Circle cut quality, leaving a tit in hole

[Complete_Loser]

Im runnin plasmacam dhc2, 3.11, with hypertherm powermax 45. Nice clean dry air.
Im cutting 1/2" mild steel. Book settings.

Its cutting wonderfully really. Im pretty happy with it except one thing. At the end of the cut it leaves a little tit in the hole. I have to grind it out to get my pin in the hole.

Ive tried changing air pressure and "continue cutting after stop" but not much change.

Are there any tips or tricks to prevent this? It happens on thick stuff ofcourse. 3/16" and on up pretty much.

[mdwalker]

It's hard to tell by the picture but it could be caused by the by the trailing edge of the flame not completing the cut before the flame stops. Considering everything else is set right and in good condition, try cutting the holes at 60% of your normal cut speed.

[Complete_Loser]

Heres the back side. I just need some 'over travel' and it would be good.

[djreiswig]

I agree. Slow down to let the flame catch up with the torch. Might also have to adjust your THC to compensate.

[rdj357]

Answered you on the owner's community but yes a little overtravel does the trick (and I do add a little time to continue cutting also) and that is done by using a negative number on gap at the end of loop.

[Complete_Loser]

Answered you on the owner's community but yes a little overtravel does the trick (and I do add a little time to continue cutting also) and that is done by using a negative number on gap at the end of loop.

Thanks. I tried adding a neg number. Says "0-10" only.

[rdj357]

Bummer, I just checked on my machine that uses 3.11 and you are correct. This was apparently one of the things that changed going from 3.11 to Design Edge. I just checked and the range for DesignEdge is -10” to 10”. I can tell you that of every person I’ve talked with who has done the upgrade, the only complaint I’ve ever heard is they wish they’d done it sooner.

Without upgrading the only thing I’d know to do is manually make an overlap after cut paths are created (not a horribly easy feat) or add some more to the time to continue cutting to try to get rid of the flame drag problem.

[Complete_Loser]

Bummer, I just checked on my machine that uses 3.11 and you are correct. This was apparently one of the things that changed going from 3.11 to Design Edge. I just checked and the range for DesignEdge is -10” to 10”. I can tell you that of every person I’ve talked with who has done the upgrade, the only complaint I’ve ever heard is they wish they’d done it sooner.

Without upgrading the only thing I’d know to do is manually make an overlap after cut paths are created (not a horribly easy feat) or add some more to the time to continue cutting to try to get rid of the flame drag problem.

What key features does design edge have that would help contribute to improved circle quality? (aside from over travel)
Circles seem to be my biggest issue.

[rdj357]

I don't know that there is a function (other than adjusting the gap at end of loop to negative) that will be the magic bullet for hole quality. There have been several improvements to the software including better height control response I believe. With holes you should be setting it to go slower on holes under a size (set based on what you are cutting but for half I'd use 1"). You already have that setting.

The improvements are in design, screen operation (smooth movement and dramatically less 'graphic' glitches), and additional/improved tools - Text, Shapes, Flanges, etc.

If you'd like you can email me the file for your plate and I can create cut paths that have the overlap for you to give a try.
Robert@490Creations.com

[Complete_Loser]

If you'd like you can email me the file for your plate and I can create cut paths that have the overlap for you to give a try.
Robert@490Creations.com

Dang, hadnt even thought of that. Thanks I appreciate it. I'll keep that in mind for the next job.

Ya, i have it set on 'slower under 1" '