Patent ID: 6420673
Filing Date: 2002-07-16
Classification: H05H

Abstract:
An electrode adapted for supporting an arc in a plasma arc torch, comprising:a holder having a front end defining a receptacle; a separator positioned in the receptacle defined by the front end of the holder, said separator being comprised of a relatively non-emissive, electrically and thermally conductive material; and an emissive element also positioned in the receptacle of the holder such that the separator is disposed between the emissive element and the holder at the front end of the holder, said emissive element being comprised of at least two materials having distinct phases, including; a first material that is emissive, and a second material that is electrically and thermally conductive, at least part of the phase of the second material being heated within the emissive element before use of the electrode to form thermal conductive paths from within the emissive element to the separator so as to conduct heat generated by the arc from the emissive element to the separator.