Patent ID: 8866038

Claim:
A method for engagement of a replaceable consumable component with a first component in a plasma arc torch, the replaceable consumable component and the first component being maintained in the plasma torch by a retaining cap, the first component having a tapered surface and an axially disposed surface on a body portion of the first component, the method comprising: providing a compressible member, wherein the tapered surface on the body portion of the first component is dimensioned to engage the compressible member; slideably engaging the first component with the replaceable consumable component, the replaceable consumable component including a body and a mating surface for engaging the axially disposed surface of the first component, the compressible member disposed between the tapered surface of the first component and a second surface of the replaceable consumable component; and biasing the compressible member between the tapered surface of the first component and the second surface of the replaceable consumable component to establish a disengagement force relative to the body portion of the first component such that, after the retaining cap is removed, the replaceable consumable component freely disengages from the plasma arc torch without the use of tools after an operation of the torch.