flashcut for cnc plasma

[woodman08]

Is flashcut a good post processor to use for plasma cutting

[powerr]

torchmate uses a flashcut controller. but if you want torch height control you have to get an external control for that.

[woodman08]

Thanks for the info ,we are using hypertherm 1250 with PHC and flashcut and are experiencing all sorts of trouble.Never the same cut twice
I was feeling that maybe flashcut was not a good choice for a post processor,it slows down on the curves which is ok foir milling wood but steel it just not matter that way

[powerr]

go into machine setup, feedrate and ramping, and you will see a continous contour feedrate. adjust it up that will increase your speed in the corners. what motor and drivers are you using for your x and y axis? and are you using ball screws or rack and pinion?

[woodman08]

Thanks for the tips ,the machine is x and y steppers(have to look at there size again but i think they are 1200oz) The z axis is by hypertherm the plasma people its a PHC lift control so the machine is 2 axis with phc raising and lowering the torch assembly
the movement is by a small gear on a gear track ,table is 4x8.Its acting irratic i feel its a setting in flashcut but not 100% sure (yet)
Hypertherm staff have given us a some steps to go through so i should know more tomorow after we do some testing

[woodman08]

went to machine setup and changed feedrate and followed the plasma book for proper settings and things are better but not complete as some cuts are missing a bit
Can you suggest from attached screen what else we should do

thanks

things are looking better

[powerr]

could you post a few pictures of the table. also what feed rate are you cutting at? how many teeth are on the pinion gear and how many teeth per inch on the rack. also what baud rate do you have the flashcut controoler set at. and how long is your serial cable. all these things can have an effect. motor setting and what kind of drives are you using for the steppers. if you need to you can pm me the information.

[woodman08]

hope these are usefull ,one shows the flashcut controller board

[woodman08]

the stepper motos 2 of( x,y) are 1200 oz and 500 oz gear track is 6 teeth per inch the gear we haven't go to yet.
Attached are some photos

[powerr]

yes the 501A. i have not got one of those yet. have you talked to flashcut at all they are very helpful guys they spent a hour or two on the phone with me one day.
do you think the motors may be missing steps? have you played with the motor signals page at all. that is why i was asking about the kind of motor drives you have.
another thing to try is take the plasma cutter torch out of the holder and put a pen or marker in it. lay a piece of plywood on the table and draw on paper. do the same picture several times on some paper and compair them. it is really hard to say what is going on. could be noise from the plasma, could be missing steps. also try a drawing at a slow feed rate and then at a high feed rate see if they look the same. i know torchmate wont let go of their information. but you could go on the torchmate forum and ask the guys there. one of them may share there setting.

[woodman08]

will try what you are suggesting

[powerr]

I take it you are still having problems. sorry i cant help you more. could you post pictures of the motor signal setting page, and mechanics page so i can see your settings.