Welcome to the Bulltear CNC plasma support forum

[BTA PLASMA]

Folks we are proud to be a part of this online community and happy to share our builds.

[Switcher]

What's the cnc control, I don't see anything about that on your site?

Your site only reads, software.

[BTA PLASMA]

We use Mach 3 for its flexibility and ease of use.

[jimcolt]

Do you have an arc voltage based torch height control? If so....does this height control have initial height sensing.....to detect the surface of the plate then retract to the plasma manufacturers recomended pierce height (which needs to be about 1.5 to 2 times the cut height)?

If the THC is optional, how much is it?

Jim

[BTA PLASMA]

DTHC is not optional its standard on all our gantry kits and tables. We feel that every table out there should have a DTHC and in todays plasma cutting every customer should have the ability to cut 1" thick steel down to 18 gauge without adding costs. Its good to see you on here Mr. Colt you will be a great asset to our Hypertherm questions.

Can you send us some info on the 45 unit? We hear it has some speacial features unlike the others.

[Switcher]

We use Mach 3 for its flexibility and ease of use.

Does that include any cadcam software?

I'm not trying to be picky, but just saying software could be anything, I think being specific on every detail would be a better idea.

Thanks, for the control answer good to see you don't use a proprietary control.

[jimcolt]

You are correct....torch height control is necessary for good cut quality as well as consumable life. How is initial height done with the DTHC? Is it based on a limit switch, prox switch or does it use Ohmic contact?

The "floating head" term is confusing as this term has been used for over 25 years in the plasma cutting industry to describe a torch height control that uses roller balls to "float" on the plate....most commonly used on HVAC plasma machines for cutting thin gauge plate that does not require a separate pierce height. This type of floating head is also use on Whitney punch plasma machines with a roller ball pate rider...these machines do not need IHS as they start the plasma on the edge of punched holes to improve consumable life! Initial height sensing is important to cut quality and consumable life....if it is a feature on your machine....you should make that clear on your site!

Your machines look good....I can provide you with info if you contact me directly at my Hypertherm email. jim.colt@hypertherm.com

[Switcher]

"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfjW2ygFYoE"]YouTube- Bulltear precision plasma cutting 3/8 @ 120ipm

[jimcolt]

The plasma torch in the YouTube video cutting 3/8" plate.....is cutting in the wrong direction!

Plasma has a clockwise gas swirl (on some industrial plasmas you can use ccw swirl rings for special applications such as mirror image cutting)...which causes the kerf to the right of the torch (as the torch moves away from you) to have a relatively square edge.....and the kerf to the left to have more bevel. the right side of the cut should be the "good" side, the left side the "scrap" side.

In this video....the ID is cut clockwise.....leaving the worse bevel on the hole, and the good cut on the scrap piece that dropped......the outside is cut ccw.....leaving the good cut on the outside (scrap) edge.

Reversing these directions will dramatically improve the cut edge angularity!

Jim

[BTA PLASMA]

Our tables do not include any CAD software only a demo version of sheetcam. Their are too many options out there for CAD software and many upgrades several times a year for most systems. 90% of the times our customers have a version of Autocad, Solidworks or Bobcad or even Mastercam. For 2d drawings their are many different budget cam system available.


Jim yes thank you for pointing out CW and CCW. It is my understanding that the consumables will generate rotation out of the nozzle and for this application cutting the way we did produced amazing results either using G41 (cutter compensation left) ot G42 (cutter compensation right). We found that with the right speed and amperage both G41 and G42 gave us the same result, same measurement. We are able to get virtually no taper in some holes. We have some consumable drawings we may use to produce some different results depending on torch head. I know your right about that Jim in most cases you will have better results in one direction versus another...definately better results. Coming from the Hypertherm world you must see some applications of 2"+ thick materials and really have to hone all varaibles. We will keep your email as a referrence and contact you with a few 45 questions.

[jimcolt]

Actually the thicker you cut...the easier it is to control edge angularity. It is thinner materials that it is important to have speed, standoff, gas flow/pressure correct.

In over 30 years of plasma cutting the left and right kerf have never been identical....unless they were both bevelled! I think you will find that plasma is directional....especially if you are measuring cut edge angularity accurately!

Looks like a nice system, and the price is right...I look forward to working with you.

Best regards, Jim Colt

[DISCONNECTED]

3/8 cutting at 120imp ? What are you cutting with a 200+ amp plasma machine? I cut 3/8 steel at 22 ipm 60 amp setting standard air plasma.