What are the main causes of arch pain. How can arch pain be effectively treated. What preventive measures can be taken to avoid arch pain. Which exercises are beneficial for arch pain relief. What are the symptoms of arch sprain. How long does it take for an arch sprain to heal. When should you seek medical attention for arch pain.

Understanding Arch Pain: Causes and Symptoms

Arch pain is a common foot condition that can significantly impact daily activities. It occurs in the curved area between the heel and ball of the foot, known as the arch. This pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain, affecting mobility and quality of life.

What causes arch pain? There are several potential causes:

• Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes
• Flat feet or high arches: Structural abnormalities in foot shape
• Overuse or injury: Excessive physical activity or trauma to the foot
• Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints in the foot
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Compression of the tibial nerve
• Diabetic neuropathy: Nerve damage associated with diabetes

What are the symptoms of arch pain? Common symptoms include:

• Sharp or dull pain in the arch area
• Increased pain when standing or walking
• Swelling or tenderness in the arch
• Difficulty walking or standing for extended periods
• Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest

Arch Sprain: A Common Cause of Arch Pain

An arch sprain is a specific type of injury that can cause significant arch pain. It occurs when the ligaments in the foot are stretched or torn, often due to sudden twisting movements or excessive force on the foot.

What are the symptoms of an arch sprain? Key indicators include:

• Pain and tenderness near the arch of the foot
• Bruising and swelling
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected foot
• Pain during activity or when applying pressure to the arch

How long does it take for an arch sprain to heal? The healing time depends on the severity of the sprain:

• Grade I (minor): 2 to 4 weeks
• Grade II (moderate): 4 to 6 weeks
• Grade III (severe): 6 to 8 weeks, potentially longer if surgery is required

Effective Treatment Options for Arch Pain

How can arch pain be effectively treated? Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the pain. Common approaches include:

1. Rest and ice therapy: Reducing activity and applying ice to the affected area
2. Orthotic devices: Custom or over-the-counter inserts to support the arch
3. Proper footwear: Shoes with adequate arch support and cushioning
4. Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen foot muscles and improve flexibility
5. Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs
6. Stretching exercises: Targeted stretches to alleviate tension in the plantar fascia and calf muscles
7. Night splints: Devices worn during sleep to maintain proper foot positioning

For more severe cases or persistent pain, additional treatments may be necessary:

• Corticosteroid injections: To reduce inflammation and pain
• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy: Using sound waves to stimulate healing
• Surgery: In rare cases, surgical intervention may be required

Preventive Measures to Avoid Arch Pain

What preventive measures can be taken to avoid arch pain? Implementing these strategies can help reduce the risk of developing arch pain:

• Wear appropriate footwear: Choose shoes with proper arch support and cushioning
• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts additional stress on the feet
• Warm up before exercise: Properly stretch and prepare your feet for physical activity
• Gradually increase activity levels: Avoid sudden increases in exercise intensity or duration
• Use orthotic inserts: Consider custom or over-the-counter inserts for added support
• Practice good foot hygiene: Keep feet clean and dry to prevent infections
• Alternate between different types of shoes: Avoid wearing the same pair every day

Beneficial Exercises for Arch Pain Relief

Which exercises are beneficial for arch pain relief? Incorporating these exercises into your routine can help alleviate arch pain and strengthen the muscles in your feet:

1. Toe curls: Curl your toes to pick up small objects like marbles or a towel
2. Arch rolls: Roll a tennis ball or frozen water bottle under your arch
3. Calf stretches: Stretch your calf muscles against a wall or using a step
4. Plantar fascia stretch: Pull your toes back towards your shin while seated
5. Towel scrunches: Use your toes to scrunch a towel on the floor
6. Ankle rotations: Slowly rotate your ankles in circular motions
7. Heel raises: Stand on the edge of a step and raise your heels

How often should these exercises be performed? Aim to do these exercises 2-3 times daily, holding each stretch for 15-30 seconds and repeating 10-15 times. Always start gently and increase intensity gradually to avoid further injury.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Arch Pain

