Plasma
Copper
220977
45A-125A
AC220V
CNC
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Hypertherm Part Number: 220977
Common Name: Retaining Cap, Shield Cup. (Often referred to as the "Unshielded" or "Bare" retaining cap).
Compatible Torch: Powermax125 / Powermax125® (Both hand-held and mechanized torches).
Key Feature: This retaining cap is designed for use without any additional front attachment like a drag shield or a shield cup. The nozzle extends through and is slightly recessed within the cap.
Primary Function: To securely house the internal consumables (electrode, swirl ring) for unshielded, mechanized cutting where a fixed standoff distance is maintained by a height control system. It is the standard cap for high-precision, automated applications.
Mechanized Cutting Optimized: This is the primary retaining cap for use on CNC (Computer Numerical Control) cutting tables and other automated machinery. It provides the smallest possible frontal area, reducing the chance of the torch hitting obstructions on the plate.
Maximum Arc Visibility: The open-front design offers an completely unobstructed view of the arc and the nozzle, which is crucial for setup, monitoring, and troubleshooting on a CNC machine.
Simplified Design: With one less component (no separate shield), it simplifies the consumable stack, which can be beneficial in high-duty-cycle environments.
Precision Alignment: Like other retaining caps, it ensures the electrode and nozzle are perfectly concentric for optimal cut quality.
Material: Made from a high-strength, heat-resistant engineered plastic that provides electrical insulation.
The Retaining Cap 220977 is used exclusively with the unshielded consumable sets for the Powermax125, which are designed for 65 Amp and 85 Amp cutting.
Unshielded Consumable Set (85A): Part Number 220996
This set includes: Electrode (220799), Nozzle (220798), Swirl Ring (220797), and Retaining Cap (220977).
Unshielded Consumable Set (65A): Part Number 220986
This set includes: Electrode (220789), Nozzle (220788), Swirl Ring (220787), and Retaining Cap (220977).
Critical Distinction: The Retaining Cap 220977 is NOT compatible with drag shields (420172) or shield cups (028374). It is a complete, self-contained unit. Using a shield with it is neither possible nor necessary.
The Retaining Cap 220977 is compatible with the hand-held and mechanized torches of the following systems:
Powermax125®
Powermax125® G3 series
Primary Application:
CNC / Mechanized Plasma Cutting: This is its intended use. A height control (THC) on the cutting machine maintains the correct pierce and cut height (standoff).
Hand-Held Torch Application (Less Common, Requires Skill):
It can be used on a hand torch for unshielded, freehand cutting.
WARNING: This requires a highly skilled operator who can manually maintain a consistent 1/8" to 3/16" (3-5 mm) standoff distance. Resting the torch on the workpiece will cause catastrophic damage to the nozzle and retaining cap. It is not recommended for most hand-cutting operations.
This is a critical distinction. Here’s a direct comparison:
Feature | Retaining Cap 420156 | Retaining Cap 220977 |
|---|---|---|
Common Name | Shielded / Threaded Retaining Cap | Unshielded / Bare Retaining Cap |
Front Attachment | Requires either a Drag Shield (420172) or a Shield Cup (028374). | No front attachment. It is a single, finished piece. |
Primary Use | Hand-guided Drag Cutting (with shield) or Shielded Mechanized Cutting (with cup). | Unshielded, Mechanized Cutting on a CNC table. |
Arc Visibility | Good (with shield), obstructed by the front attachment. | Excellent. Completely unobstructed view. |
Hand-Held Use | Excellent and recommended for all skill levels. | Possible but not recommended; requires expert skill to maintain standoff. |
Assembly:
Install the swirl ring into the base of the retaining cap.
Insert the nozzle into the front, ensuring it seats properly. The nozzle face will be slightly recessed inside the cap.
Insert the electrode into the torch body.
Screw the assembled retaining cap (220977) onto the torch body. Hand-tighten only.
Inspection & Replacement:
Heat Damage: Melting or burning from a misfocused arc or piercing too close to the plate.
Carbon Tracking: Soot buildup on the inside, which can cause arcing.
Cracks: From impact or general wear and tear.
This cap is less prone to physical damage than the 420156 since it has no external threads. However, it should be inspected for:
Replace it as part of your regular consumable maintenance cycle on a CNC machine, especially if you notice a degradation in cut quality.
Retaining Cap 220977 for HP powermax125 Plasma cutting torch consumables
We supply plasma cutting parts (Shield, Retaining cap, Nozzle, Swirl ring, Electrode)
We can provide the Hypertherm, Thermadyne, Kaliburn, kjellberg and Esab brand.
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