I have only used a plasma a few times, though it worked better with me than the other guys.
Don't 'strike' it in mid air, avoid 'blowbacks' into the tip.

We had 8 tips (caps whatever they are called) I used the first 1 most of the day, they ruined it & the next 6 the next day.
I made the last one last all the next day untill the job was finished.