Gas Torch

[Sanghera]

Hi all,
This might sound stupid, but what about a gas torch. If you have the right speed it should cut right without stopping.
Thanks.

[Al_The_Man]

There exists alot of CNC gas cutting tables, I just retrofitted one that uses 6 torches.
Al

[traveler]

Gas torches,I will assume you are refering to oxy/acetylene torches. they do a great job, especially on heavy plate. I change my plasma torch and oxy/acetylene back and forth on my table a lot depending on material thickness. One of the drawbacks to oxygen/acetylene cutting is that you are limited to mild steel. No stainless, aluminum, copper ect. It does a great job within it's limits.
Traveler

[Sanghera]

What about the preheating? And also, how do you guys start the cut? I know it's a little more difficult to start in the center than finding an edge and starting to cut.

Oh, yeah, is the cut nice and straight and smooth? I'm getting a little excited.
Thanks.

[Al_The_Man]

On a CNC machine, the gas is controlled by solenoid valves so after ignition, the preheat fuel solenoid is on for a the duration of the pre-heat timer,(this can also be manually overridden), then there is a creep time and creep speed after pierce option, before the torch goes into cut speed. It does a pretty decent job, it comes into its own on large material thickness.
Al

[Apples]

Is torch height control needed with an oxy. can i cut 1/4 steel an not use THC. also how intricate can you get with the work?

[Sanghera]

Good Question.
And also, what kind of software do you guys use for your solenoid valves, would the Xylotex board work for this? What kind of software for the toolpaths and what not?
Thanks.

[Al_The_Man]

I do not think automatic torch height control is as important on gas as with plasma, many of the machines I have converted have been older trace cutting machines where a trace head followed a full size drawing to control the machine, the conversion to CNC still allows for sharp corners and small curves. The system I have used so far is Acroloop's Acrocut (dos) software & motion card designed for plasma & gas cutting machines. programmed by G & M codes and will import DXF files and also has a library of size-definable shapes. Also has on screen graphic toolpath.
Al

[Sanghera]

Sounds perfect. Does any board work with this? Also, where did you get this software, and how much? Does it controll the solenoids?
Thanks.

[Klox]

Another question: How does plasma & oxy/acetylene compare price wise?

Klox

[Al_The_Man]

Originally posted by Sanghera Sounds perfect. Does any board work with this? Also, where did you get this software, and how much? Does it controll the solenoids? Thanks.

I purchased the s/w before Acroloop was taken over by Parker, It is a one time buy for the s/w, you have to use the Acroloop motion control card, I do not know if Parker are going to continue with the Acrocut for dos as they are bringing out a Win based s/w.
The thing I like about the Acroloop cards is they have all the I/O 24vdc isolated on board the card. i.e. all the control logic for the machine is done on board.
The Acrocut (DOS) mill package is not bad either, it has a couple of glitches, but does the job.
Al

[Sanghera]

So, the board is something like a parallel port that you plug your Xylotex in? Hmm... is it still even possible to get this software? How much (if you don't mind) did you pay?
Thanks.