Newbe from Chile

[rbocaz]

Regards

I want to fabricate a CNC plasma cutting system, but this is my first project and I need some advice. I don't know how or where to star. I feel over overwhelmed with so much information.

I don't know what motors to chose, what control, what software to use, what...etc,etc.

Ric from Chile

[gmfoster]

I am not good at finding threads but there is a thread on this board about building a plasma table. I would also suggust joing the Mach !! email list as there has beeen several Plasma tables discussed over the years. The motors for a plasma table can usually be small compared to a router as all they have to do is carry the torch. You need THC and again there is some support for that on the Mach email list. There are several pictures and build threads for Plasma tables here on the ZONE. DO soem searches and see what pops up.

Garry

[widgitmaster]

Keep it simple!
Build the frame with the travel limits you need, get the slides just right!
Then add a couple of drive screws to move the components back and forth!
Then find motors and attach them to the screws!
Then all that is left is the electronics to control the motors.
The most popular controllers are Gecko G202's, and three of them would require a large power supply, aroiund 65VDC 6A.
Then you need a parallel port interface to go between the motor controllers and the computer, Campbell designe makes a perfect unit for Gecko's. http://www.campbelldesigns.com/breakout-board.php
Then you need a software post processor to instruct the electronics to move, Mach3 is the most popular!

Last item is training yourself to use it all! (fun part)

Hope this helps!
Eric

[energyforce]

I learned so much about building cars, 4x4 trucks and stuff from mags. Thats where I got all my ideas and then I started to do some of it myself and became pretty good at it. I didnt become a car guy cuz of my dad, i became a car guy from magazines!!!!!!

I know there are no cnc magazines (that i know of) so I would suggest the web. So I would suggest looking at pics of what people have done (my table is in this thread "A New Table Buildup Thread" but theres apples table and a lot of others that have lots of pics. For instance from my table you will see how it slides on bearings, how it moves via belts and pulleys, and stuff. Also going to your local profile cutting place and chekcing out their machines sounds like a good idea.

Like Eric said, i would start by looking for bearings, slides, material and start building your table and have a "rolling chassis" meaning everything can roll back and forth and works perfect. Then you will have an idea of how much everythign weights and how fast it should move and select your motors from there. But just make sure you look at the big picture and leave room for your drive systems whether it is a ball screw, belt, chain, or rack and pinion etc. once you get this far you should be pretty stoked and have learned a lot in the process to actually roll up your sleeves and do the number crunching / electronics.

And also you can draw a ton of pics, get them scanned and post them on this site and see what people think. Just make sure the drawings are professional and easy to read.

Just talkin' out loud.

[jcc3inc]

Sir,

The starting point is the size and thickness of the material which you want to cut. Next you need to consider how you will load the sheet onto the table and how piece parts will be removed. Choosing the plasma appropriate to cut your material is next. Then you can design the cutting table. Having chosen the plasma and knowing material thiskness leads you to the required cutting speed. Now the table can be designed.

I would absolutely recommend rack and pinion drives over a leadscrew approach for plasma. Rack and pinion can run the machine faster, is far more tolerant of the dirty environment, is very adequate in terms of accuracy, and is much less expensive.

Before retiring, I designed plasma cutting machines in sizes from 3' x 3' up to 16' x any length needed. If you will use this for a business, I could assist you in the design. All the previously mentioned info is needed.

Regards,
Jack C.

[kanankeban]

Originally Posted by rbocaz Regards I want to fabricate a CNC plasma cutting system, but this is my first project and I need some advice. I don't know how or where to star. I feel over overwhelmed with so much information. I don't know what motors to chose, what control, what software to use, what...etc,etc. Ric from Chile

My email and hotmail messenger account is hector_a_quintanilla@hotmail.com maybe i can be of some help...i you want just add me to your mesenger and we can change ideas, we can also use spanish
Regards,
Hector