Tools: Plasma CNC

Tool Description

The Plasma CNC is a 3-axis CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) plasma cutter. It is capable of cutting 4 foot by 4 foot sheets of steel, aluminum, or stainless steel; smaller pieces can also be used.

Checklist

TBD...

Classes

• Classes are offered on a regular basis.
• Check meetup for the next scheduled class: Tampa Hackerspace Meetup

• Prerequisites
  • Students must have the ability to generate toolpaths using one of the supported CAM tools (VCarve or Fusion 360). Generating toolpaths is outside the scope of this class.
    • There are separate classes for VCarve and Fusion360.
  • This meetup is open to paid members only.

Pre-Use checklist

(From PlasmaOpsGuide.pdf above)

• Startup and Zeroing
  • Turn on wall controller box and PC
  • Ensure E-Stop button is pressed down
  • Launch THS Plasma on PC
  • Reset E-Stop (twist and will pop up)
  • Press Power soft button
  • Open Homing button List
    • Home all Axis
  • DRO numbers will change from red to green
• Prepare your material
  • Place material to be cut on table
  • Move the plasma cutter to the Lower Left corner of where you want to cut on your material
    • Toggle rabbit/turtle icons to change jogging speed
  • Press ZERO WORK LOCATION
  • DRO will now show X and Y at zero
• Load Your Project G-Code File
  • Minimize THS Plasma and copy your file from thumb drive to the “G-Code” folder on the PC Desktop (create a sub-folder with your name)
  • Maximize THS Plasma and Switch to Auto Mode
  • Open file selector in lower left and locate your project file
  • You will see your design in the preview window
• Verify Cut Parameters

Tool Use

Please take a class or ask for individual instruction. See