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Abstract

A plasma torch head has transfer components, including an HF lead and a power lead/gas conduit, which are partially encased in a core fabricated from an elastomer. The core is housed in a rigid shell, which preferably also engages a portion of the transfer components. The shell can be a two-piece shell which is assembled around the core, or can be a single piece cast around the core. The core can be fabricated by securing the transfer components in a mold and filling the mold with an elastomer such as liquid silicone rubber. After curing the elastomer in the mold, the core is stripped from the mold and the shell is formed around the core. In one preferred method, sections of a two-part shell are injection molded from phenolic, placed about the core, and secured together with bolts. In another preferred method, the core is placed in a mold and the mold is filled with a liquid two-part epoxy which is cured in a reduced pressure atmosphere to form a one-piece shell.

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First Claim