z axis? - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

Schmaus · 03-09-2010, 03:08 AM

Would it be possible to use to router z axis to plasma cut. That way you can have a pierce height and a cut height. Plus you could lift the torch for rapid movements.

jimcolt · 03-09-2010, 07:37 AM

Depends what you have for a machine. For a full functioning torch height control for plasma....you need a method of sensing the location of the plate surface before each cut, then index to the plasma manufacturers recomended pierce height (different for each thickness and power level), then index down to the manufacturers recomended cut height while still in the pierce location, then after the machine achieves cut speed use arc voltage (actual DC voltage from the plasma system as feedback to control height while cutting. If you have software that already has height control functionality you are partway there!

Jim

HardcorewannabeXJ · 03-09-2010, 08:12 AM

Schmaus, the Z axis deals with set "depths" for doing cuts. While on a perfectly flat piece of material this could be an option. The Z axis is not joggable during programs though, so wouldn't be a good option for material that will be constantly changing.

Most most material does not remain perfectly flat, thus the creating of Automatic Arc Voltage Height Controls. A Z axis would be just as bad if not worse then a manual height adjustment.

Torchmate · 03-09-2010, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schmaus

Would it be possible to use to router z axis to plasma cut. That way you can have a pierce height and a cut height. Plus you could lift the torch for rapid movements.

You can use it to do what you are asking. It just won't adjust during the cut, which is what most people really buy height control to do. Pierce height versus cut height is far less of a big deal relative to maintaining the cut height. You could avoid tip ups during rapid moves the way you describe. Give a call to tech support and have them walk you through it.

Bill

Schmaus · 03-09-2010, 09:36 AM

I was thinking that the z axis is only alittle more than manual z axis (2x2 table) and then I could switch between torch and router. As of now I have manual z axis ordered. but thinking of changing order to router style. I won't be using a router very often maybe not at all.
Will the software update be pricey or included for those that have not received there table.

03-09-2010, 03:08 AM	#1 (permalink)
Schmaus Newbie Join Date: Feb 2003 Member # 17258 Location: mi Posts: 74	z axis? Would it be possible to use to router z axis to plasma cut. That way you can have a pierce height and a cut height. Plus you could lift the torch for rapid movements.

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03-09-2010, 07:37 AM	#2 (permalink)
jimcolt Rock God Join Date: Nov 2009 Member # 145912 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 1,252	Depends what you have for a machine. For a full functioning torch height control for plasma....you need a method of sensing the location of the plate surface before each cut, then index to the plasma manufacturers recomended pierce height (different for each thickness and power level), then index down to the manufacturers recomended cut height while still in the pierce location, then after the machine achieves cut speed use arc voltage (actual DC voltage from the plasma system as feedback to control height while cutting. If you have software that already has height control functionality you are partway there! Jim

03-09-2010, 08:12 AM	#3 (permalink)
HardcorewannabeXJ Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Member # 84593 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 3,004	Schmaus, the Z axis deals with set "depths" for doing cuts. While on a perfectly flat piece of material this could be an option. The Z axis is not joggable during programs though, so wouldn't be a good option for material that will be constantly changing. Most most material does not remain perfectly flat, thus the creating of Automatic Arc Voltage Height Controls. A Z axis would be just as bad if not worse then a manual height adjustment.

03-09-2010, 09:36 AM	#5 (permalink)
Schmaus Newbie Join Date: Feb 2003 Member # 17258 Location: mi Posts: 74	I was thinking that the z axis is only alittle more than manual z axis (2x2 table) and then I could switch between torch and router. As of now I have manual z axis ordered. but thinking of changing order to router style. I won't be using a router very often maybe not at all. Will the software update be pricey or included for those that have not received there table.