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IndustryArena Forum > CAM Software > Vectric > PhotoVCarve and VCarve Pro > Plasma post processor issues. I feeling defeated.
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2024
    Posts
    2

    Plasma post processor issues. I feeling defeated.

    So I'll give a shorter version of the whole story for clarity. What I'm trying to do is to get a post processer to work with Vectric Vcarve Pro that will spit out some Gcode that plays nice with Hypertherm controller software. Skip the next couple paragraphs if you don't care about the story.

    I bought a used CNC 5x10 plasma "Cutter-II-510" which has a touch screen computer built onto it. The computer is Windows XP and runs Hypertherm controller software. It works just fine, but I can't access the extra programs, like nesting and the good extra programs for production stuff. Which really means, I can load one part at a time just fine, but to cut a whole sheet.... nope. I contacted the company and it looks like those programs don't transfer with the machine, as it it's gonna cost me $1500 to register with the company and $5450 for all the soft ware. WHAT!?! Nah, I'm good. I'll find a better route.

    So I've been using Fusion 360 to draw up my 2D and 3D CAD stuff. I found a post processer that works with my machine just fine, but in order to do nesting and larger runs quickly, I have to pay an extra $450/year and the process is a little clunky for just some 2D plasma cutting. I have a CNC router in the building as well and I use Vectric Vcarve Pro. Come to find out, many people use Vcarve as a CAD/CAM to run their plasma. And let me tell you, it's AWESOME!! It does everything pretty dang quick and simple for all the 2D stuff. At $700 one time purchase, it'll pay for itself within the second year compared to Fusion. I still use Fusion quite a bit for sheet metal parts, parts that need to be bent, more complicated 3D parts and everything, however for your simple plasma brackets and signs, Vcarve is the way to go!!

    THE PROBLEM
    I can't seem to alter one of the post processers in Vcarve to play nice with my plasma Hypertherm controller software. It's really difficult to go through that proprietary software and find anything. What I can do is make a simple part in that software, then export the .txt file so that I can see what Gcode it wants to see. I keep getting errors.

    So if you look in the attachments, (I've formatted everything into .txt files and I've been altering them with Notepad++) I've got a pdf of the part that I made for testing just for reference. One gcode in Fusion, one gcode in Vcarve and it's the same part. The Fusion post processer works, but it spits out a .nc file, that I have to convert to a .txt file for the machine to be able to read it. The "Custom_Plasma" file is the post processor for Vcarve, and I need it to be able to spit out something that resembles the Fusion gcode.

    This part is a little above my paygrade. I need help! If someone is willing to take the time to get me a working post processer, I'd be willing to pay you for your time.

    Thanks in advance!!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2024
    Posts
    2

    Re: Plasma post processor issues. I feeling defeated.

    Anyone out there?

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