ARCCAPTAIN CUT50 - Plasma Cutter Manual

Introduction

ARCCAPTAIN welder was built by high quality components, every single unit machine was passed multiple industry leading laboratory tests to provide a great welding experience and performance.
For your safety, please read and understand this manual carefully before using this product. Your satisfaction is our priority! For any question or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact ARCCAPTAIN for SUPPORT: service@arccaptain.com

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Precautions for installation

	Beware of electric shock! Install grounding device according to application standard. Do not touch live parts with naked skin, wet gloves or wet clothes. Be sure you are insulated from ground and workpiece. Cover the cover plate of the machine before power on to avoid an electric shock. Confirm the safety of your working position.
	Beware of fire hazard! Please install the machine on non-combustible materials to avoid a fire. Make ensure there are no inflammables near the cutting position to avoid a fire.
	Beware of explosion! Do not install the machine in an environment with explosive gas to avoid an explosion.

1. Make sure the place to install the machine can bear the weight of the cutting machine.
2. Do not install the machine at places where water droplet splash may be produced, such as near water pipes.
3. Cutting should be carried out in dry environment with humidity of 90% or less.
4. The temperature of the working environment should be between -10℃ and 40℃.
5. Avoid cutting in the open air unless sheltered from sunlight and rain. Keep it dry at all times and do not place it on wet ground or in puddles.
6. Avoid cutting in dusty area or environment with corrosive chemical gas.
7. Do not carry out cutting with the cutting machine placed on a platform with a pitch greater than 10°.

Over current/over voltage/over heating protection circuit is installed in this machine. When the mains voltage, output current or inner temperature exceeds the set standard, the machine will stop automatically. However, excessive use (e.g. too high voltage) of machine may also damage the machine, so please note:

• Good ventilation
  This cutting machine can create powerful cutting current and has strict cooling requirements that cannot be met with natural ventilation. Therefore the built-in fan is very important in enabling the machine to work stable with effective cooling. The operator should make sure that the louvers be uncovered and unblocked. The minimum distance between the machine and nearby objects should be 30cm.
• Overvoltage is forbidden.
  This machine is of automatic mains voltage compensation, which ensures that the cutting current varies within the given range. In case that the input mains voltage exceeds the tolerance value, it would possibly damage the machine. The operator should understand this circumstance fully and adopt relevant precautions.
• Overload is forbidden.
  Remember to observe the max load current at any moment (refer to the corresponding duty cycle). Make sure that the cutting current should not exceed the maximum load current. Overload could obviously shorten the machine's lifespan, or even damage the machine.
  Suddenly the "E61" code may appear on the digital screen while the machine is of over-load status. Under this circumstance, it is unnecessary to restart the machine. Keep the built-in fan working to lower the temperature inside the machine. Cutting can be continued after the inner temperature falls into the standard range and the yellow LED is off.

Replacing the components can be dangerous.

• Only professionals can replace the components of the machine.
• Make sure there are no foreign bodies such as wire leads, screws, gaskets and metal bars falling into the machine inside when replacing the components.

Make sure the connecting wires inside the machine are correctly connected after replacing the PCBs, and then the machine can be run. Otherwise, there is a risk of damage to property

Precautions for operation

	Smoke-may be harmful to your health! Keep your head away from the smoke to avoid inhalation of waste gas in cutting. Keep the working environment well ventilated with exhaust or ventilation equipment when cutting.
	Arc radiation-may hurt your eyes and burn your skin! Use proper mask and wear protective clothing to protect your eyes and body. Use proper mask or curtain to protect onlooker from being injured.
	Magnetic field can make cardiac pacemaker a bit wonky. People with cardiac pacemaker should consult the doctor before carrying out cutting. Stay away from the power source to reduce the affect of magnetic filed.
	Improper use and operation may result in a fire or an explosion. Cutting spark may result in a fire, so please make ensure there are no inflammables near the cutting position, and pay attention to fire safety. Ensure there is fire extinguisher nearby, and make sure someone has been trained to operate the fire extinguisher. Do not cut closed container. Do not use this machine for pipe thawing.
	Hot workpiece can cause severe scald. Do not touch hot workpiece with bare hands. Cool the cutting torch for a while after continuously working.
	Excessive noise does great harm to people's hearing. Wear ear covers or other hearing protectors when cutting. Give warning to onlooker that noise may be potentially hazardous to hearing.
	Moving parts may injure your body. Please keep away from moving parts (like fan). Each door, panel, cover, baffle plate, and protective device the like should be closed and located correctly.
	Seek professional support when trouble strikes. When trouble strikes in installation and operation, please inspect according to related contents in this manual. If you still cannot understand fully, or you still cannot solve the problem, please contact the dealer to obtain professional support.

