Different layers not lining up when cut

[@metalman23]

So I have a file that has 2 different layers, one for the main cutouts at a faster speed, and one for some holes, at a lower speed, so they're more accurate.

When I run the file on my table, the holes are coming out off center from the other cutouts, on my cad file, the holes are perfectly lined up, I don't see how on earth this could be, or what to do about it.

I guess I could drill the holes out later, but thats not the point of spending a bunch of money on the stupid plasma table

20240221_093330.jpg

[Larry83301]

It might not be the table. Have you verified the positions of the holes in the cut program, if so then try doing the holes FIRST and then tthe part. Just my two cents


Larry

[acourtjester]

Are the 2 layers planned together using SheetCam for 2 separate operation or 2 separate plans. The way I would plan that is a single layer in the DXF file and then in Sheetcam move the holes to a new layer. Cut plan cut holes first with slower speeds and the the other as a second step with the original layer at the fast speed.

[68rscamaro]

What software are you running? If you're using sheetcam you simply put everything on one layer and have it slow down on holes.
Without seeing more it's hard to tell what's going on, Could be an offset issue but who knows. I guarantee that it's user error though and the machine is doing exactly what you're telling it to do!

[@metalman23]

It might not be the table. Have you verified the positions of the holes in the cut program, if so then try doing the holes FIRST and then tthe part. Just my two cents


Larry

In sheetcam the holes look lined up perfectly

[@metalman23]

Are the 2 layers planned together using SheetCam for 2 separate operation or 2 separate plans. The way I would plan that is a single layer in the DXF file and then in Sheetcam move the holes to a new layer. Cut plan cut holes first with slower speeds and the the other as a second step with the original layer at the fast speed.

My cad drawing had 2 separate layers, that I used in sheetcam, I'm not sure how to separate entities in sheet cam into different layers

[@metalman23]

What software are you running? If you're using sheetcam you simply put everything on one layer and have it slow down on holes.
Without seeing more it's hard to tell what's going on, Could be an offset issue but who knows. I guarantee that it's user error though and the machine is doing exactly what you're telling it to do!

I'm using sheetcam, how do i use 2 different cut speeds on the same layer?

[68rscamaro]

What software are you running? If you're using sheetcam you simply put everything on one layer and have it slow down on holes.
Without seeing more it's hard to tell what's going on, Could be an offset issue but who knows. I guarantee that it's user error though and the machine is doing exactly what you're telling it to do!

I'm using sheetcam, how do i use 2 different cut speeds on the same layer?

You can make rule in "path rules" something like on holes smaller than 1.5 in. set feedrate to 50%

[TJS]

Edit contours=>Right click on hole(s) then:
Layer 1 Name it "holes", Inside offset.
New Jet cutting operation in sheet cam slow the holes down to 60% of book speed with all the other correct properties as well. Not sure what you are running.
Edit Contours=> Right click on your outside object
Layer 2 Name it "outside cut" or whatever you want.
New Jet cutting operation for this. "Outside Cut", outside offset. Regular book speed with all the other correct properties.

When you state the holes are coming out off center. Do you mean egg shaped and not round.

Note: when I refer to book speed i am referring to the Hypertherm mechanized cutting charts. Not sure what toolset you have loaded in Sheetcam either.

[Larry83301]

It might not be the table. Have you verified the positions of the holes in the cut program, if so then try doing the holes FIRST and then tthe part. Just my two cents


Larry

In sheetcam the holes look lined up perfectly
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Look at the file that you are sending to the machine and see if the center line of your part and the center of the holees are inline, not in your CAD program but in the actual file that your plasma machine gets.

Larry

[@metalman23]

Edit contours=>Right click on hole(s) then:
Layer 1 Name it "holes", Inside offset.
New Jet cutting operation in sheet cam slow the holes down to 60% of book speed with all the other correct properties as well. Not sure what you are running.
Edit Contours=> Right click on your outside object
Layer 2 Name it "outside cut" or whatever you want.
New Jet cutting operation for this. "Outside Cut", outside offset. Regular book speed with all the other correct properties.

When you state the holes are coming out off center. Do you mean egg shaped and not round.

Note: when I refer to book speed i am referring to the Hypertherm mechanized cutting charts. Not sure what toolset you have loaded in Sheetcam either.

When I say not lining up I mean that the hole layer, is completely misaligned with the other layer even though they line up perfectly in the drawing, so the holes are about a quarter inch off of where they're supposed to be

[acourtjester]

here you go

speed.JPG

[weldguy]

These guys have good advice for getting a better quality hole but I realize it won't solve your issue of the holes being misaligned.

Since you are sure everything looks good in your software one thing you could check is your rapid speed. Many people like to max out the rapid speed, but some tables can't handle it and can lose steps or positioning on acceleration, deceleration, during the rapid, or all of them.

Worth looking into anyway. Let us know.

[@metalman23]

i can try running the program after separating the layers in sheetcam, but i'm running out of 14ga, i need to get one of those pen holders TJS has, and figure out how to use it

[@metalman23]

These guys have good advice for getting a better quality hole but I realize it won't solve your issue of the holes being misaligned.

Since you are sure everything looks good in your software one thing you could check is your rapid speed. Many people like to max out the rapid speed, but some tables can't handle it and can lose steps or positioning on acceleration, deceleration, during the rapid, or all of them.

Worth looking into anyway. Let us know.

I can look into that, everything that messes up on this machine, always messes up on the x axis, so it may be a mechanical problem, i'll have to go over everything and check that i'ts tight

[TJS]

i can try running the program after separating the layers in sheetcam, but i'm running out of 14ga, i need to get one of those pen holders TJS has, and figure out how to use it

@acourtjester is your man for the pen tool. Best material saver.

[adbuch]

Sharpie pen holder for cnc plasma on Ebay as well. I often use one for drawing the part instead of cutting while I am getting it dialed in. A great material saver, and very easy to use.



https://www.ebay.com/itm/115805862457?i ... R5r_-t-6Yw

David

sharpie pen holder for cnc plasma.jpg