18850 - ESAB PT-31 Plasma Cutting Nozzle (18850)

Keep Your Cuts Clean and Sharp

If your plasma cutter is starting to sputter, cut slowly, or leave a messy edge on your metal, it might be time to check your nozzle. The ESAB 18850 Nozzle is the standard replacement tip for the popular PT-31 plasma torch found on many ESAB machines and compatible cutters. This little copper part does a big job: it squeezes the plasma arc into a tight, hot beam that slices through metal like butter. When the nozzle is fresh, you get a thin cut line (kerf) and very little cleanup work. When it's worn out, you end up grinding off slag for hours.

Plasma cutting relies on consumables that are designed to be replaced. The nozzle takes the brunt of the heat and is often the first part to show signs of wear. You might notice the hole in the center getting bigger or turning into an oval shape. That's your sign to swap it out. Using a worn nozzle doesn't just make ugly cuts; it can actually overheat your torch head or cause the arc to short out inside the gun, leading to expensive repairs. Keeping a few of these 18850 nozzles in your toolbox ensures you never have to stop a job halfway through just because of a bad tip.

Installation is simple and takes just seconds. Unscrew the retaining cup (shield cup), remove the old nozzle, check your electrode and swirl ring while you're in there, drop in the new 18850 nozzle, and tighten everything back up. You'll notice the difference immediately—crisper arc starts, faster travel speeds, and a much cleaner edge on your steel or aluminum. Whether you are working on a restoration project in your garage or cutting parts for a customer, having a fresh nozzle is the cheapest way to improve your work quality.

Designed for amperages generally ranging from 30 to 50 amps, this nozzle is versatile enough for thin sheet metal and thicker plate alike. Don't let a $5 part ruin a $100 sheet of metal. Stick with quality replacements like the ESAB 18850 to keep your PT-31 torch running at its absolute best. It’s a small investment that pays off in saved time and better results every time you pull the trigger.