| Cut height is too high. | Top spatter or top dross can occur when the plasma stream first pierces the work piece and the molten metal adheres to the top surface of the material. It is typically much less common than back side dross and it can be easily removed by chipping away from the work piece. If you are experiencing a high incidence of top dross, it is possible that your chosen cut height is too high and should be reduced. |
| Pierce delay is too short. | If the pierce delay is too short, it does not allow the plasma arc enough time to correctly pierce the material completely before motion begins. Try increase the pierce delay in 0.1 second intervals until top dross is eliminated. |
| Amperage is too low. | If the amperage is too low, the plasma cutter does not have enough power to quickly pierce the material. Try increasing the cutting amperage in intervals of 3A. |