When should you seek medical attention for arch pain? While many cases of arch pain can be managed at home, certain situations warrant professional medical evaluation:

• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest and home treatment
• Inability to bear weight on the affected foot
• Visible deformity or significant swelling in the foot
• Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or fever
• Pain that persists for more than two weeks despite self-care measures
• Recurrent arch pain that interferes with daily activities
• Sudden onset of arch pain following an injury

What can you expect during a medical evaluation for arch pain? A healthcare provider may:

• Conduct a physical examination of your foot
• Ask about your medical history and symptoms
• Order imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans
• Perform gait analysis to assess your walking pattern
• Recommend appropriate treatment options based on the diagnosis

The Role of Proper Footwear in Arch Pain Management

How does proper footwear contribute to arch pain management? Choosing the right shoes is crucial for preventing and alleviating arch pain. Here are key factors to consider:

• Arch support: Look for shoes with built-in arch support or space for orthotic inserts
• Cushioning: Adequate cushioning helps absorb shock and reduce stress on the arch
• Heel counter: A firm heel counter provides stability and supports the rear foot
• Flexibility: The shoe should bend at the ball of the foot, not the arch
• Fit: Ensure proper length and width to avoid unnecessary pressure on the arch
• Activity-specific: Choose shoes designed for your specific activities or sports

What types of shoes are best for arch pain? Consider these options:

1. Athletic shoes with good arch support
2. Orthopedic shoes designed for foot problems
3. Sandals or flip-flops with built-in arch support
4. Shoes with removable insoles to accommodate custom orthotics
5. Work boots with reinforced arch support for those who stand for long periods

How often should you replace your shoes? Generally, replace athletic shoes every 300-500 miles or every 6-8 months for regular use. Pay attention to signs of wear, such as compressed soles or worn-out treads.

Custom Orthotics vs. Over-the-Counter Inserts

What’s the difference between custom orthotics and over-the-counter inserts? Both can provide arch support, but they differ in several ways:

• Custom orthotics:
  • Prescribed by a healthcare professional
  • Made to fit your specific foot shape and needs
  • More expensive but often covered by insurance
  • Designed to address specific foot conditions
  • Typically more durable and long-lasting
• Over-the-counter inserts:
  • Available without prescription
  • Come in standard sizes and shapes
  • More affordable and readily available
  • Provide general support and cushioning
  • May need to be replaced more frequently

Which option is best for you? It depends on the severity of your arch pain and any underlying foot conditions. Consult with a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist to determine the most appropriate choice for your needs.

The Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Arch Pain

How do lifestyle factors influence arch pain? Several aspects of your daily life can contribute to or exacerbate arch pain:

1. Occupation: Jobs that require long periods of standing or walking can strain the arches
2. Physical activity: High-impact sports or sudden increases in exercise intensity can stress the feet
3. Weight: Excess body weight puts additional pressure on the arches
4. Footwear choices: Regularly wearing shoes with poor support can lead to arch problems
5. Foot hygiene: Poor foot care can contribute to infections and other issues affecting the arch
6. Hydration: Proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy, flexible foot tissues
7. Nutrition: A balanced diet supports overall foot health and tissue repair

What lifestyle changes can help manage arch pain?

• Take regular breaks to rest and elevate your feet during long periods of standing
• Gradually increase exercise intensity and duration to avoid overuse injuries
• Maintain a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise
• Rotate between different pairs of supportive shoes
• Practice good foot hygiene, including regular cleaning and moisturizing
• Stay hydrated and consume a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support foot health
• Consider low-impact activities like swimming or cycling to reduce stress on your feet

The Role of Stress in Arch Pain

Can stress contribute to arch pain? While stress itself doesn’t directly cause arch pain, it can indirectly affect foot health in several ways:

• Muscle tension: Stress can lead to increased muscle tension throughout the body, including the feet
• Poor posture: Stress-related poor posture can alter the distribution of weight on your feet
• Neglecting self-care: During stressful periods, you may be less likely to engage in proper foot care
• Inflammation: Chronic stress can contribute to systemic inflammation, potentially affecting the feet

How can you manage stress to support foot health?

1. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation
2. Engage in regular physical activity to reduce stress and promote overall health
3. Prioritize sleep to allow your body, including your feet, time to recover and repair
4. Consider stress-reducing activities like yoga or tai chi, which can also improve balance and foot strength
5. Seek professional help if stress is significantly impacting your daily life

Advanced Treatment Options for Persistent Arch Pain

What advanced treatment options are available for persistent arch pain? When conservative measures fail to provide relief, healthcare providers may recommend more advanced interventions:

1. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT):
   • Uses sound waves to stimulate healing in the affected area
   • Non-invasive procedure with minimal recovery time
   • May require multiple sessions for optimal results
2. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy:
   • Involves injecting concentrated platelets from your own blood into the affected area
   • Promotes natural healing and tissue regeneration
   • May be combined with other treatments for enhanced effectiveness
3. Radiofrequency Ablation:
   • Uses heat generated by radio waves to target and disable nerves causing pain
   • Minimally invasive procedure with relatively quick recovery
   • Effects can last for several months to over a year
4. Surgical Interventions:
   • Reserved for severe cases or when other treatments have failed
   • May include procedures such as plantar fascia release or arch reconstruction
   • Requires significant recovery time and rehabilitation

How effective are these advanced treatments? Success rates vary depending on the individual case and specific treatment. It’s essential to discuss the potential benefits, risks, and expected outcomes with a qualified healthcare provider before pursuing any advanced treatment option.

The Future of Arch Pain Treatment

What emerging technologies and treatments show promise for arch pain management? Research in foot care continues to evolve, with several promising developments on the horizon:

• 3D-printed custom orthotics: More precise and accessible customization of foot support
• Regenerative medicine: Stem cell therapies to promote tissue repair and regeneration
• Smart insoles: Wearable technology that provides real-time feedback on foot pressure and gait
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques: Reducing recovery time and improving outcomes
• Advanced imaging technologies: Allowing for more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning

As research progresses, these and other innovations may offer new hope for those suffering from chronic arch pain. Stay informed about emerging treatments by consulting with foot care specialists and following reputable medical news sources.

Foot sprain – aftercare: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

There are many bones and ligaments in your foot. A ligament is a strong flexible tissue that holds bones together.

When the foot lands awkwardly, some ligaments can stretch and tear. This is called a sprain.

When the injury occurs to the middle part of the foot, this is called a mid-foot sprain.

Most foot sprains happen due to sports or activities in which your body twists and pivots but your feet stay in place. Some of these sports include football, snowboarding, and dance.

There are three levels of foot sprains.

• Grade I, minor. You have small tears in the ligaments.
• Grade II, moderate. You have large tears in the ligaments.
• Grade III, severe. The ligaments are completely disrupted or detached from the bone.

Symptoms of a foot sprain include:

• Pain and tenderness near the arch of the foot. This can be felt on the bottom, top, or sides of the foot.
• Bruising and swelling of the foot
• Pain when walking or during activity
• Not being able to put weight on your foot. This most often occurs with more severe injuries.

Your health care provider may take a picture of your foot, called an x-ray, to see how severe the injury is.

If it is painful to put weight on your foot, your provider may give you a splint or crutches to use while your foot heals.

Most minor-to-moderate injuries will heal within 2 to 4 weeks. More severe injuries, such as injuries that need a cast or a boot, will need a longer time to heal, up to 6 to 8 weeks. The most serious injuries will need surgery to reduce the bone and allow the ligaments to heal. The healing process can be 6 to 8 months.

Follow these steps for the first few days or weeks after your injury:

• Rest. Stop any physical activity that causes pain, and keep your foot still when possible.
• Ice your foot for 20 minutes 2 to 3 times a day. Do not apply ice directly to your skin. Always wrap it in a cloth or towel.
• Keep your foot raised to help keep swelling down.
• Take pain medicine if you need it.

For pain, you can use ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), or acetaminophen (Tylenol). You can buy these pain medicines at the store.

• Talk with your provider before using these medicines if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or have had stomach ulcers or internal bleeding in the past.
• Do not take more than the amount recommended on the bottle or by your provider.

