Hello, folks! I have 3 small things. First one is a question for any useful plasma-specific tips, when designing plasma cutting machine. I just got a contract for building one and I would appreciate a chance to learn from other people's mistakes rather than my own. Following things are on my to-do list: 1) use shielded cables for encoders AND for motor power; shield is grounded only on one end of cable, most probably the drive end; 2) connect the machine frame and all the moving constructions and everything possible to earth grounding; 3) route plasma cable separately from motor/encoder/signal/whatever cables wherever possible;
I would appreciate, if plasma machine owners could share their experience and some problem areas they have encountered, when designing their machines. Second question - I would appreciate some advices for good and efficient downdraft table design. I have one brochure, where one concept is shown, but, guess what, it is not very detailed. So maybe there is some webpage with useful information on this matter. And last one - I would like to share a video of Anthony's 5 axis plasma cutting machine. I think that he has built very nice machine and I find his design of the rotary head to be very interesting (well, take a look at other of his videos for some closeups). Actually it showed me a solution to the problem I encountered, when designed the head for the waterjet. I helped him out with 2 kinematics modules: With the first module the machine can take the angle of torch tilt, given in the g-code as A word, and keep the direction of the tilt perpendicular to the XY movement. I do not know about plasmas, but for waterjet this concept handles the kinematics for taper compensation. The second is "usual" 5 axis module, which compensates for torch length offset along x, y and z as the torch is rotated by rotary joints. Both kinematics modules will also adjust torch height along central line of the torch instead of just moving along Z, which is crucial for 5 axis cutting. The video shows the taper control module in action, running a testcode, consisting of 2 arcs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myNtcNJBcTA -- Viesturs If you can't fix it, you don't own it. http://www.ifixit.com/Manifesto ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Live Security Virtual Conference Exclusive live event will cover all the ways today's security and threat landscape has changed and how IT managers can respond. Discussions will include endpoint security, mobile security and the latest in malware threats. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfrnl04242012/114/50122263/ _______________________________________________ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
