Another plasma component...

Phil, re piercing and cutting in Sheetcam, it is possible to add multiple operations in the one file. So you could set up one operation with a pierce only tool, then set up another operation with a normal cut tool. Normally you move stuff onto different layers or something but I just tried a simulation in sheetcam and its possible to cut back over the same layer.

I have been having a bit of a play with SheetCam and it is not too bad, I have a reasonable post going at the moment but not being able to give operations a sensible name seems odd to me when you have multiple operations. Also when doing overcut on holes it is not easy to get the correct velocity changes as you need to include arcs. Then you need to add a velocity change to the end. The rules seem to have odd behaviours at times.

I also like Stefan's idea as it sits well with my ideal of not tying PlasmaC to any other software or hardware. Doing it that way will not stop anyone doing their own thing in their posts but will allow anyone to take advantage of the feature. I may be able to expand it to do spotting as well.

For normal plasma operations, with sheetcam, you would only have 2 operations, one to spot holes and one to do the plasma cutting. Additional layers would normally only be for engraving or if you had a drill on the gantry. And yes, I agree the rules are really a kludge for those controllers which can't do cornerlocks and kerf crossing etc. Its not something plasmac needs to worry about.

An update has been pushed:

• fix material file read error
• fix config file initializing errors
• add air-scribe

The air-scribe is a major update, RIP installations will require make to be run after the git pull.
To add the air-scribe feature to an existing config you will need to run the configurator and do an Upgrade.
Documentation is here .

Edit: I was going to say that it is probably a good idea to backup your existing config before upgrading but you already do that don't you...

Geez, how am I ever going to finish my table when you keep adding features it needs to support?

In the docs, does is the word torch below a typo? I thought we were engraving....

There are two HAL pins used to operate the air-scribe, one to arm the air-scribe then after a delay the other to start the torch.

I have to say Andy's multispindle feature makes the code really clean to support multiple tools.... You do know that Grotius once posted a photo of a machine with a drill mounted on the gantry?

Can you explain what arming does. Is that to do with the tool changer?

Looks like it's time to sack the proof reader.

In my mind arming is the action of getting the air-scribe down to the material. Is there a standard term I should have used.

I also did a retrofit on a plasma that had an air powered drill, it had manual controls and electronics, single output would turn the air on, drill would start turning and moving down. That delay to get to the material from 12cm above was enough for it to get up to speed. Not powerfull enough but very usable for holes up to 5mm.