Category:Plasma Shop: Difference between revisions

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 and Brackets Tutorial 4.

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 Shop Air