Patent ID: 8212173
Filing Date: 2012-07-03
Classification: H05H

Abstract:
1. A shield for a plasma arc torch that pierces and cuts a metallic workpiece producing a splattering of molten metal directed toward the torch, the shield configured to protect consumable components of the plasma arc torch from the splattering molten metal, the shield comprising: a unitary body; an interior first surface of the body configured to be contact-cooled by a gas flow; an exterior second surface of the body configured to be contact-cooled by a liquid flow; an exterior third surface of the body exposed to molten metal splatter and configured to be conductively cooled by the gas flow and the liquid flow so as to prevent the molten metal splatter from bonding to the exterior third surface; and a seal assembly between the second surface and the third surface, to retain the liquid flow of the contact-cooled second surface within the plasma arc torch.