Category:Plasma Shop: Difference between revisions

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'''There is only one tool in this shop.'''
'''There is only one tool in this shop.'''
It is used in [[:Brackets_Tutorial_2b:_Fabricating_a_Bracket_from_a_Solidworks_Design#Set_up_the_Cut | Brackets tutorial 2b.]]


== Torchmate CNC Plasma Cutter ==
== Torchmate CNC Plasma Cutter ==
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The tool consists of a CNC gantry with a 48"x96" table that carries a Hypertherm [https://www.dropbox.com/s/lida6dswhecqvt8/OM_806650_R4_Powermax65-85.pdf?dl=0 PowerMax85] plasma torch.  Cuts are made vertically over a water tank.  Four levels of torch power are available so that mild steel sheets ranging from 0.018" (26-Ga) to 1.25" thick may be cut.  Maximum cut speed is 350 inches per minute.
The tool consists of a CNC gantry with a 48"x96" table that carries a Hypertherm [https://www.dropbox.com/s/lida6dswhecqvt8/OM_806650_R4_Powermax65-85.pdf?dl=0 PowerMax85] plasma torch.  Cuts are made vertically over a water tank.  Four levels of torch power are available so that mild steel sheets ranging from 0.018" (26-Ga) to 1.25" thick may be cut.  Maximum cut speed is 350 inches per minute.


     '''This is a [[RED]] tool!'''  Users must be [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hI_ZfqQIU2_wlz9CbFTXcelg0TnKq9Uh/view?usp=drive_link trained] and [https://www.artisansasylum.com/tool-testing tool-tested] before they are permitted to operate it.
     '''This is a <span style="color:red">RED</span> tool!'''  Users must be [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hI_ZfqQIU2_wlz9CbFTXcelg0TnKq9Uh/view?usp=drive_link trained] and [https://www.artisansasylum.com/tool-testing tool-tested] before they are permitted to operate it.


Materials qualified for general use are:  '''Mild Steel, Stainless Steel, and Aluminum.'''  Other materials that have been successfully tested are:  Titanium and Brass.
Materials qualified for general use are:  '''Mild Steel, Stainless Steel, and Aluminum.'''  Other materials that have been successfully tested are:  Titanium and Brass.
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'''Location:'''
'''Location:'''


Artisans Asylum Antwerp Building, 55 Antwerp Street, Allston.  Adjacent to the Metals Shop in the northeast corner of the building.
Artisans Asylum Antwerp Building, 55 Antwerp Street, Allston.  Adjacent to the Metal Shop in the northeast corner of the building.
 
==Important Notes:==
 
'''To properly use the torch''' you must assemble the set of parts that go into the cutting nozzle.  For instructions, click [[Plasmatron Nozzle Assembly Instructions | '''here''']]


'''If the machine is set up but not cutting properly''' refer to the service checklist [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L_y5TwMKyZYtniWz63nrMpC_g_wr_RLi/view?usp=drive_link "Plasmatron Fails to Cut."]


== Safety Rules ==
== Safety Rules ==
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==Maintenance notes==
==Maintenance notes==


[[media: Topping the Water Tank.pdf | Topping up the water in the tank]] (every week or two)
[[media: Topping the Water Tank.pdf | Topping up the water in the tank]] (every week)


[[media: Cleaning and Lubricating the Mechanism.pdf | Clean and Lube]] (every month or two)
[[media: Cleaning and Lubricating the Mechanism.pdf | Clean and Lube]] (every month or two)
[[media: Planing the CNC work surface.pdf | Planing the work surface]] (twice a year)


[[media: Calibrating the Vertical Stage.pdf | Measuring the backlash]] (every month or two)
[[media: Calibrating the Vertical Stage.pdf | Measuring the backlash]] (every month or two)


[[media: Planing the CNC work surface.pdf | Planing the work surface]] (twice a year)


== Documentation ==
== Documentation ==
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'''The following documents are available:'''
'''The following documents are available:'''


Link to [https://drive.google.com/file/d/14TK3ZsdimfMVv3-gyWi3wz_3wzfEAER_/view?usp=drive_link Torchmate user manual]
Training is available by taking a class or review of the [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PRsRqTug9Yh1PXNv7A6d63P6PcKDlWNf/view?usp=drive_link User training document]
 
If you are experiencing problems, look at the [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g6Co42BNs_M-RjQOAg7fwE-WAI77nM8a/view?usp=drive_link Torchmate Troubleshooting Guide]
 
[[:Category:Bracketage |Solidworks tutorials]] showing the data path for designing and fabricating sheet metal parts using the plasmatron.
 
Link to the [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uaGBR2O0gkXAmp3k25S2_DSe7lC4ZbO3/view?usp=drive_link Torchmate User's Guide] for using the driver software.  Pages 78-154 cover the collection of configuration settings.
 
[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pJ6Hdx1y1A8_u1Z6y1FcDBdDgd4qF_sm/view?usp=drive_link Torchmate CAD]  is a file editing program that resides on the plasmatron computer.  It allows you to create tool paths, edit data from other sources, and merge multiple data sets into a single part.
 
User manual for the [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G7KqPQUETFjTWC7CedktobSv0PPtdZUv/view?usp=drive_link Signal Generator] - the large red box at the bottom of the stack.
 
