Silver-tipped copper electrodes last to a pit depth of 0.08 in.

Hypertherm has introduced SilverPlus® electrodes for its HyPerformance® HPR400XD® plasma cutting systems. According to the company, laboratory testing shows the electrodes last 50 percent longer than standard copper electrodes in most cutting applications.

he electrodes are designed to last to a pit depth of at least 0.08 in. They deliver a consistent range 4 and 5 cut quality.

In a patented process, the silver tip is fused to a copper blank before electrode machining. When used with an oxygen plasma gas on mild (carbon) steel, the electrodes can burn deeper than copper electrodes for longer life, the company reports. In addition, they help preserve the size and shape of the nozzle orifice.