Precautions for discard

Pay attention to the following when discarding the cutting machine:

• Burning the electrolytic capacitors in the main circuit or on the PCBs may cause an explosion.
• Burning the plastic parts such as the front panel may produce poisonous gas.
• Dispose it as industrial waste.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Technical parameters

Size and weight

Pic 1 Appearance and size of the machine (Unit: mm /inch)

Composition and configuration

1. Composition
   
   Pic 2 Composition of the cutting machine system
2. Configuration
   Configuration of CUT50

Functions and characteristics

This is a digital plasma cutting machine with perfect function, high performance and advanced technology. CUT50 is an ultra-portable plasma cutting system suitable for a variety of application requirements. It can be used in handle cutting and robot cutting as well. CUT50 can cut conductive metal, such as low carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum. The cutting thickness can reach up to 3/4'' (20 mm),quality cutting thickness can reach up to 1/2'' (10mm), perforating thickness can reach up to 1/3'' (8 mm).
The forward-looking design concept of this machine and the application of a large number of advanced and mature technologies can protect user's investment to the greatest extent.

• Advanced digital control mode
  Plasma cutting machine CUT50 adopts international leading MCU intelligent digital control technology, and all its major parts are performed through software. It is a digital control plasma cutting machine, improved a lot in its function and performance when compared with the traditional plasma cutting machine.
• Advanced inverter technology
  With PWM technology and high power component IGBT, it inverts the DC voltage, which is rectified from 50Hz/60Hz input AC voltage, to 30K~100KHz AC high voltage. Then the voltage is dropped and rectified to output the high power DC power supply for cutting. The machine adopts switching power supply inverter technology, greatly reducing the volume and weight of the plasma cutter, and obviously enhancing the conversion efficiency. Switching frequency is beyond audiorange, which almost eliminates the noise pollution.
• Good consistency and stable performance
  Generally speaking, for a cutting machine with analogue circuit control or with analogue circuit & digital circuit control, the performance characteristics are decided by the parameters of various components. Cutting performance of the machines differ as a result of the inconsistent parameters of the components, so even for the cutting machines of the same brand, their parameters often differ from each other. In addition, cutting performance of the machine may change on some extent, since parameters of the components may vary according to the environment such as temperature and humidity, etc.
  One of the characteristics of digital control is that it is not sensitive to the change of parameters; the performance of cutting machine will not be affected by the change of the parameters of certain parts. Therefore, the consistency and stability of digital control cutter is better than that of traditional cutter.
• Powerful cutting performance
  This machine is economic and practical since it can cut metals by adopting compressed air as the plasma gas source. The cutting speed has increased by 1.8 times when compared with oxyacetylene cutting. It can cut thick steel plates such as stainless steel, copper, cast iron and aluminum conveniently and quickly. It is easy to ignite arc by adopting HF arc ignition mode, and post-flow function is available. With simple operation and high cutting speed, smooth cutting surface can be obtained, and polishing is unnecessary.

System characteristics

Duty cycle
Rated duty cycle refers to the percentage of the normal work time of the machine under rated maximum current holding in the period when taking 10 minutes as a period. The rated duty cycle of this machine is 60%. Using the cutting machine continuously overrunning the rated load may lead to overheating of the machine, and frequently using the machine overrunning the rated load may accelerate the aging of the machine or even burn the machine.

