Plasma cutter
- vfauto
- Vectric Craftsman
- Posts: 196
- Joined: Sun Nov 08, 2009 3:43 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: Legacy Artsian 72"
- Location: West Springfield Ma.
- Contact:
Plasma cutter
Wondering if anybody is using aspire to create tool paths for a plasma cutter?
Thank You
Frank
Frank
Re: Plasma cutter
Using Aspire, I've exported the vectors out as dxf file where either my plasma cutter software, 3D printer software or Laser cutter software will accept.
Gary
Gary
- adze_cnc
- Vectric Wizard
- Posts: 4367
- Joined: Sat Jul 27, 2013 10:08 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: AXYZ 4008
- Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Re: Plasma cutter
Would this thread be of use?: Plasma Cutter Module viewtopic.php?t=35246
-
- Vectric Wizard
- Posts: 1000
- Joined: Fri Sep 21, 2007 1:44 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: UCCNC Router, Plasma, Laser
- Location: Australia 3781
Re: Plasma cutter
I use Aspire for plasma toolpaths. Have done for a number of years now.
Not because it is the most feature rich software for this purpose, but I have it, and am familiar with it, and it does all I need for plasma toolpaths.
It requires a PP written for plasma. The necessary plasma specific things needed revolve around "plunge" and "retract".
The details of which will depend on your CNC controller.
When doing a "Plunge"
1. touch off routine
2. move to pierce height
3. start torch
4. dwell for pierce
5. move to cut height.
"Retract"
1. turn off torch
2. move to traverse height
Subtleties of the above, including THC on/off control, are handled by the CNC controller.
In the tool database I have made tools for each of the materials that I regularly cut. Eg, 1.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 10mm, etc.
I call them an End mill. Make the dia. to be the kerf width, and the cut speed that is required for that material.
Aspire does not have all of the plasma specific features of a purpose built plasma CAM software, but it will do a very adequate job.
I own a license for the most popular plasma CAM software. Very good software, But I still use Aspire and as I say, I am familiar and comfortable with it.
Not because it is the most feature rich software for this purpose, but I have it, and am familiar with it, and it does all I need for plasma toolpaths.
It requires a PP written for plasma. The necessary plasma specific things needed revolve around "plunge" and "retract".
The details of which will depend on your CNC controller.
When doing a "Plunge"
1. touch off routine
2. move to pierce height
3. start torch
4. dwell for pierce
5. move to cut height.
"Retract"
1. turn off torch
2. move to traverse height
Subtleties of the above, including THC on/off control, are handled by the CNC controller.
In the tool database I have made tools for each of the materials that I regularly cut. Eg, 1.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 10mm, etc.
I call them an End mill. Make the dia. to be the kerf width, and the cut speed that is required for that material.
Aspire does not have all of the plasma specific features of a purpose built plasma CAM software, but it will do a very adequate job.
I own a license for the most popular plasma CAM software. Very good software, But I still use Aspire and as I say, I am familiar and comfortable with it.
-
- Vectric Wizard
- Posts: 1000
- Joined: Fri Sep 21, 2007 1:44 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: UCCNC Router, Plasma, Laser
- Location: Australia 3781
Re: Plasma cutter
I made a video describing how I go about using Vectric for plasma toolpaths.
-
- Vectric Wizard
- Posts: 1000
- Joined: Fri Sep 21, 2007 1:44 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: UCCNC Router, Plasma, Laser
- Location: Australia 3781
Re: Plasma cutter
My first video is obviously too long and boring. Very few watchers got past the first few minutes.
This is my attempt at making the info more accessible, more concise.
This is my attempt at making the info more accessible, more concise.
-
- Vectric Wizard
- Posts: 1000
- Joined: Fri Sep 21, 2007 1:44 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: UCCNC Router, Plasma, Laser
- Location: Australia 3781
Re: Plasma cutter
Another video.
.
.