Introducing EasyScriber for Powermax 45

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Introducing EasyScriber for Powermax 45

Post by EasyScriber »

By popular demand we have developed and EasyScriber specifically for the original Powermax 45 plasma cutter.

We didn't think we could make it happen in the smaller torch body on the 45's but it fits perfect and works great!

This scribe will also fit the Razorweld 45 plasma cutter if you are using the X45 machine or hand torch.

Check it out at https://www.theeasyscriber.com/products.html and let us know if you have any questions.

easyscribe_pmax45.png
Koenbro
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Re: Introducing EasyScriber for Powermax 45

Post by Koenbro »

Can anyone help me set up the Easy Scriber with Mach4?

I have an Avid CNC RouterPro setup with OEM configuration of Mach4, and use it in both router and plasma (Hypetherm Powermax 45XP) configurations; have the THC from Avid and there is no customization, everything is as sold by Avid.

I have recently added an EasyScriber marking tool, but was unable to make it work with Mach4. The program starts, goes to position, then slowly descends, compresses the scriber, then compresses the torch until it triggers the mechanical switch inside the torch holder and then stops. My workflow starts with Fusion 360 -> export draft as DXF (or Adobe Illustrator exported as DXF) -> SheetCam -> Mach4. I followed the instructions on the Easyscriber website to configure a dedicated tool (feedrate 100ipm, cut height 0in, start delay 0s, pause at end 0s).

How should I configure Mach4 to make scribing possible? I tried turning off the three switches in the Mach4 > THC Anti-Dive tab (Time Delay, Velocity Based, and Voltage Based Anti-Dive) with no benefit. The Hypertherm plasma generator is set to marking/gouging mode at 10 Amps although that probably shouldn't matter, as the generator detects that a torch error. I can post pictures/video if needed.

Thank you for any advice.
Avid CNC RouterParts Pro 4'x2' with Hypertherm 45XP
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Re: Introducing EasyScriber for Powermax 45

Post by djreiswig »

You need to find a way to disable your thc completely. It is lowering the torch to try and match the voltage setting. Since you have no arc, it cannot accomplish this so it lowers until it crashes.
I'm not familiar with Avid or mach 4, but on my table there is a button in Mach3 to turn the thc to manual and another to turn it off.
2014 Bulltear (StarLab) 4x8
C&CNC EtherCut
Mach3, SheetCam, Draftsight
Hypertherm PM65
Oxy/Acetylene Flame Torch
Pneumatic Plate Marker, Ohmic, 10 inch Rotary Chuck (in progress)
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Re: Introducing EasyScriber for Powermax 45

Post by adbuch »

I agree. You should disable your torch height control, and then set your cut height such that the EasyScriber tip compresses the required amount for a nice looking scribe line. There may be some instructions with the EasyScriber that specify this amount, and I would imagine that the more you compress the tip - the deeper and more pronounced the scribe line will be. The setting on your 45xp does not matter for this, and you really don't need your 45xp to be powered on while using the scribe. You will also want your torch lead-in and/or lead-out lengths set to zero, and your kerf width set to zero as well (if you want the actual size of the scribed shape to match the dimensions of your drawing).

I would recommend starting off by scribing a simple square or circle, and possibly turn down the speed for testing so you can get a better look at what is happening.

The Mach4 Plasma Users Guide referenced below explains how to turn thc on or off.
David


https://www.avidcnc.com/support/instruc ... sersGuide/
Mach4 turn off thc.jpg
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Re: Introducing EasyScriber for Powermax 45

Post by robertspark »

could it be waiting for the ARCOK / transfer signal before moving?
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Re: Introducing EasyScriber for Powermax 45

Post by EasyScriber »

Good advice from these guys, I would guess that your issue is what robertspark has pointed out, your system is waiting for the arc ok signal.

If you are unable to turn off the requirement for the arc ok signal in Mach 4 I would try using your router post processor as it will not be looking for this signal.

Let us know what you find out.
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Re: Introducing EasyScriber for Powermax 45

Post by Koenbro »

robertspark wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 3:42 am could it be waiting for the ARCOK / transfer signal before moving?
Even before I posted I thought the THC would be an issue, so I had it turned off. As mentioned, the torch would slowly plunge until its holder's mechanical switch would activate, then would rise to the cut height, and stop. The torch command in Mach4 would turn on, so if I manually turned it off, the program would proceed and run well.

So as you guys suspected, it was waiting for an Arc OK signal. That gave me the idea to turn the torch off in G code. Here is the example with a 1in square that worked well (see N0170):

N0010 (Filename: 1in square.tap)
N0020 (Post processor: Avid CNC Mach4.scpost v1.4)
N0030 (Date: 4/5/2021)
N0040 G20 (Units: Inches)
N0050 G53 G90 G91.1 G40
N0060 G64 (Constant Velocity Mode - normally used with Plasma)
N0070 (Part: 1in square)
N0080 (Operation: No Offset, Colour 0, T101: Plate marker)
N0090 G00 X0.5000 Y1.0000
N0100 G92.1
N0110 G31.0 Z-100 F19.685
N0120 G92 Z0.0
N0130 m2020 (HC_WORK_Z_ZEROED=1)
N0140 G4 P0.1
N0150 G00 Z0.500
N0160 G4 P0.001
N0170 ;M62P3 (turned off this line and the M63 lines below, and solved the problem)
N0180 Z0.2490
N0190 G04 P0.5
N0200 G01 X0.0000 Z0.2500 F100.0
N0210 Y0.0000
N0220 X1.0000
N0230 Y1.0000
N0240 X0.5000
N0250 ;M63P3
N0260 G00 Z0.7500
N0270 ;M63P3
N0280 Z0.7539
N0290 ;M63P3
N0300 G92.1
N0310 M30
%


Thank you all for your help!
Avid CNC RouterParts Pro 4'x2' with Hypertherm 45XP
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Re: Introducing EasyScriber for Powermax 45

Post by EasyScriber »

That's awesome. Thanks for posting your solution!
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Re: Introducing EasyScriber for Powermax 45

Post by djreiswig »

Just a note. If M63 is torch off, you shouldn't have to remove it. If the torch is already off it won't have any effect if you leave it in.
2014 Bulltear (StarLab) 4x8
C&CNC EtherCut
Mach3, SheetCam, Draftsight
Hypertherm PM65
Oxy/Acetylene Flame Torch
Pneumatic Plate Marker, Ohmic, 10 inch Rotary Chuck (in progress)
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