Pic 3 Duty cycle

INSTALLATION AND CONNECTION

Installation requirements

1. Connection of input cable
   In order to ensure personal safety and avoid electric shock, please send the product power plug the grounding and wiring box grounding device, reliable grounding protection.
   A primary power supply cable is available for this cutting machine. Connect the power supply cable to the rated input power. The primary cable should be tightly connected to the correct socket to avoid oxidization. Check whether the voltage value varies in acceptable range with a multi-meter.
   The cross section of the leads used in the switching box should meet the requirements of the maximum input capacity of the machine.
2. Connection of output cable

Line disconnecting switch Install a line disconnecting switch at each power supply, so that the power supply can be cut off immediately in case of an emergency. The disconnecting value of the switch should be equal to or greater than the continuous rating of the fuse. In addition, the switch should have the following feature: The power is cut off when the switch is at "OFF" position.	Pic 4
Connection of cutting torch Connect the center plug on the cutting torch to the center socket of the power supply, and tighten It clockwise to avoid gas leakage.	Pic 5
Connection of earth cable Insert the quick plug on the earth cable into the output terminal "+" on the front panel of the machine, and tighten it clockwise.	Pic 6

• Insert one end of the electrode into the torch head.
• Insert the other end of the electrode into the distributor.
• Connect the nozzle with the electrode and distributor.
• Connect the protective sleeve with the nozzle, screw it into the torch head, and tighten it.

Strap Installation

1. Separate the velcro.(See Pic 9)
   
2. Pull out one side through the strap hole on the front panel with hook side of the velcro up.(See Pic 10)
   
3. Pull out it to well stick hook side of the velcro to loop side and across the nylon buckle. Repeat it on the other side.(See Pic 11)
   
4. Adjust the length by pulling the nylon buckle (as shown in the picture).(See Pic 12)
   
5. Proper state after installation:
   1. Strap does not twist;
   2. Buckle side of shoulder pad is up, while its flat side faces the machine (as shown in the picture);
   3. Straps are well locked.(See Pic 13)
      

OPERATION

Panel Functions of CUT50

Part name	Function	Picture
Digital screen	To display the cutting information
Operation mode button	For 2T/4T cutting mode conversion
"+"Output terminal	To connect the earth cable
Interface for torch trigger	To connect the control signal of cutting torch
"-"Output terminal	To connect the cutting torch
Preferences button	For Current/PostGas conversion
Current control knob	To adjust the output current/post gas value
Power switch	To control the ON/OFF of th e input power of the machine
Cable	For power supply input
Cooling fan	For heat dissipation through forced air cooling
Air reducer valve	To adjust the pressure of the input air

Operation method

1. Turn on the power switch of the machine, and the power indicator illuminates.
2. Select proper working mode and proper function. There are two working modes available on the machine panel: 2T and 4T.
3. Push the torch trigger on the cutting torch, the cutting machine works.
4. Set cutting current according to the thickness of workpiece.
5. Bring the copper nozzle of the cutting torch into contact with the workpiece (For models with pilot arc function, keep a distance of about 2mm between the copper nozzle of the torch and the workpiece.), and then push the torch trigger. After the arc is ignited and started, raise the cutting torch to the position about 1mm above the workpiece, and start cutting.

Notes for cutting operation

	It is recommended not to ignite the arc in the air if not necessary, for it will shorten the lifespan of the electrode and nozzle of the torch.
	It is recommended to initiate the cutting from the edge of workpiece, unless penetration is needed.
	Ensure spatters fly from the bottom of workpiece while cutting. If spatters fly from the top of workpiece, it indicates that the workpiece can not be fully cut because the cutting torch is moved too fast or the cutting current is too low.
	Keep the nozzle slightly touching the workpiece or keep a short distance between the nozzle and workpiece. If the torch is pressed against the workpiece, the nozzle may stick to the workpiece, and smooth cutting is unavailable.
	For cutting round workpiece or to meet precise cutting requirement, molding board or other assistant tools are needed.
	It is recommended to pull the cutting torch while cutting.
	Keep the nozzle of cutting torch upright over the workpiece, and check if the arc is moving with the cutting line. If the space is not enough, don't bend the cable too much, step on or press upon the cable to avoid suffocating of gas flow. The cutting torch may be burned because the gas flow is too small. Keep the cutting cable away from edge tools.
	Clean up the spatters on the nozzle timely, for it will affect the cooling effect of the nozzle. Clean up the dust and spatters on the torch head after using everyday to ensure good cooling effect.

