RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Plasma Torch

Hi William, Darrell -
I just finished up my plasma CNC - working on the torch system still - I
think I'll design a circuit that uses IR or something along those lines
to tell where the metal is in respect to the metal so I can adjust the
height. I'm using a Hypertherm Powermax 380, which doesn't have the drag
shield - so far with a stationary mount it has worked pretty well.
If you want some picts of my new design, I'll put them online.
-Chris Clough
Xtech Engineering

-----Original Message-----
From: Darrell Daniels [mailto:ddaniel1@...]
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2001 11:54 PM
To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Plasma Torch

Hi William, I think it depends on the size of metal you are cutting, on
the one I am designing I ruled out the Z axis because my max size will
be 3' by 3' with most pieces smaller than that, if you are cutting 4' by
8' sheets then I would think a Z axis would be necessary as most large
sheets aren't perfectly flat. We have been using the drag shields
manually with great results (miller) they do work. Another consideration
is work holding, if the torch tip is going to contact the metal could it
shift the work piece on thin/light items? I would also think it would
add drag which may or may not matter depending on motor size. On ours I
want to make the Z axis manually adjustable and lockable to compensate
for different thickness metal, my idea was to place the torch tip very
close but not contacting the metal. I only know of one other person on
the list that is building one, I would be interested in sharing ideas
with you on or off the list. How many people are on the list that have
plasma gantry experience?
Darrell

William Scalione wrote:

>
> I am considering building a CNC plasma cutter, and while
> looking around I see refrences to drag shields, which allow
> you to place the tip of the shield directly onto the workpiece
> when you cut. These will keep the tip at the proper distance
> from the work. Could these be used in a CNC setup? The Z
> axis could be spring loaded down, similar to a floating engraving
> spindle. Any idea if this would work, anyone done that, or do
> I need a torch height control system like rutex sells?
>
> http://www.rutex.com/953004.pdf
>
> Thanks,
> Bill
>
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