL HOBART/MILLER BE
LIABLE FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR
3. 1 Year — Parts and Labor Unless Specified CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOSS OF
(90 days for industrial use) PROFIT), WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY
* Accessories OTHER LEGAL THEORY.
* Batteries (Trek 180 Only) ANY EXPRESS WARRANTY NOT PROVIDED HEREIN AND
* Contactors ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY, GUARANTY OR
REPRESENTATION AS TO PERFORMANCE, AND ANY
* Field Options REMEDY FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT TORT OR ANY
(NOTE: Field options are covered for the remaining OTHER LEGAL THEORY WHICH, BUT FOR THIS PROVISION,
warranty period of the product they are installed in, or MIGHT ARISE BY IMPLICATION, OPERATION OF LAW,
for a minimum of one year — whichever is greater.) CUSTOM OF TRADE OR COURSE OF DEALING, INCLUDING
* Flowgauge and Flowmeter Regulators (No Labor) ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WITH RESPECT TO
* HF Units ANY AND ALL EQUIPMENT FURNISHED BY
* MIG Guns/TIG Torches HOBART/MILLER IS EXCLUDED AND DISCLAIMED BY
Hobart/Miller.
* Motor-Driven Guns
* Plasma Cutting Torches Some states in the U.S.A. do not allow limitations of how long an
implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion of incidental, indirect,
* Regulators special or consequential damages, so the above limitation or
* Relays exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty provides specific
legal rights, and other rights may be available, but may vary from
* Remote Controls state to state.
* Replacement Parts (No labor) − 90 days
In Canada, legislation in some provinces provides for certain
* Running Gear/Trailers additional warranties or remedies other than as stated herein,
* Water Coolant Systems and to the extent that they may not be waived, the limitations and
exclusions set out above may not apply. This Limited Warranty
4. Engines, batteries (except Trek 180) and tires are provides specific legal rights, and other rights may be available,
warranted separately by the manufacturer. but may vary from province to province.
hobart_warr 2010−01
Owner’s Record
Please complete and retain with your personal records.
Protect Your Investment!
Model Name Serial/Style Number
Distributor
Address
Resources Available
Always provide Model Name and Serial/Style Number.
Contact the Delivering Carrier to: File a claim for loss or damage during
shipment.
For assistance in filing or settling claims, contact
your distributor and/or equipment manufacturer’s
Transportation Department.