AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION OF COMPONENTS FOR WELDING AND CUTTING TORCHES

A plasma torch consumable component (200) is provided that is removably coupleable to a plasma torch (22) configured to automatically identify one or more plasma consumable components installed within a plasma torch body (100) of the plasma torch (22). The plasma torch consumable component (200) comprises a surface that is optically viewable at an operative end of the plasma torch (22) when the plasma torch consumable component is installed in the plasma torch (22). One or more passive, mechanical markings (210) are disposed on the surface, the one or more passive, mechanical markings providing information relating to at least one of: an identity of the plasma torch consumable component (200); an operational parameter associated with the plasma torch consumable component (200); and a presence of the plasma torch consumable component (200) in a requisite location within the plasma torch (22). A cartridge containing the consumable component, and a method of providing such a consumable component, are also provided.