Voltage across the plasma arc at a set current, which together give gun power in kilowatts. It depends on the plasma gas mix (more hydrogen or helium raises it) and on the condition of the nozzle and electrode. Sprayers log it at every start and watch its trend and ripple: a slow drift from the qualified value or growing fluctuation signals erosion of the hardware or a gas supply problem.
Gun voltage came in 4 volts under baseline at the same gases, that nozzle's done.
Write the start-up voltage on the log every time; the trend on that sheet is the cheapest process monitor in the booth.
Also heard as
- arc voltage
- torch voltage
Related terms
Nozzle
In a plasma gun, the water-cooled copper anode the arc attaches to; in HVOF, the passage that shapes the jet.
Plasma gas
The gas mix ionized in a plasma gun: a primary gas for flow plus a secondary gas for heat.
Light off
To ignite the spray gun, whether striking a plasma arc or lighting an HVOF or flame torch.
Particle diagnostics
Sensors that measure the temperature, speed and size of particles in flight to monitor the spray process.