Patent ID: 9609733
Date: 2017-03-28
CPC Classifications: H05H,Y10T

Claim:
1. A front end assembly for a plasma arc torch, the front end assembly comprising: a nozzle retaining cup body having a rearward end removably connectable to a body of the plasma arc torch and a forward end removably connectable to a shield retainer, the shield retainer having a surface for engaging a shield; a nozzle retaining cup insert receivable in an interior space formed by the nozzle retaining cup body, the nozzle retaining cup insert having a forward portion extending forwardly beyond a forward end of the nozzle retaining cup body; a nozzle receivable within an interior space formed by the nozzle retaining cup insert, a first central portion of the nozzle having a first diameter, the first central portion positioned in close confronting relation with the forward portion of the nozzle retaining cup insert, the nozzle further including a stop having a rearward facing surface that is engageable with a forward-most surface of a nose portion of the nozzle retaining cup insert to prevent axial movement towards the rear of the nozzle retaining cup insert once the stop and the nose portion are engaged; and an insulator disposed between the shield and the nozzle, wherein engagement of the shield with the insulator and engagement of the insulator with a forward facing surface of the nozzle limits forward axial movement of the nozzle.