Plasma torch and Cut2D

**seafurymike** · 2nd February 2010, 03:41 PM

Okay guys,

As the Zone is useless for answers I am turning to you for a great response.

I have a friend who has a 3 phase plasma and wants to keep his Z axis operational.
So, when he connects the plasma, he is looking to have Cut2D output a file that has M3 and M5 commands just before the cut starts and just as the cut ends.

M3 - torch on
M5 - torch off

Indications from our conversation tells me that he will be cutting the steel at 2.0mm above the work and rapid across the work at 5.0mm

1. Is there a post processor that allows for torch on/off commands already for Vectric

or

2. Is it as simple, yet not elegant, to replace the Z2.0 and Z5.0 syntax in the outputted file with Z2.0M3 and Z5.0M5

Any thoughts on how I can help him out. I was even thinking i could write a script which opens the file and auto replaces this.

/M

**rodm** · 2nd February 2010, 08:49 PM

Hi Mike,
I don't think any of the Vectric products address plasma cutting but I could be wrong there.
Rather than writing a script use "find and replace" in notepad to change the code.
I do this if I am at the machine and want to change a value such as feed rate. Just click on "Edit G-Code" on the "Program Run Alt-1" screen after loading the file.

It is a fail safe method as the torch will not fire up if it is forgotten but Z is still above the material so no damage can be done. Do you need a pause in there before it races off cutting shapes? Use a G4 if you do.

Not much help to you but it might confirm what you are thinking.

**seafurymike** · 2nd February 2010, 11:02 PM

Cheers Rod for the reply,

One option that Nigel floated tonight was to use a switch to turn the torch on and off that is mounted to the machine, such as a micros switch used to activate a relay.

This is a neat solution and should work well if implimented correctly.

/M

**Thunknker** · 21st February 2010, 11:47 PM

G'day Mike,

I was in the same position and on the advice of a guy on the Vectric forum, I bought Sheetcam for plasma work. You can still design in whatever you want and just export the DXF to Sheetcam then sort out piercing delays, cut and rapid heights, nesting etc. It is fairly easy to use and reasonably priced.
Hope this helps.I may sound like I know a bit but I'm just a beginner who already asked the question elsewhere.

Cheers,

Tim

**seafurymike** · 22nd February 2010, 10:31 AM

Cheers Tim

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