You can begin light activity once the pain has decreased and the swelling has gone down. Slowly increase the amount of walking or activity each day.

There may be some soreness and stiffness when you walk. This will go away once the muscles and ligaments in your foot begin to stretch and strengthen.

Your provider or physical therapist can give you exercises to help strengthen the muscles and ligaments in your foot. These exercises can also help prevent future injury.

Tips:

• During activity, you should wear a stable and protective shoe. A higher-top shoe can protect your ankle while a stiffer sole shoe can protect your foot. Walking barefoot or in flip flops can make your sprain worse.
• If you feel any sharp pain, stop the activity.
• Ice your foot after activity if you have any discomfort.
• Wear a boot if your provider suggests it. This can protect your foot and allow your ligaments to heal better.
• Talk to your provider before returning to any high impact activity or sport.

You may not need to see your provider again if your injury is healing as expected. You will need additional follow up visits if the injury is severe.

Contact the provider if:

• You have sudden numbness or tingling.
• You have sudden increase in pain or swelling.
• The injury does not seem to be healing as expected.

Mid-foot sprain

Rose NGW, Green TJ. Ankle and foot injuries. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 49.

Rothenberg P, Swanto E, Molloy A, Aiyer AA, Kaplan JR. Ligamentous injuries of the foot and ankle. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee Drez & Miller’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 117.

Updated by: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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Arch Pain/Strain – Southernmost Foot & Ankle Specialists

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Arch Pain Has Many Causes

In our pursuit of healthy bodies, pain can be an enemy. In some instances, however, it is of biological benefit. Pain that occurs right after an injury or early in an illness may play a protective role, often warning us about the damage we’ve suffered. When we sprain an ankle, for example, the pain warns us that the ligament and soft tissues may be frayed and bruised and that further activity may cause additional injury.

When we feel pain like that in our arches, this can alert us to seek medical attention. This alert is of utmost importance because of the many afflictions that contribute to the pain.

What is arch pain/strain?

The term (often referred to as arch strain) refers to an inflammation and/or burning sensation at the arch of the foot.

Arch Pain Has Many Causes

In our pursuit of healthy bodies, pain can be an enemy. In some instances, however, it is of biological benefit. Pain that occurs right after an injury or early in an illness may play a protective role, often warning us about the damage we’ve suffered. When we sprain an ankle, for example, the pain warns us that the ligament and soft tissues may be frayed and bruised and that further activity may cause additional injury.

When we feel foot pain like that in our arches, this can alert us to seek medical attention. This alert is of utmost importance because of the many afflictions that contribute to the pain.

Common causes of this pain include excess body weight adding stress on the knees, hips, and the ball of the foot. Improper posture while walking or standing and high arches may also lead patients to experience pain as well.

Patients can apply ice to the bottom of the foot to alleviate some of this pain, including reduced inflammation of the plantar fascia.

What is arch pain/strain?

The term arch pain (often referred to as arch strain) refers to an inflammation and/or burning sensation at the arch of the foot.

Cause

There are many different factors that can cause arch pain. A structural imbalance or an injury to the foot can often be the direct cause. However, most frequently the cause is a common condition called plantar fasciitis.

The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue located along the bottom surface of the foot connecting the heel to the forefoot. Excessive stretching of the plantar fascia, usually due to over-pronation (flat feet), causes plantar fasciitis.

The inflammation caused by the plantar fascia being stretched away from the heel often leads to pain in the heel and arch areas. The pain is often extreme in the morning when an individual first gets out of bed or after a prolonged period of rest.

If this condition is left untreated and strain on the longitudinal arch continues, a bony protrusion may develop, known as a heel spur. It is important to treat the condition promptly before it worsens.

Cause

There are many different factors that can cause arch pain. A structural imbalance or an injury to the foot can often be the direct cause. However, most frequently the cause is a common condition called plantar fasciitis.

The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue located along the bottom surface of the foot connecting the heel to the forefoot. Excessive stretching of the plantar fascia, usually due to over-pronation (flat feet), causes plantar fasciitis.

