Re: Plasma Torch Height Control

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "roboticscnc" <gsm42@...> wrote:

>
> Hi group,
> I've been using my Plasma machine for a few months and realized height
> control is essential, especially on thin materials. I designed the
> machine to be used as a router as well so it has a Z axis. Can anyone
> advise me of which plasma machines and THCs work the best and are the
> easiest to set up / connect ? I currently use a "Thermal Dynamics
> Cutmaster 101" but am open to suggestion to other types if I can find
> one with the necessary outputs already there. The Cutmaster is a
> communal machine, mainly used manually so I'm not at liberty to
> install a circuit board inside it (even if I knew where to start). Any
> pictures or information would be helpful.
> Thanks, Glen.
>

In any plasma to THC interface you have to get to three signals (6 wires)
1. Raw tip volts. The voltage between the electrode and workclamp.
The 101 has a location for picking that up.
2. Torch Switch. A place to put the relay contacts (isolated) off
the sensor card. The 101 has a place to pick that up.
3. Arc Good ("okay to move" on the Cutmaster). A signal that tells
MACH there has been a valid arc established and it releases the move hold.


While a lot of people mount the THC sensor card inside the plasma
unit, the wires can be brought ouside and the sensor card can be
enclosed in a small plastic box outside the unit.

If you have to start for scratch, you should look to the Hypertherm
1000 to 1650 series. All of the connections are there to hook it with
just crimp on terminals.

Our CandCNCSupport Yahoo Group has support files for the THC300 and
the MP1000-THC Digital THC. There is a folder that has the
instructions for hooking up a Hypertherm.

You may want to download the manual for the MP1000-THC from
www.candcnc.com since it covers setup with MACH and general plasma
hookups.

The cutmaster 101 is a hefty machine. You need to make sure if you
use it for CNC that your table and plasma can be locally grounded well
or there may be problems with the PC.


tomCAUDLE
www.CandCNC.com
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