Editing Plasma cutting (section)

== Electrode wear ==
The electrode inside the torch (which serves as the [[cathode]]) wears out during the cutting process. This degradation is caused by the extreme conditions near its surface,<ref>{{Cite thesis |last=Chabert |first=Sébastien |title=Etude d'une torche de découpe par plasma : expérimentations sur la qualité de coupe et l'usure, étude numérique |date=2024-04-23 |degree=These de doctorat |publisher=Université de Toulouse (2023-....) |url=https://theses.fr/2024TLSES045}}</ref> as well as the emission of electrons that sustain the arc current, both of which damage its structural integrity.

To increase their lifespan, plasma cutting electrodes are typically composed of two metals: a copper shell and a [[hafnium]] insert. Hafnium is a refractory material that helps reduce, but does not prevent, erosion.

As a result, electrodes are considered '''consumable components''' of plasma cutting torches. After a certain amount of use, they become too damaged and are instantly destroyed. A destroyed electrode can no longer initiate or maintain a cutting arc and must therefore be replaced.

The lifespan of an electrode is not entirely predictable. One study<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Sébastien |first1=Chabert |last2=Gonzalez |first2=Jean-Jacques |last3=Freton |first3=Pierre |date=December 2023 |title=Usure de l'électrode dans une torche de découpe par plasma d'air : Comparaison de deux tensions et de deux diamètres d'insert en hafnium - Forme du cratère et mécanismes de destruction - |url=https://hal.science/hal-04330887v1 |journal=Journal International de Technologie, de l'Innovation, de la Physique, de l'Énergie et de l'Environnement |volume=8 |issue=1 |doi=10.52497/jitipee.v8i1.345|doi-access=free }}</ref> suggests that this variability may be related to the dimensions of the hafnium insert.