The inflammation caused by the plantar fascia being stretched away from the heel often leads to pain in the heel and arch areas. The pain is often extreme in the morning when an individual first gets out of bed or after a prolonged period of rest.

If this condition is left untreated and strain on the longitudinal arch continues, a bony protrusion may develop, known as a heel spur. It is important to treat the condition promptly before it worsens.

Treatment and Prevention

This is a common foot condition that can be easily treated. If you suffer from arch pain avoid high-heeled shoes whenever possible. Try to choose footwear with a reasonable heel, soft leather uppers, shock-absorbing soles, and removable foot insoles. When the pain is pronation-related (flat feet), a shoe insert called an orthotic designed with a medial heel post and proper arch support is recommended for treating the pain. This type of orthotic will control over-pronation, support the arch, and provide the necessary relief.

Your podiatric physician/surgeon from Southernmost Foot and Ankle Specialists has been trained specifically and extensively in the diagnosis and treatment of all manners of foot conditions. This training encompasses all of the intricately related systems and structures of the foot and lower leg including neurological, circulatory, skin, and the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.

Treatment and Prevention

This is a common foot condition that can be easily treated. If you suffer from arch pain avoid high-heeled shoes whenever possible. Try to choose footwear with a reasonable heel, soft leather uppers, shock-absorbing soles, and removable foot insoles. When the pain is pronation-related (flat feet), a shoe insert called an orthotic designed with a medial heel post and proper arch support is recommended for treating the pain. This type of orthotic will control over-pronation, support the arch, and provide the necessary relief.

Your podiatric physician/surgeon from Southernmost Foot and Ankle Specialists has been trained specifically and extensively in the diagnosis and treatment of all manners of foot conditions. This training encompasses all of the intricately related systems and structures of the foot and lower leg including neurological, circulatory, skin, and the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.

10 Common Plasma Cutting Mistakes | Proper maintenance of plasma arc cutting equipment – Storm

1. Use of consumables to failure

The use of heavily worn consumables can destroy other plasma torch components, which can lead to costly torch breakdowns and long downtime. The best way to know the condition of the torch parts is to evaluate the quality of the metal cut edge. When the quality of the cut begins to decline, this indicates wear. Keep a record of the average life of parts (can be expressed in terms of number of ignitions or actual time “on the arc”), with this data the operator will know when to check and replace consumable parts without leading to fatal failures.

2. Premature replacement of consumables

A diametrically opposite situation occurs when consumables that have not exhausted their resource are discarded. The decision to replace parts should be made based on their actual wear and not on the number of hours of operation. When conducting an external inspection of parts, it is necessary to pay attention to the following points: the presence or absence of recesses on the inner or outer surface of the nozzle, the correctness of the shape of the nozzle opening. The part should only be replaced if there are obvious signs of wear. If there are none, most likely the part is suitable for further use. The degree of wear of the electrode is determined by visual assessment of the depth of ulceration of the hafnium insert in the very center of the electrode. If the depth of ulceration exceeds the standard values, the electrode must be replaced. Gas swirlers should only be replaced when a thorough inspection reveals dirt or grease, cracks, arc burns, or excessive wear in the holes. The same applies to protective caps, which should only be replaced when there are signs of physical damage. Often protective caps can be cleaned of metal spatter and reused.

3. Using incorrect cutting parameters and consumables

The choice of consumables depends on the material being cut and its thickness, amperage, plasma gas, and other cutting parameters. The operator’s manual tells you which consumables are suitable for different types of cuts. The use of unsuitable consumables can result in shortened parts life and reduced cut quality. It is especially important to operate the parts at rated current. The best cut quality and longest part life can be achieved by setting the amperage to 95% of nozzle rating. If the current is too low, the cut will be uneven. Too high current will shorten nozzle life.

