Normsthename
Member
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I have had a couple of requests to show some pictures and details of my Homebuilt CNC Plasma Machine, so here goes
I originally built the CNC Table as a CNC Wood Router
I wanted to make Plastic parts and needed to machine the complicated shapes out of wood for the pattern
Here are a couple of things that the CNC Wood Router made before I converted it over to Plasma
Amazingly, both these parts only use one tool to acheive this!
This is a 3D Cad Picture showing the general layout of the Machine
My machine uses a Hypertherm Powermax 1000 Plasma fitted with a Machine Torch.
It can pierce 12.7mm, but it can go upto 19mm with an Edge Start.
You will see that the sheet sits on slats in a water Tank, the water level is set so it is about 1/2" under the sheet.
Having the water tank cuts down the Plasma Dust down by approx. 95% all the plasma dust ends up in the water, and it needs cleaning out every month or so.
The machine has 3 axis X, Y & Z
The X and Y Axis move the Torch left and right, and forwards and backwards etc.
The other Axis (Z) moves the torch up and down.
It is controlled by a PC Running Mach3 Controller Software
I designed the machine from scratch, there are a few good sites on this subject with many people who have built their own machines.
Best site is www.cnczone.com
They are very friendly and will help you out if you have a problem.
I run a small business making Motorcycle Parts, and I use the CNC Plasma to cut the parts out
Before I had the machine I used to get them Laser Cut, I now save approx. 80% cutting them out myself
I did all the wiring and electronics myself, the parts are readily available.
I saved a small fortune doing this myself, you can buy ready built systems at a Price.
This is a Picture of the Mach3 Software that controls the machine, I have a second PC that runs the machine.
I have a gizmo that lets me switch between two computers using the same monitor, Keyboard and Mouse
My machine also has a THC (Torch Height Control) fitted.
This is some clever electronics that measures the voltage at the Tip of the Plasma as it is cutting.
This is linked to the Z Axis so the machine automatically adjusts the height very accurately as it cuts.
When you cut thin Stainless Steel for instance, using Finecut consumables the cutting height is only 0.25mm
The THC also helps if the sheet warps as it cuts, the THC automatically goes up and down to maintain the correct cutting height.
I have had sheets that have had a 2" bow in the sheet and the THC Followed it perfectly
Due to space limits my machine only has a working area of approx. 1000mm x 600mm
I keep thinking about building a MK2 Machine that will accept a 2500 x 1250 sheet
I guess it cost me approx. £1500 in Total to build which is a bit cheaper than a manufactured one for £15,000
Hope this helps
Andy
I originally built the CNC Table as a CNC Wood Router
I wanted to make Plastic parts and needed to machine the complicated shapes out of wood for the pattern
Here are a couple of things that the CNC Wood Router made before I converted it over to Plasma
Amazingly, both these parts only use one tool to acheive this!
This is a 3D Cad Picture showing the general layout of the Machine
My machine uses a Hypertherm Powermax 1000 Plasma fitted with a Machine Torch.
It can pierce 12.7mm, but it can go upto 19mm with an Edge Start.
You will see that the sheet sits on slats in a water Tank, the water level is set so it is about 1/2" under the sheet.
Having the water tank cuts down the Plasma Dust down by approx. 95% all the plasma dust ends up in the water, and it needs cleaning out every month or so.
The machine has 3 axis X, Y & Z
The X and Y Axis move the Torch left and right, and forwards and backwards etc.
The other Axis (Z) moves the torch up and down.
It is controlled by a PC Running Mach3 Controller Software
I designed the machine from scratch, there are a few good sites on this subject with many people who have built their own machines.
Best site is www.cnczone.com
They are very friendly and will help you out if you have a problem.
I run a small business making Motorcycle Parts, and I use the CNC Plasma to cut the parts out
Before I had the machine I used to get them Laser Cut, I now save approx. 80% cutting them out myself
I did all the wiring and electronics myself, the parts are readily available.
I saved a small fortune doing this myself, you can buy ready built systems at a Price.
This is a Picture of the Mach3 Software that controls the machine, I have a second PC that runs the machine.
I have a gizmo that lets me switch between two computers using the same monitor, Keyboard and Mouse
My machine also has a THC (Torch Height Control) fitted.
This is some clever electronics that measures the voltage at the Tip of the Plasma as it is cutting.
This is linked to the Z Axis so the machine automatically adjusts the height very accurately as it cuts.
When you cut thin Stainless Steel for instance, using Finecut consumables the cutting height is only 0.25mm
The THC also helps if the sheet warps as it cuts, the THC automatically goes up and down to maintain the correct cutting height.
I have had sheets that have had a 2" bow in the sheet and the THC Followed it perfectly
Due to space limits my machine only has a working area of approx. 1000mm x 600mm
I keep thinking about building a MK2 Machine that will accept a 2500 x 1250 sheet
I guess it cost me approx. £1500 in Total to build which is a bit cheaper than a manufactured one for £15,000
Hope this helps
Andy