Specsheet
Setting the correct pierce height on your plasma cutter is critical to protect your consumables and get a clean start on every cut.
By Mr Riaan Swanepoel, MD, Specs
On a CNC plasma table, the pierce height is the distance between the torch tip and the workpiece at the moment the arc starts. It must be higher than the cut height to shield the nozzle from molten spatter during the initial burst.
If you start too low, the arc can blow molten metal straight back into the nozzle, damaging the tip and shortening its life. Too high, and the arc will struggle to pierce, making a rough hole and risking a failed start. Getting this right is about cost, quality and downtime.
Take these steps each time you set up a new job or change material on your plasma table. It is a routine worth making standard, especially if teams or shifts swap regularly.
Always double-check the material thickness and ensure the torch and table are clean. Your machine’s automatic torch height control can help, but it still depends on the correct settings and a stable start height sensor.
If you are unsure about the right settings or see inconsistent results, it is better to ask than to risk damaging parts or torch tips.
We can help you calibrate the height control, check your settings or review your consumables. If you see repeated nozzle damage, arcing at the tip, or poor pierces, send us a message through our contact form and let us know your machine model and material.
The most common error is using the same pierce height for every thickness or swapping materials without updating the settings. We also see operators skipping the test pierce step to save time, which can cost much more in tip wear and poor results.
Another issue is relying on compressed air that is not dry or clean, which leads to erratic arcs and shortens the life of the consumables. Always check your air supply and change filters as needed.
Continue with equipment, bays, or use our contact form.
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