Plasma torch and retaining cap with fast securing threads
A retaining cap for a plasma torch is provided that includes fast securing threads. The retaining cap includes internal threads that couple to external threads of a torch body of the plasma torch. The internal and external threads may be multiple start threads having a thread angle greater than 60°. Plasma torches and plasma cutting systems are also provided.
1. A plasma torch, comprising:
a nozzle;
a swirl ring adjacent to the nozzle;
a torch body having first threads; and
a retaining cap having second threads, wherein the first threads and the second threads comprise multiple start threads, each of the multiple start threads comprising a root and two walls extending from the root and having a thread angle between the two walls greater than about 60°, wherein the retaining cap retains the nozzle and the swirl ring of the plasma torch.
2. The plasma torch of claim 1 , wherein the first threads and second threads comprise coarse threads.
3. The plasma torch of claim 1 , wherein the first threads and second threads comprise a thread pitch of about 4 millimeters.
4. The plasma torch of claim 1 , wherein the first threads comprise a first length and the second threads comprise a second length.
5. The plasma torch of claim 4 , wherein the multiple start threads comprise double start threads.
6. The plasma torch of claim 1 , comprising a moveable electrode comprising a frustoconical end portion.
7. The plasma torch of claim 6 , comprising a moveable plunger configured to receive a portion of the electrode, wherein the moveable plunger is biased to a first position closer to a tip of the torch when the torch is non-operational and moved to a second position further from the tip when the torch is operational.
8. The plasma torch of claim 7 , comprising a spring configured to bias the plunger to the first position.
9. A retaining cap for a plasma torch, comprising:
a first portion comprising a metallic material; and
a second portion comprising a plastic material, wherein the second portion comprises an annular inner wall comprising multiple start threads, wherein each of the multiple start threads comprises a root, two walls extending from the root, and a thread angle between the two walls of greater than 60°.
10. The retaining cap of claim 9 , wherein the first portion comprises a lip configured to retain a nozzle of the plasma torch.
11. The retaining cap of claim 9 , wherein the multiple start threads comprise double start threads.
12. The retaining cap of claim 9 , wherein the multiple start threads comprises coarse threads.
13. The retaining cap of claim 9 , wherein the multiple start threads comprise a crest having a first width and a root having a second width, wherein the first width comprises about 0.2 millimeters and the second width comprises about 0.4 millimeters.
14. The retaining cap of claim 9 , wherein the multiple start threads comprise a thread pitch, wherein the thread pitch comprises about 4 millimeters.
15. A plasma torch, comprising:
a nozzle;
a swirl ring adjacent to the nozzle;
a torch body having first threads; and
a retaining cap having second threads, wherein the first threads and the second threads comprise single start threads having a pitch of a multiple start thread, wherein each of the single start threads comprises a root, two walls extending from the root, and a thread angle between the two walls greater than about 60°, and wherein the retaining cap retains the nozzle and the swirl ring of the plasma torch.
16. The plasma torch of claim 15 , wherein the first threads and second threads comprise coarse threads.
17. The plasma torch of claim 15 , wherein the first threads and second threads comprise a thread pitch of about 4 millimeters.
18. The plasma torch of claim 15 , wherein the thread angle comprises about 90°.
19. The plasma torch of claim 15 , wherein the torch body comprises a first straight diameter prior to the first threads.
20. The plasma torch of claim 16 , wherein the torch body comprises a second straight diameter after the first threads.