What is a common issue when cutting with an improper travel speed in plasma arc cutting?

When utilizing plasma arc cutting, maintaining the appropriate travel speed is crucial for achieving clean and precise cuts. If the travel speed is too slow, the plasma jet can produce excessive heat at the cutting surface, leading to the fusion of molten material which does not completely vaporize. This molten metal can solidify as it falls or is blown off, resulting in dross.

Dross is essentially the unwanted residue that forms on the edges of the cut. It can affect the overall quality of the cut and may require additional cleaning or finishing processes. An excessive travel speed may not provide adequate time for the heat to even penetrate the material effectively, while too slow of a speed results in the generation of dross rather than a clean separation. Thus, the relationship between travel speed and the formation of dross is a key concept in plasma arc cutting that underscores the importance of proper technique and settings for optimal welding results.