cut quality has degraded - no belt slipping? pulley issue?

[kit.mae00]

Hi everyone,

I need some help with figuring out my cut quality problem(s). I called Plasmacam a few months ago and they helped me troubleshoot a major issue which seemed to have resolved for the most part but my overall cut quality doesn't seem to be where it was. Originally, it appeared my problem was due to belt slipping which seemed to have fixed the first issue of cuts being made inconsistent to my drawing (or appeared to have moved around on the table vs the drawing) but I feel like it's still a slight issue?

Now my newest issue that I can't seem to fix is inconsistent thicknesses and the first cut doesn't always end or line up with the final cut. I'm also experiencing a blow out which never seemed to be an issue either. I've rechecked all my settings, I adjusted my pierce height, cut height, cut speed, etc... I can't seem to figure this one out. I just replaced my grates which I thought could have been the issue but evidently, it's not. I haven't changed the pulley but I've checked it and that doesn't seem to be out of sync. I fine tuned my cut speed about a year ago and was able to get very clean consistent lines (I'm still cutting the same stuff --16ga/80ipm/30amps for straight lines & letters/standard consumables -- everything used to turn out really nice so I don't know if it's a speed problem. I checked all the gears and greased them to make sure nothing is caught but so far it's been fine! I'm running out of ideas of what to check and fix.

Oh, one last thing, it also appears to be cutting at an angle. It seems to be pitched towards to back of the table. I'm using a hand torch and we've adjusted it to try and make sure it's level but there's just not enough space to fit a level or a square on there to make sure it's at the proper angle (any suggestions or tips would be great).

Running:
Hypertherm 30XP
Plasmacam Design Edge

looks AWFUL!

qc3.jpg

this was cut around 80ipm/30amp & they seemed to turn out near perfect

[weldguy]

Something has likely come loose and gotten sloppy. Turn your machine on so motors are locked up under power and put your hand on the gantry and torch carriage and wiggle to search for the slop.

[acourtjester]

It has been talked about here many times attach an Ink Pen to your torch mount and draw on paper stop wasting metal. When the start of the cut does not match the end of the cut there is a movement problem. How old is your table, When searching Plasmacam with Google I see bolted together tables. Any place you have bolts they can loosen up, this causes wobbling.

[kit.mae00]

It's about 4years old and bolted together. I'll try the pen trick and check all the bolts. I think you both are right, something has come loose. I just haven't been able to find it yet.

[acourtjester]

Keep at if you will be happy when you find it, ask other questions if you have them. Not many here can say they never had a problem but with help a solution will be found

[kit.mae00]

Got it fixed and it's cutting like a dream again A couple of loose screws on both sides of the gantry holding it all tight! Thank you so much for the kind words and the help.

[acourtjester]

happy to help, thanks for the reply may help another member in the future.

[weldguy]

[Rox]

Got it fixed and it's cutting like a dream again A couple of loose screws on both sides of the gantry holding it all tight! Thank you so much for the kind words and the help.

Could you tell which ones were sloppy for you? I am running into the same problem. Husband says it is user error. But I know better by now I have been running a plasma table for 2 years now. Self taught and thank goodness for this forum. Thanks you!

[adbuch]

Got it fixed and it's cutting like a dream again A couple of loose screws on both sides of the gantry holding it all tight! Thank you so much for the kind words and the help.

Could you tell which ones were sloppy for you? I am running into the same problem. Husband says it is user error. But I know better by now I have been running a plasma table for 2 years now. Self taught and thank goodness for this forum. Thanks you!

For Plasmacam - it would be best to check all of your belts, pulleys, bearings, etc. for wear. Also make sure all of your springs are in place. Also check your torch mount to make sure it has not come loose.

David

[jlasater]

If the bolts/screws that were loose don't need to come apart frequently, I'd be using a drop of blue Loctite on each and snug them back down. Don't use red Loctite, it can tear the threads out when removed.

[Joe Jones]

Got it fixed and it's cutting like a dream again A couple of loose screws on both sides of the gantry holding it all tight! Thank you so much for the kind words and the help.

Ahh. A common problem. I know that when I am not working right, I find that I have a couple of screws loose.

Joe