Then, again using expert operator input, lead ins and lead outs are applied to the part drawing to lead from the pierce point to the actual contour of the part. Second, the software must determine where to locate starting points for piercing the plate in scrap material so that the outside contour of the cut is not distorted from piercing. This requires an expert that knows plasma cutting to input a dimension for the particular plate thickness, the plasma power level, and the cutting speed and torch height – all of these parameters can affect cut kerf – so that the software can offset the cut and allow the part to be cut with the correct dimension. dxf file (or part drawing) and applies some necessary modifications that must be done before the part can be cut with a plasma torch.įirst, the CAM software needs some inputs from the user that indicates the width (kerf) of the cut that will be done. ![]() ![]() In its simplest form for plasma cutting, this software takes the. Though generally not available in the office supply store, this software is available in many different versions, prices and levels of complexity. This is a typical AutoCAD file format that is used by many CAD drawing file developers, such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks.ĬAM (computer-assisted manufacturing) is commonly known on plasma cutting machines as “post processing” or “nesting” software. The most common output of a CAD program for use with plasma cutting will be a. Simplified further: CAD is the software used by a draftsman, designer, or programmer to draw the actual part that needs to be cut from the correct thickness and type of material. Often, if there are multiple processes that need to be applied on the CNC cutting machine, such as marking (for layout lines or alpha-numeric pat numbers) then cutting of the internal and external contours, the CAD drawing will be separated into “layers” that represent one drawing for the marking process and a second drawing for cutting, but both drawings/layers are included in one file. For the majority of flat plate and sheet cutting applications with plasma cutting, CAD is simply used to draw a detailed, dimensioned drawing of the part that needs to be cut. CAD helps with detailing, drawing and engineering the product design configuration. The differences in these packages are generally based on the complexity of the program: 2D or 3D drawings, the ability to rotate and view the drawing, the ability to calculate material sizes and strengths and load capacities. CAD drawing packages of simple or older technology can be found as downloadable files online for free, can be purchased at relatively low prices at the local computer software store, or you can spend thousands of dollars for CAD software specifically designed for industrial design use. So, let’s take a look at (1) the three types of software that are required on most of the new CNC plasma systems, (2) what the primary functions are of each, and (3) what advancements in this software can do for your performance and productivity on the shop floor.īASIC SOFTWARE PACKAGES ON AN INDUSTRIAL CNC PLASMA SYSTEMĬAD (computer-assisted design) is available with different levels of complexity that fit many budgets. While even the simplest versions of the software used for drawing, processing, nesting and creating torch motion in today’s CNC plasma systems are extremely complex, I would like you readers (especially those getting that glazed look) to have a little better understanding of the necessary software required for modern, highly productive CNC plasma machines. when I did not understand the concept that the teacher was laying out on the blackboard, yet I did not want to raise my hand, an act that I just knew would tip off the rest of my classmates as to my lack of math skill! ![]() ![]() Often, when speaking to a large group of potential CNC plasma cutting types, I can sense that look of frustration on many faces – that same frustration that I had back in the advanced math class I took in high school. Software that is used in the CNC plasma cutting industry creates varying levels of confusion.
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