A liquid-cooled consumable cartridge for a plasma arc torch is provided. The cartridge includes (i) an electrode, (ii) a swirl ring with a first outer retaining feature and a second outer retaining feature on an exterior surface, where the electrode is secured to the swirl ring, and (iii) a nozzle with an inner retaining feature on an interior surface, where the inner retaining feature of the nozzle is mated with the first outer retaining feature of the swirl ring. The cartridge also includes a cartridge frame with an inner retaining feature on an interior surface and an outer retaining feature on an exterior surface. The inner retaining feature of the cartridge frame is mated with the second outer retaining feature of the swirl ring. The cartridge further includes a shield with an inner retaining feature on an interior surface mated with the outer retaining feature of the cartridge frame.