Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What kinds of plasmas can be used with our tables?
A. Many Hand or Machine Torch Plasmas are easily integrated with the machine. Most all of the older plasmas that still have high frequency as a pilot start do not integrate well with CNC communication. Check with your distributor or ask us to be sure your machine will work.
Q. Can I use an Oxy Torch?
A. Yes - we can adapt a cutting torch that would easily replace a plasma cutting torch in the same cradle. We also would supply gas solenoid and hoses to make this a permanent two torch operating system .
Q. Will my existing computer work with the software?
A. Yes - your system will come equipped with the motion controlled software needed to run the table and will require, Windows® 2000 or XP and a minimum of 1 Ghz Processor.
Q. What are the advantages of the water table design?
A. The water tray design captures the smoke and slag from the cutting process. This allows for a clean work area. Open Air Designs as used by most small plasma cutters are open on the bottom allowing the smoke to flow into the air clouding up your shop as well as allowing the slag to fall directly on the shop floor. The shop floor is then very dirty and full of metal slag product. The water tray design also captures all the flames from the cutting process keeping safety and fire hazards to a minimum. The tray comes with two drain plugs, one at either end to easily drain the table and remove all the slag product.
Q. Can you explain how your Floating Torch Mount Assembly works?
A. The Plasma or Cutting torch is mounted to a adjustable cradle clamp on a machined aluminium plate that's attached to two 9mm Linear rails, two precision bearings,one 270 ounce motor ,gear rack and bearing . It also has a bevelled plate at the back of the torch mount that rides just above the work piece that allows the whole torch assembly to move if it comes in contact with the material being cut. As an added feature and by using Bobcad/cam Version 20 software to generate your drawings operating code (G CODE) you can download a postprocessor to command The Floating Torch Mount Assembly to operate the Z Axis that will lower and raise the torch to it's proper height position by programming the software settings. When the proper height settings are programmed, (which is easily done), the torch will then fire, complete the cut, lift up & move to the next part to be cut, lower back down to the preset position and start all over again .The advantage of the Torch being raised up after each cut while travelling to it's next cut position is to make sure it clears any part that may have flipped up and to maintain enough distance to account for any discrepancies in the material such as warping and irregular surfaces. Also there is no need to specify material thickness for each cut as the Torch will know what height to fire. Also the ability to maintain consistent torch height is very important in maintaining a maximum cut quality and tighter tolerances and will also help with Increasing consumable life due to accurate pierce height starts.
Q. How does your product compare with the other on the market?
A. Our tables are designed keeping industrial cutting theories in mind. The specially designed industrial machined tee rails are a great example of how we designed the machine for long term life and heavy duty cutting. As well as the solid steel construction and welded table. The machine weighs approx. 2200 lbs on the 4x8 and 2600 lbs on the 5x10 size. That should tell you the quality and ruggedness of the Plas-Cutter H.D (HEAVY DUTY). The Plas-Cutter comes standard with threaded feet at the bottom of the legs. This allows you to thread a bolt into the leg for floor height levelling to maintain a level surface cutting area.
Q. What extra items will I need?
A. You will need to add a plasma cutter with a machine torch, Computer and depending on your software requirements you may need additional software unless you buy as a complete package ready to go.
Q. What will I have to assemble with the machine?
A. Nothing! The machine comes completely assembled and ready to cut. All you have to do is set it in place,hook up your computer, plug your parallel cable between your computer and control box ,load the software on your PC, plug a few connections into the Plas-Cutter heavy duty cnc controller, hook up you plasma machine and you are ready to go!
Q. How will I learn to use the machine?
A. When purchasing our table you will be encouraged to use BobCad Version 20 software as a cad/cam package . You will be provided with three options, one will be to contact the BobCad Technical Support Team who are experts in there software and will be able to guide you through their software by talking over the phone or actually going on line and taking command of your computer through a special on line program that allows them to show you what to do while you watch at your computer or you can contact our telephone support person through our Support Service Line . We also offer on site software training by our technical support person at your location at a additional cost to you.
Q. Are there any hidden costs?
A. No. Once your machine is configured to your specifications the price given to you will be the only costs.
Q. What is a "plasma torch", and how does it work?
A. Read about what the plasma torch is and how it works.
Q. What is a "stepping motor", and how does it work?
A. Read about what the stepping motor is and how it works.
Q. How is the Plas-Cutter HD shipped to me?
A. The CNC Plasma Cutting Table is shipped with a reputable freight company in Canada and tracking information is then provided to you so that you will know when your shipment is and when it will arrive at your location. If you are close to our manufacturing facility we can delivery it ourselves and help with the set up. We know offer two different ways of constructing the table. The machine comes fully assembled or we can design it so that the legs can be bolted instead of welded on. This allows when you receive as many customers have limited space to get this machine through an opening.
Q. Can I just scan a shape or image into the Table software?
A. Yes you can . If you use the Bobcad Software as suggested you can also purchase from us a Authorized BobCad/Cam dealer a software program called BobArt ProX and another program called Art to Part that will allow you to do any type of picture reproduction in both 2D and 3D.
Q. What DRAWING SOFTWARE do I require to create my Cut patterns?
A. Any software that can generate a .HPGL or .DXF file. Software includes BobCad/Cad, Auto Cad, Design2Fab Fastcam , just to name a few.
Q. Do you have Auto-Height Control?
A. As we use a Z axis with our controller allowing the torch to move up and down when moving positions and a Torch Lifter that allows the torch to move only when coming in contact with the plate we feel it not necessary to use a auto voltage sensing unit. This system works all the time as apposed to auto voltage height adjusters that tend to want get hung up on material and if there is no crash detection in place it will force your gantry to stop and in some cases have to be realigned. In saying this, if you still insist on having a volt sensing unit we will accommodate your needs at an additional price.
Q: Can I order customized sized tables from you?
A: Yes! We can design and build custom sized tables for you. Contact us for more details regarding custom orders.
Q: Where can we see a demo of your table?
A: You will can see a demo of a Plasma Cutting Table at our "Try Before You Buy" facility in Alberta, Canada. In addition, let us know what area you are in and we can see if we have placed a table near you and arrange for you to visit. If you are interested just contact us for details.
Q: Do you offer complete set-up ?
A: For an additional pre determined cost we will come to your location and train you on how to use the BobCad/Cam software with the Plas-Cutter HD. This is a excellent way of fast tracking and will allow you to start generating revenue almost immediately. If you are buying this unit and have work already for the table our trained technical person can take your drawings and show you the steps to have you cutting right away.
Q: What makes you better than your competitors?
A: We believe in being honest with the customer, providing service after the Sale, Technical support and helping to solve any problem whether it be software or table related. This makes us a better competitor. You will also find us to be very professional. |