New toy time

[slim_boy_fat]

Extra if need to do any cad work etc.

Does the handle scaleable .dxf files? Can I assume your software does the 'nesting' to achieve maximum from a given sheet size?

I've been mulling over an idea for a while which might go down well with the 'huntin, fishin,& shootin' brigade up here. Not a lot of info, I appreciate, but would probably be best in 2mm mild steel - at least initially.

PM me if you don't want to commit publically to price/costs etc for a small quantity.

 

[Revs1972]

The software is Swiftcam 3 supplied by Libellula. I can import DXF and NC1 files with it. Not sure if it will allow you to scale them up/ down in that software. Would need to be the "finished" article as it were.
It can autonest, but you still have control over it and can move things around. I have found I need a decent gap between parts or the kerf from adjacent parts leaves a very thin strip that can curl up and hit the plasma head,
As far as software goes, I do have Tekla, but that is for more basic shapes. Im going to have to get some software with a bit more flexibility. The sparky has asked for a round table , with his kids names cut out, and cup holders etc.
So im going to have to learn a new package. Solid edge comes with it, so I will have a play about with that when I get 5 minutes. If you want to send me a file to look at , that would be a start, although I don't mean this thread to be an advert as that will probably break forum rules ??

 

[slim_boy_fat]

PM replied to

 

[Hitch]

Youll probably have a weird fluffy watery mess bubbling away in it in the morning

The solid edge that comes with it is pretty crude, easy enough to do basic stuff, but never sussed out any keybord shortcuts, so seemed long winded compared to autocad.

Used to have the sme problem with it stopping part way of a part, no biggy on a little plate, just cut another.
You can rewind the Gcode to the relevant section, and start it going again, then manually firing up the torch at the correct place if you dont want to waste the part.

The gap between parts thing, I hardly never used the auto nesting for just that reason.

 

[Revs1972]

Youll probably have a weird fluffy watery mess bubbling away in it in the morning

The solid edge that comes with it is pretty crude, easy enough to do basic stuff, but never sussed out any keybord shortcuts, so seemed long winded compared to autocad.

Used to have the sme problem with it stopping part way of a part, no biggy on a little plate, just cut another.
You can rewind the Gcode to the relevant section, and start it going again, then manually firing up the torch at the correct place if you dont want to waste the part.

The gap between parts thing, I hardly never used the auto nesting for just that reason.

The guy did show me how to do the rewind bit and manual fire up, but i was in a bit of a hurry and couldn't remember. Knowing I was going to go back and use the areas that didn't cut properly for other things, i didn't worry too much.
10mm mild steel is relatively cheap. Got to cut some stainless 10mm brackets in a couple of weeks and that stuff is over a grand a sheet, so the rewind will come into play there !
Is the fluffy watery mess to do with cutting ally ?

 

[knighty]

the flanges you cut, you cut all around each one individually, so there's two cuts between each one... could you not (easily) just have one cut between each one?

 

[Hitch]

You can scroll up through the gcode window to the nearest section- see the white line in the position box on the right.
Then Click to highlight the relevant line, then cick 'set next line...run' i used to turn the speed don slightly, then fire up the torch as it gets to the stopping point where it went wrong. Been about 3 months since i've used one due the job change.

Yeah, the water seemed to get a weird brown foamy sludge on the top, with little gas bubbles constantly bubbling out of it for a few days after.
Might no get it much if you have only done hallf a sheet.

 

[Revs1972]

the flanges you cut, you cut all around each one individually, so there's two cuts between each one... could you not (easily) just have one cut between each one?

There might be a clever way of doing it i guess. Because they came straight out Tekla as Nc files , and then import into the software , I just let it do its thing
Its a big learning curve at the moment, trying to fit it in with other work im doing , I got to take the easy option. Fun though

 

[Revs1972]

You can scroll up through the gcode window to the nearest section- see the white line in the position box on the right.
Then Click to highlight the relevant line, then cick 'set next line...run' i used to turn the speed don slightly, then fire up the torch as it gets to the stopping point where it went wrong. Been about 3 months since i've used one due the job change.

Yeah, the water seemed to get a weird brown foamy sludge on the top, with little gas bubbles constantly bubbling out of it for a few days after.
Might no get it much if you have only done hallf a sheet.

I remember reading about not doing too much of it in one go due to the build up of gases and consequent explosions

 

[Revs1972]

I remember reading about not doing too much of it in one go due to the build up of gases and consequent explosions

It was quite funny today , as i was showing someone else how to use it. When I pressed the run button, i looked at him, he looked at me , and i waved my arm at him and said no.... you need to run....and he did