Messages

1

General Mach Discussion / Re: tips for getting started with 2 axis plasma cutter

« on: February 21, 2023, 08:48:19 PM »

Thank you so much for all the info you've given me. I am very grateful for your help.

Sincerely,
Endrit.

2

General Mach Discussion / Re: tips for getting started with 2 axis plasma cutter

« on: February 21, 2023, 08:15:08 PM »

Hi,I'm having difficulty buying ESS and WarpRunner because of the high shipping fees due to Kosovo not being readily available nearby. Can I ask for your opinion on an alternative product called PoScope? It also has breakout features and THC, and it's easier to purchase from me.

https://www.poscope.com/product/pokeys57cnc/
https://www.poscope.com/product/plasma-divider-plasmadiv/

Thankss

3

General Mach Discussion / Re: tips for getting started with 2 axis plasma cutter

« on: February 19, 2023, 06:45:39 PM »

Hi,
if  you are new and do not yet have a license you should go with Mach4. All development on Mach3 ceased eight years ago, it works but whatever bugs it has it will always have.

https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=42891.msg278176#msg278176

Mach4 all but requires an external motion controller, I'd recommend an Ethernet SmoothStepper (ESS). You need a breakout board to match, and for a simple machine
such as you are contemplating a single port (17 IOs) bidirectional C10 for $23.00 is good value or a two port (34 IOs) bidirectional C25 for $29.00 is good value also.
You may have to provide some very simple external circuitry, relays etc, but should be no problems. Or you could make a breakout board, this is one I made, all three ports (51IOs)
developed, all 24V tolerant, differential outputs for the servos (six axis), plus PWM, relay on/off for the spindle and electromagnetic brake output for the Z axis.

You'll soon want Torch Height Control, a plasma table without it is way less than ideal. Yes, I've heard it all before...' I don't need THC....I'll use X or Y or Z, I don't need THC'
and I call BS, every single one of them comes back to implementing THC

Mach4 has a script based software THC feature, very low bandwidth, say 10Hz, but adequate for many THC purposes. Your electronics skills will come in handy if you wish to do that.
The ESS is matched to a THC controller/breakout board in the form of a Warp Runner board, now you have realtime hardware controlled THC with bandwidth of 100Hz or more.

What plasma machine do you have?. Any HF start plasma is far from ideal for a Plasma table, the electrical noise is very hard to accommodate, contact start like Hypertherm is much preferred.
Even contact start plasmas are electrically noisy and so USB connected motion controllers are not recommended. Transformer coupled USB is better but still has more latency
and less noise immunity than Ethernet.

Craig

Hi,
I have considered your suggestion for ESS and WarpRunner, and I have decided to go with ESS and Warp. However, I have a question: would it be more effective to use a stepper motor instead of a servo motor, considering the cost difference? Apologies for my delayed response. And will use a plasma with ignition contact or pilot arc.

Thank you.

4

General Mach Discussion / Re: tips for getting started with 2 axis plasma cutter

« on: February 06, 2023, 07:42:09 PM »

Hi, thank you very much for your help. I really appreciate it. Now I know how it works.

5

General Mach Discussion / Re: tips for getting started with 2 axis plasma cutter

« on: February 06, 2023, 12:05:32 AM »

"I have found a solution for the voltage with Arduino. However, there is still something unclear to me. How should I set the speed at which the axes move based on the thickness of the material? Is it necessary to go to motor tuning every time for tuning purposes?"

6

General Mach Discussion / Re: tips for getting started with 2 axis plasma cutter

« on: January 29, 2023, 09:19:48 PM »

but I don't know how I can control z axis if I measure the voltage with arduino, in plasma.

7

General Mach Discussion / Re: tips for getting started with 2 axis plasma cutter

« on: January 29, 2023, 09:17:46 PM »

hi,
yes, because at the moment I only have these solutions.

8

General Mach Discussion / Re: tips for getting started with 2 axis plasma cutter

« on: January 29, 2023, 09:06:35 PM »

Hi,
Thanks for info.

sincerely

9

General Mach Discussion / Re: tips for getting started with 2 axis plasma cutter

« on: January 29, 2023, 08:53:23 PM »

Hi,since a few days I have been browsing and looking for equipment and I decided to start with mach3 and this board because I have those parts where I live
and to make a floating head because I only have flat material for cutting.
But I saw a video somewhere where he did it by measuring voltage with arduino and sending a signal to this board, but it was not clear how.
Do you have any idea how I can control thc if I have a signal output from the arduino that shows the voltage of the Plasma during cutting.
How should the signal be during the output and in which pins of this board should it go and where can I configure it in mach3

10

General Mach Discussion / Re: tips for getting started with 2 axis plasma cutter

« on: January 22, 2023, 05:30:34 PM »

Hi,
yeah, you are right. I absolutely need torch height control.
The plasma I have is the following https://www.blechzulieferer.com/plasma-cutting-device-jaeckle-plasma-60-new+42805/offer

If I understood when the plasma start is electrical noisy and unsuitable, what if a circuit is designed that filters that signal when it starts or a relay is used and the relay spike is filtered.