Beat me up

[Welder Kenny]

Hello Ladies and gentlemen, Ok time to give some constructive criticism, What do we think I'm doing wrong with my cutting process I'm running at 75 IPM and 95 IPM 3/16 A-36 at about 50 amps, Ok It's a homemade Table running Sheetcam and Mach 3 software and a Hypertherm PM65,( Best part of tab le ) I want to improve my cut quality and pricing.

[acourtjester]

If you are not using lead in/outs I would start, looks like the divots are caused by that. And I would look for any loose movement action with the axis assemblies. Loose sets screws slipping pulleys there seems to be some out of round in the holes.

[cstroke]

Simple thing to check is make sure gantry is square and torch is square as well..
Any binding can cause issues.

[weldguy]

I'm with acourtjester. Looks like adding lead ins and finding any slop in your machine will help out a lot. Once you get that going I would begin experimenting with speeds as you can likely eliminate most of that dross with faster cut speeds. Trying to run faster cut speeds before eliminating the slop in your machine will only exaggerate the problem were seeing on your XY direction changes.

[Welder Kenny]

Thanks guys, I did find some slop in 1 of my Y axis steppers and some in the Z axis stepper , I was up around 95 IPM on 11 ga. I want to slow down but sounds like I need to do the opposite?? speed it up. Ill cut more and post the pics.

Thanks again, Kenny

[Welder Kenny]

Forgot this, How long a lead in/out I'm running .1875"

[acourtjester]

a few things to check is if it will interfere with another part for outside lead ins or to big for inside cuts, long enough so you don't see dimples where they enter the cut line.

[djreiswig]

I usually set leadins for the material thickness.

[weldguy]

Can't go wrong with a longer lead in, .1875 isn't very long in my opinion, I like at least .250 if there is room.

I just think speeding it up will help you to eliminate some of that dross but some tables don't like moving at higher speeds and get sloppy.

[bhamer62]

Make sure there is not an absolute stop at the end of your lead in, if the torch is camping out a second before it continues it burns a divot.

[Welder Kenny]

Thanks guys I will check all your lead-in / outs and make sure the torch isn't stopping or slowing too much, Plus run up around 110 IPM to see what changes.. Thanks again.