Feature Request

snowgoer540 wrote:

phillc54 wrote:

Yes, but if the HAL pin and the Enable checkbutton were active simultaneously then it would be the same as having mesh Enable checked and Ignore OK checked regardless of whether Ignore OK was checked or not.

I think I follow. I can only speak for myself, but I would just make sure both are unchecked if I planned to control via the HAL pin (assuming this means M code P1). They default to the off status and don't save between sessions anyhow.

That would be the correct procedure to follow but you do need to be aware of what happens if you forget.

snowgoer540 wrote:

phillc54 wrote:

if you forget.

Me, forget... Never!

Me either

Mesh Mode and Ignore Arc OK are now as we discussed (or at least my interpretation of that) on 2.8, master and your branch

In answer to PCW, I think its possible that ArcOK might allow the THC to "spot" the torch height as it travels over material. I think it only takes 200 ms most of the time to get an ArcOK when piercing. I don't know how it would go sensing weldmesh as it is when it crosses a round bar.

I'm not very interested in mesh mode, but I'd like to be able to sever a sheet without having to resort to a 1mm blade to open up the first mm or so so I think disabling ArcOk should not be tied to mesh mode. I have a mesh mode on the plasma cutter but I have to select it manually. I just checked the manual and what it does is it allows for faster restarting of the Pilot Arc for uninterrupted cutting.

I'm not sure what it does on a Hypertherm.

Wait there is more:
With the knob in the RAPID AUTO RESTART position, when the torch leaves the workpiece the pilot arc restarts instantly, and the cutting arc restarts instantly when the pilot arc contacts the workpiece. (Use the 'Rapid Auto Restart' position when cutting expanded metal or gratings, or in gouging or trimming operations when an uninterrupted restart is desired).

EDIT: I think that is PCW's answer. I think from that ArcOK will turn on instantly. I must test it.

rodw wrote:

In answer to PCW, I think its possible that ArcOK might allow the THC to "spot" the torch height as it travels over material. I think it only takes 200 ms most of the time to get an ArcOK when piercing. I don't know how it would go sensing weldmesh as it is when it crosses a round bar.

I'm kinda thinking that if someone wants to cut mesh they need to ensure it stay flat.

I'm not very interested in mesh mode, but I'd like to be able to sever a sheet without having to resort to a 1mm blade to open up the first mm or so so I think disabling ArcOk should not be tied to mesh mode.

They are separated now, you can see both from this link.
linuxcnc.org/docs/2.8/html/plasma/plasma...guide.html#mesh-mode

rodw wrote:

Wait there is more:
With the knob in the RAPID AUTO RESTART position, when the torch leaves the workpiece the pilot arc restarts instantly, and the cutting arc restarts instantly when the pilot arc contacts the workpiece. (Use the 'Rapid Auto Restart' position when cutting expanded metal or gratings, or in gouging or trimming operations when an uninterrupted restart is desired).

So RAR = CPA

you are so quick, you missed my edit!

phillc54 wrote:

So RAR = CPA

Yes, I htink what it means is that an arcOK will be returned instantly the torch passes over material. You would have to do some plots to see what the torch voltage does to see if it is possible to spot the THC height.

phillc54 wrote:

I'm kinda thinking that if someone wants to cut mesh they need to ensure it stay flat.

I don't think anyone can assume material being plasma cut stays flat

But I think what you have will be fine for now.

It just goes to show how much we still don't know about plasma!