4. Incorrect assembly of torch

The cutter must be assembled so that its parts are aligned and fit snugly together. This will ensure good electrical contact and proper flow of gas and coolant through the torch. When replacing parts, store the consumables in a clean bag to keep the torch free of dirt or metal dust. Cleanliness is very important when assembling the torch. This is often neglected. When applying lubricant to the o-ring, it should only slightly shine. If too much grease is applied, the swirler may become clogged and the torch may become contaminated with metal dust. This can lead to uncontrolled arc ignition in the plasma chamber and eventually torch failure. Do not apply lubricant to torches as this can cause arc damage and fires inside the torch.

5. Scheduled maintenance failure

With proper care, torches can last for months or even years. Torch threads must be kept clean, and bearing surfaces must be checked for contamination and mechanical damage. The torch must be cleaned of any dirt, metal dust, or excess O-ring grease. Use a cotton swab with electrical contact cleaner or hydrogen peroxide to clean the torch.

6. Ignore gas or coolant flow check

Gas and coolant flow and pressure should be checked every day. If the flow rate is insufficient, the consumables will not cool properly, resulting in reduced consumable life. Improper cooling water flow due to clogged filters, low coolant levels is the most common cause of parts and torch failure. Constant gas pressure is important to maintain the cutting arc. Excessive gas pressure is the most common cause of difficult arc ignition. This refers to a situation in which the torch fails to strike an arc when all other conditions for normal operation are met. Too high gas pressure will also lead to rapid destruction of the electrodes. Similarly, the plasma gas must be kept clean to prevent shortening of consumable and torch life. In compressed air systems, gases are particularly susceptible to oil and particulate contamination, as well as moisture intrusion.

7. Pierce too low

The distance between the workpiece and the torch tip (slackness) is critical to both cut quality and consumable life. Even small changes in torch height can affect the angularity of the cut surface. Torch height is especially important when piercing. One common mistake is to burn too low. This causes molten metal to spatter the leading edge of the nozzle and protective cap, causing damage to the parts and consequent deterioration in cut quality. “Suppression” of the arc can occur even if the torch is piercing in contact with the metal or sliding across the surface while cutting. A “suppressed” arc leads to the destruction of the electrode, nozzle, gas swirler, and in some cases the torch itself. Piercing at 1.5 to 2 times the recommended height protects the torch and parts from damage.

8. Too fast or too slow cutting

Cutting too fast or too slow can result in poor cut quality. If the cutting speed is too slow, “low cutting speed dross” will form on the edges of the cut parts, which is large blisters of dross along the bottom edge. Low speeds can also widen the cut and cause excessive top spatter. If the cutting speed is too high, the arc will lag behind the cut, resulting in beveled edges, narrow cuts, and small hardened dross along the bottom edge of the cut. Dross formed at high cutting speeds is difficult to remove. With the right cutting speed, dross formation will be minimal, resulting in a clean edge that requires less rework before moving the part to the next step in the manufacturing process.

9. Stretch wire

Arc stretch can occur at the start and end of a cut if the arc must “stretch” (deviate from a straight, perpendicular path) to make contact with the metal. Stretching the arc can burn through the side wall of the nozzle. When starting at the edge of the workpiece, the plasma arc must be ignited when the nozzle opening is exactly centered above the edge of the workpiece. It is important to remember this in combined plasma cutting and punching when the arc deviates from a straight perpendicular path to come into contact with the metal. Stretching the arc can burn through the side wall of the nozzle. When starting at the edge of the workpiece, the plasma arc must be ignited when the nozzle opening is exactly centered above the edge of the workpiece. It is important to remember this in the combined processing of metal by plasma cutting and a punching press, when the arc is ignited from a punched hole. In such cases, the arc should be struck at the edge and not in the middle of the punched hole. Arc stretch can also occur at the end of a cut if the torch is programmed to exit the sheet with the arc on, or if the torch “exit” follows the cut of the previous sheet of metal. Timing the arc-out signal and programming the “out” can minimize this effect.

10. Cutter impact

During mechanized cutting, impacts of the cutter against the end face of the product or its collision with the workpiece can lead to irreparable damage to the plasma torch. Collisions between the torch and the workpiece can be prevented by programming the path of the shape cutting system around the cut parts. Torch height sensors can also provide protection against torch shock by correcting the height for material width deviations.