• The workpiece is not cut fully. This may be caused by:
  1. The cutting current is too low.
  2. The cutting speed is too high.
  3. The electrode and nozzle of the torch are burned.
  4. The workpiece is too thick.
• Molten slag drops from the bottom of workpiece. This may be caused by:
  1. The cutting speed is too low.
  2. The electrode and nozzle of the torch are burned.
  3. The cutting current is too high.

Cutting parameters table

Select proper current according to the cutting parameters table, workpiece material, cutting thickness and cutting speed, etc. (The figure in the below table is an approximation.)

Cutting speed (meter/min) when cutting current is 50A

Replacement of electrode and nozzle

When the phenomena below occur, the electrode and nozzle should be replaced. Otherwise, there will be strong arc in the nozzle, which will break down the electrode and the nozzle, or even burn the torch. Nozzles of different models are different, so ensure the nozzle is of the same model when replacing it.

1. Electrode wear>1.5mm
2. Distortion of the nozzle
3. Cutting speed declining, arc with green flame
4. Difficult in arc ignition
5. Irregular cut

MAINTENANCE

Daily maintenance

The power of the switching box and the cutting machine should be shut down before daily checking (except appearance checking without contacting the conductive body) to avoid personal injury accidents such as electric shock and burns.

Tips:

1. Daily checking is very important in keeping the high performance and safe operation of this cutting machine.
2. Do daily checking according to the table below, and clean or replace components when necessary.
3. In order to ensure the high performance of the machine, please choose components provided or recommended by dealer when replacing components.
4. Daily checking of the cutting machine

Daily checking of the cables

Periodic check

Periodic check should be carried out by qualified professionals to ensure safety. The power of the switching box and the cutting machine should be shut down before periodic check to avoid personal injury accidents such as electric shock and burns. Due to the discharge of capacitors, checking should be carried out 5 minutes after the machine is powered off.

Tips:

	Safety All maintenance and checking should be carry out after the power is completely cut off. Make sure the power plug of the machine is pulled out before uncovering the cutting machine. When the machine is powered on, keep hands, hair and tools away from the moving parts such as the fan to avoid personal injury or machine damage.
	Periodic check Check periodically whether inner circuit connection is in good condition (esp. plugs). Tighten the loose connection. If there is oxidization, remove it with sandpaper and then reconnect. Check periodically whether the insulating layer of all cables is in good condition. If there is any dilapidation, rewrap it or replace it.
	Beware of static In order to protect the semiconductor components and PCBs from the static damage, please wear antistatic device or touch the metal part of the enclosure to remove static in advance before contacting the conductors and PCBs of the machine internal wiring.
	Keep it dry Avoid rain, water and vapor infiltrating the machine. If there is, dry it and check the insulation of the cutting machine (including that between the connections and that between the connection and the enclosure) with an ohmmeter. Only when there are no abnormal phenomena anymore, can the machine be used. Put the machine into the original packing in dry location if it is not to be used for a long time.
	Pay attention to maintenance Periodic check should be carried out to ensure the long-term normal use of the machine. Be careful when doing the periodic check, including the inspection and cleaning of the machine interior. Generally, periodic check should be carried out every 6 months, and it should be carried out every 3 months if the cutting environment is dusty or with heavy oily smoke.
	Beware of corrosion Please clean the plastic parts with neutral detergent.

TROUBLESHOOTING

The abnormity indicator on the front panel would illuminate in case of any failures inside the cutting machine.