Patent ID: 6191381
Filing Date: 2001-02-20
Classification: H05H

Abstract:
An electrode for a plasma arc torch, said electrode comprising:an elongate emissive element defining a central axis and having an end surface adapted to emit an arc to a workpiece, said emissive element being comprised of an erodible material and defining an erosion rate in the axial direction as the arc is emitted from the end surface and gradually erodes the emissive element; anda holder having an end for holding the emissive element such that the end surface of the emissive element is exposed to allow emission of the arc, the holder also comprised of an erodible material and dimensioned so as to define an erosion rate in the axial direction that is substantially the same as the erosion rate of the emissive element such that the emissive element and the holder erode substantially simultaneously as the torch is operated.