RS485 For Hypertherms

The more the merrier.

phillc54 wrote: The more the merrier.

email introduction sent

I'm glad to hear serial support is in progress. Is the end goal to dynamically reduce current when turning corners to reduce dross?

Lunkwill wrote: I'm glad to hear serial support is in progress. Is the end goal to dynamically reduce current when turning corners to reduce dross?

Now thats an interesting idea. I'm not sure if the 19,200 baud serial interface is fast enough. With a 18-20 byte packet to set the current, that will take about 10 milliseconds to send, plus any latency in the plasma cutter to change the current. Somewhere also the plasma cutter sends back an acknowledgement packet so another 10 ms.

I believe that's the main reason they included those controls in the machine. From random threads and hypertherm manuals:

"That lets you define a lower/slower pierce current /speed and can increase consumable life by at least double. Part of that is the "Soft Peck" that lets you turn down the current when pecking the centers of holes for drilling later. Marks, but does not pierce the metal."

"you can for example set up a Cut Rule (in SheetCAM) that lowers the feedrate on every corner, lowers the cut current and even turns off the DTHC as it does around the corner then puts everything back to you normal settings on the other side"

"Corner Current Percent
The Corner Current Percent feature allows the operator to select a reduced current setting to be executed when cutting corners to improve cut quality. This value is a percentage of the Set Current ( above ) and is active when the Torch Height Disable Output is on. The Corner Current parameter is also available for the HD4070® via the serial link."

Dynamic cut control: www.candcnc.net/images/Manuals/DTHCII_HyT-ConnectDCC.pdf

From page 6 of the Hypertherm Application Note 807220, Powermax45 XP/65/85/105/125® Serial Communication Protocol

Real-time updates are not recommended because system response times vary based on the application being performed and the commands being issued. Powermax systems enable you to update some control settings – such as cutting current and gas pressure – even while the torch is cutting. However, testing should be performed to make sure that system response times are adequate for your applications.

There is no guarantee of when the new setting would take effect.