A welder is setting up a plasma arc cutting machine to cut 6 mm stainless steel. The manufacturer's guide recommends a nozzle-to-work distance of 5 mm and a current of 60 A. If the welder uses a 10 mm nozzle-to-work distance, what effect will this likely have on the cut?

Question: A welder is setting up a plasma arc cutting machine to cut 6 mm stainless steel. The manufacturer's guide recommends a nozzle-to-work distance of 5 mm and a current of 60 A. If the welder uses a 10 mm nozzle-to-work distance, what effect will this likely have on the cut?

Answer options:

• Increased cut speed and narrower kerf
• Reduced dross and improved edge squareness ✅ Increased bevel on the cut edge and wider kerf
• Decreased heat input and reduced warpage

Correct answer: Increased bevel on the cut edge and wider kerf

Explanation: An increased nozzle-to-work distance, or stand-off, with plasma cutting causes the plasma arc to spread out more, reducing its concentration and heat density. This typically results in a wider kerf and increased bevel on the cut edges due to the less focused energy.