Torchmate CAD question

[Normsthename]

I already have an up and running homebuilt plasma machine with Torch height control that runs under Mach3
I cut stainless steel 99% of the time, so I need to optimize sheet usage as much as possible!
Is the Torchmate CAD software a standalone package, and would it work with my machine?
I am mainly interested in the nesting feature, and I would want to import DXF files.
The parts I make are irregular shapes, does Torchmate CAD do 'True Shape' or just rectangular nesting?
The price listed on the Website is $795, is this all I need to be up and running?

Thanks

Andy

[millman52]

I would be interested in the software package also.

[Mike@Torchmate]

Originally Posted by Normsthename I already have an up and running homebuilt plasma machine with Torch height control that runs under Mach3 I cut stainless steel 99% of the time, so I need to optimize sheet usage as much as possible! Is the Torchmate CAD software a standalone package, and would it work with my machine? I am mainly interested in the nesting feature, and I would want to import DXF files. The parts I make are irregular shapes, does Torchmate CAD do 'True Shape' or just rectangular nesting? The price listed on the Website is $795, is this all I need to be up and running? Thanks Andy

The Torchmate CAD is a standalone CAD system, that has 'True Shape' nesting, to custom sheet sizes. It accepts most DXF files that are currently available, and also exports as DXF files. The main feature of the Torchmate CAD is the Tool Pathing ability, which gives you Kerf compensation so your parts come out the right size, cut order (insides before outsides), cut direction conventional and climbing, and automatic lead-in/lead-out settings. All of this on top of a fully functional CAD software.

There is an additional Pro-Text Module available, which gives you some 300+ clip art files, and over 1200 fonts! Plus the ability to Wrap Text around an Arc.

[Normsthename]

Thanks Mike
I have a couple of more questions for you.

The Torchmate CAD is a standalone CAD system, that has 'True Shape' nesting, to custom sheet sizes.

Does the software allow you to nest mulitiple sheets?
e.g
I have 5 sheets of stainless steel 39.5" (1000mm) x 23.5" (600mm) and I want to nest the following parts :-

15 sets of part 'A'
10 sets of part 'B'
5 sets of part 'C'
3 sets of part 'D'
1 set of part 'E'

Will the software nest these parts across the multiple sheets to get the best optimization?
I hope I have made myself clear.....

The Torchmate CAD is a standalone CAD system

Will the software output Gcode that I can use in Mach3?
And will it work with my THC (Campbells THC300), at present I use Sheetcam and the gcode outputs a G28.1 which utilizes the floating head to 'touch off' on pierces.

Is the software available as a download, or do you ship a CD?
Reason I ask is because I am located in the UK

Thanks

Andy

[Mike@Torchmate]

Originally Posted by Normsthename Thanks Mike I have a couple of more questions for you. Does the software allow you to nest mulitiple sheets? e.g I have 5 sheets of stainless steel 39.5" (1000mm) x 23.5" (600mm) and I want to nest the following parts :- 15 sets of part 'A' 10 sets of part 'B' 5 sets of part 'C' 3 sets of part 'D' 1 set of part 'E' Will the software nest these parts across the multiple sheets to get the best optimization? I hope I have made myself clear..... Will the software output Gcode that I can use in Mach3? And will it work with my THC (Campbells THC300), at present I use Sheetcam and the gcode outputs a G28.1 which utilizes the floating head to 'touch off' on pierces. Is the software available as a download, or do you ship a CD? Reason I ask is because I am located in the UK Thanks Andy

The software will overnest on to multiple sheets, if you layout the amount of parts you want nested in total, and nest them, it will give you multiple pages. Export each individual sheet as it's own DXF file.

Our software has the ability to generate NC as well, there is an ArtOfCnc Mach2 metric output option availalbe, that should generate the NC for Mach3, it also has a scaling option to change so that the NC generated is actually in Imperial.

The software is license protected by a USB security dongle, we have privately a CAD download, but it would be of no use to you without this dongle.

[Normsthename]

Our software has the ability to generate NC as well, there is an ArtOfCnc Mach2 metric output option availalbe, that should generate the NC for Mach3, it also has a scaling option to change so that the NC generated is actually in Imperial.

Hi Mike
One more quick question......
You say that the program will output to Mach2, but will it output a G28.1 command?
If not, can the Post processor be editted to allow me to add the G28.1 on every pierce start?

Thanks

Andy

[Mike@Torchmate]

I could possibly make you a simple program and output it as that format, and you would be able to tell if it works on your system or not.

[Normsthename]

I could possibly make you a simple program and output it as that format, and you would be able to tell if it works on your system or not.

Hi Mike
Sorry for not getting back sooner, but I have been away.......
I would appreciate a sample Mach2/3 Gcode generated by Torchmate CAD to see if my machine / THC will work with it O.K before buying the software
If the post processor does not output a G28.1 line is it possible for me to modify the Post processor to add the line G28.1 Z3.00 before every pierce?

Thanks

Andy

[Blindchicken]

I have the torchmate cad software and find the nesting is not nearly as good as what I can do manually. Part layouts that I can fit on one sheet will fill two sheet if done by the software.

Other than the nesting it saves me a whole lot of time laying out cut sheets from imported parts.

Are there any updates for the software?

-Mark