[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jQCd8GweFkmnlS1obk_Ngyh40g-7XTz_/view?usp=drive_link Setup manual] for the Arc Voltage Height Control - AVHC - the small control box on the top of the stack. 
 
[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ytf-40id0XMeKJGcHbCdjNTwpQ2gPE-0/view?usp=drive_link Quick-start guide for the AVHC.]  Pp. 40-45 tell how to measure the vertical stage backlash.


Exploded views of the nozzle packs:  [[Fine Cut]]  ;  [[Coarse Cut]]
Exploded views of the nozzle packs:  [[Fine Cut]]  ;  [[Coarse Cut]]


Data for machine settings can be found in the Hypertherm manual [https://drive.google.com/file/d/14TK3ZsdimfMVv3-gyWi3wz_3wzfEAER_/view?usp=drive_link Torchmate PowerMax85] or on the [[Plasma CNC Machine Settings]] page.
Data for torch and machine settings can be found in the Hypertherm manual [https://drive.google.com/file/d/14TK3ZsdimfMVv3-gyWi3wz_3wzfEAER_/view?usp=drive_link Torchmate PowerMax85] or on the [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K9yvGgo28pDGs9xYUzuHxqhLysV_uPbV/view?usp=drive_link Plasma CNC Power Settings] document.
 
Training is available by taking a class and review of the [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hI_ZfqQIU2_wlz9CbFTXcelg0TnKq9Uh/view?usp=drive_link User training document]


A table of [[Powermax 85 Error Codes]] displayed on the front display of the Hypertherm power supply.
A table of [[Powermax 85 Error Codes]] displayed on the front display of the Hypertherm power supply.


Instructions for starting and stopping the [[Antwerp Air Compressor]]
Instructions for starting and stopping the [[Antwerp Air Compressor]]

Latest revision as of 15:10, 15 September 2024

CNC Plasma Cutter
Plasmatron in Action
CNC Plasma Cutter
Building Antwerp
Lead Sam Feine
User email list plasmashop-users@artisansasylum.com
Tool Testers

Jim Bredt

Hours Same as membership hours


There is only one tool in this shop.

It is used in Brackets tutorial 2b.

Torchmate CNC Plasma Cutter

Description:

The tool consists of a CNC gantry with a 48"x96" table that carries a Hypertherm PowerMax85 plasma torch. Cuts are made vertically over a water tank. Four levels of torch power are available so that mild steel sheets ranging from 0.018" (26-Ga) to 1.25" thick may be cut. Maximum cut speed is 350 inches per minute.

    This is a RED tool!  Users must be trained and tool-tested before they are permitted to operate it.

Materials qualified for general use are: Mild Steel, Stainless Steel, and Aluminum. Other materials that have been successfully tested are: Titanium and Brass.

Driver software is called Torchmate 4 located on the attached computer and several installations around the Asylum. Input data is in the form of a 2-D sketch, either as G-Code (*.txt or *.fgc) or DXF (*.dxf). DXF files may be prepared on any convenient CAD syatem, including a resident program "Torchmate CAD" located on the drive computer. Alternatively, G-Code may be prepared separately as a text file and opened by "Torchmate 4" application.

Location:

Artisans Asylum Antwerp Building, 55 Antwerp Street, Allston. Adjacent to the Metal Shop in the northeast corner of the building.

Important Notes:

To properly use the torch you must assemble the set of parts that go into the cutting nozzle. For instructions, click here

If the machine is set up but not cutting properly refer to the service checklist "Plasmatron Fails to Cut."

Safety Rules

    PROTECT YOUR EYES! Always wear eye protection and wear shaded goggles when the torch is cutting.

The power switch for the ventilator is located on the wall to the left of the drive computer, adjacent to the sheet metal rack.

The emergency cutoff button (E-STOP) is located on the corner of the table nearest to the shop entry.

A sink is located on the wall opposite the drive computer.

A fire extinguisher is located adjacent to the sink.

In the unlikely event of a flammable metal fire, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO EXTINGUISH. Call 9-1-1 and evacuate the area.

Do not place tools one the side rails of the cutting tank. These are part of the mechanism and obstructions can damage the machine.

Maintenance notes

Topping up the water in the tank (every week)

Clean and Lube (every month or two)

Measuring the backlash (every month or two)

Planing the work surface (twice a year)

Documentation

The following documents are available:

Training is available by taking a class or review of the User training document

If you are experiencing problems, look at the Torchmate Troubleshooting Guide

Solidworks tutorials showing the data path for designing and fabricating sheet metal parts using the plasmatron.

Link to the Torchmate User's Guide for using the driver software. Pages 78-154 cover the collection of configuration settings.

Torchmate CAD is a file editing program that resides on the plasmatron computer. It allows you to create tool paths, edit data from other sources, and merge multiple data sets into a single part.

User manual for the Signal Generator - the large red box at the bottom of the stack.

Setup manual for the Arc Voltage Height Control - AVHC - the small control box on the top of the stack.

Quick-start guide for the AVHC. Pp. 40-45 tell how to measure the vertical stage backlash.

Exploded views of the nozzle packs: Fine Cut  ; Coarse Cut

Data for torch and machine settings can be found in the Hypertherm manual Torchmate PowerMax85 or on the Plasma CNC Power Settings document.

A table of Powermax 85 Error Codes displayed on the front display of the Hypertherm power supply.

Instructions for starting and stopping the Antwerp Air Compressor

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