Question on an electrode?

[Metalmedic]

Does anybody know why a copperplus electrode the spring would be collapse and stay that way? It was at the end of its life was cutting one small piece as it’s last cutting life and changing until the bad electrode signal came on the unit. Didn’t hurt nothing just swapped the electrode and cut away. Just curious as to why or what happen if maybe I needed to pay alittle more attention putting the tip together? Thanks for any input.

[plasmanewbie]

That is odd. Must have happened during installation. Ah well at least you finished the job

[jimcolt]

If the hafnium emitter is burned beyond about .060" (you don't show that in your pics) the electrode will transfer more heat through the copper and will overheat the spring, collapsing it as your pic shows. It is best to change the electrode per the consumables inspection section of the operators manual. If this electrode was used much more it would have destroyed the nozzle and shield, possibly the retaining cap as well. Jim Colt

[Metalmedic]

Thanks Jim, that’s what I kinda thought It was right at the end of its life the hafnium was right at about .06. I was making the last cut with it when that happened and was ready to change it.

[OTHill]

I had a brand new copper plus electrode do that. Never got 1 pierce out of it!

[OTHill]

And yes it was genuine Hypertherm.