[MoparJon]

I have read that going around a corner or a curve can be a problem for some height controllers. Apparently what happens is when the CNC software uses something like continuous contouring to slow down around corners or in curves, as the torch slows down, the kerf gets wider, causing a higher resistance across the arc, which causes the height controller to think that the material has fallen away, so it drops the torch head down. One possible solution that is apparently used is to lock the height of the torch around curves or during speed changes, or I suppose if the torch height controller knew it was slowing down, it could basically expect a resistance change and not react to it in the same way that it might normally. Obviously either of the above solutions would require communication between the CNC controller and the height controller.

I've also read that the same thing (torch diving) can happen when crossing a kerf, though to be honest I can't remember if I've ever had to cross a kerf. Seems like the only time I ever get close to crossing a kerf is when the torch is coming back to the startpoint of the cut, and as soon as the torch hits the kerf, its about to turn off and the piece is going to drop, so I don't know if that's actually anything which would affect me, but I could see how the issue of going around corners might.

Does Torchmate's new AVHC take the above situation(s) into account, and if so, how does it handle them?

Thanks!

[Med-Pac]

We've been running a 4 x 8 torchmate for the last 3-4 years. As long as your settings are correct (feedrate, consumable size, voltage, etc.) you won't have a problem. However, you'll probably need to drop the feedrate considerably to achieve nice round holes. When we've had to do this, lock the AVHC in manual. Hope this helps you.

Mike

[Mike@Torchmate]

Typically you won't notice a difference in the AVHC controllers motions going around corners, or crossing kerf's. The only height control I have seen sensitive enough to see that happen is an Inova unit. Our height control actually averages out the readings over a period of time to prevent small spikes/dips in voltage to mess with the actual height, yet still maintain a perfect distance.

Med-Pac is correct in that smaller holes, if you are worried about bevel, would be a good idea to drop the feedrate to half the cutting speed. This allows the torch to consume more material with a straighter plasma stream. But half the speed is definitely going to cause issues with an AVHC mode in Automatic. The smaller the circle the better, because the AVHC has a delay before it starts sensing voltage, and typically the delay expires right at the end of the cut. This doesn't really apply in thick material where you will be going very slowly, 50 i/pm or less. It would be a good idea to run it in manual mode. The new AVHC has a Corner lockout input available to use, however our software at this time does not support the feature.

[MoparJon]

Thanks very much for the replies!

Mike, how does one use the new AVHC in manual mode? Is this something that can be turned on and off on the fly, with a remote pendant or something, or is it done in the software on the PC?

For example, say I had a part with some holes in the middle and I wanted to run in manual mode for the holes, but then in auto for the perimeter. I assume that if I wanted to run at half speed for the holes, I can start the program at 50% feedrate override since it will cut the interior first, then after the holes are done, feed hold, change feedrate override back to 100%, then continue. Where does going from manual to auto for the AVHC come into play? In manual mode, does the AVHC still sense, pierce, and lower to cut height?

Is there an online manual or something that explains how to use the new AVHC? I found the page that basically describes it on torchmate.com, but didn't see anything there about what it is like to actually set it up and use it.

Thanks again!

[agelkom]

I have read that going around a corner or a curve can be a problem for some height controllers. Apparently what happens is when the CNC software uses something like continuous contouring to slow down around corners or in curves, as the torch slows down, the kerf gets wider, causing a higher resistance across the arc, which causes the height controller to think that the material has fallen away, so it drops the torch head down. One possible solution that is apparently used is to lock the height of the torch around curves or during speed changes, or I suppose if the torch height controller knew it was slowing down, it could basically expect a resistance change and not react to it in the same way that it might normally. Obviously either of the above solutions would require communication between the CNC controller and the height controller.

I've also read that the same thing (torch diving) can happen when crossing a kerf, though to be honest I can't remember if I've ever had to cross a kerf. Seems like the only time I ever get close to crossing a kerf is when the torch is coming back to the startpoint of the cut, and as soon as the torch hits the kerf, its about to turn off and the piece is going to drop, so I don't know if that's actually anything which would affect me, but I could see how the issue of going around corners might.

Does Torchmate's new AVHC take the above situation(s) into account, and if so, how does it handle them?

Thanks!

hİ,

Our Capacitive Sensor Cap01 can be use with TORCHMATE.
CAP01 can interface with AVHC with simple modification on Animatics Motor software . With CAP01, there is no need to touch or push the cutting material for initial height setting.
Also with CAP01, Torchmate could be used in Oxy-Fuel application easily and solve the diving problem during Kerf Crossing and Corners in Plasma Cutters.

Please visit our web page www.agelkom.com.tr/prod02.htm

Best regards,
Argun Gucdemir
Agelkom Ltd