Sheetcam / Baileigh Starfire and Height Controller

[bmd888]

Hey all,

Wondering if anyone had some advise.

We are currently encoding in Sheetcam using the Baileigh Starfire post processor for a chinese cnc table.

The table has a XPTHC-4H height controller on it, but the machine isnt going to to the correct set height for cutting.

If we set the height on the tolling in sheetcam, that doesn't seem to come through in the GCode file, and setting the height on the controller on the table doesnt seem to do anything either.

What am I missing?

[adbuch]

Are you sure that your height controller is functional?
David

[bmd888]

During the course of running a program, no. It seems to set to somewhere around 1-2mm.

If I set it to any value (on the machine side controller) and press IHS test, it will lower, touch the material and rise to the correct height set in the controller, just not when cutting.

[adbuch]

It sounds like you need calibrate your height control. Is this table new to you?
David

[bmd888]

not new to me, I had the table for 6 years, but we only ever cut 16 gauge steel with it so its natural height was never a problem for me. I just sold the table to someone else who needs to cut 1 inch plate and needs it a bit higher than the setting it's at. And I am trying to assist in the hand over phase.

Do you happen to know where I can find the calibration instructions for this controller?

[adbuch]

not new to me, I had the table for 6 years, but we only ever cut 16 gauge steel with it so its natural height was never a problem for me. I just sold the table to someone else who needs to cut 1 inch plate and needs it a bit higher than the setting it's at. And I am trying to assist in the hand over phase.

Do you happen to know where I can find the calibration instructions for this controller?

You say it is a Chinese table. You may be out of luck as far as documentation for your height control - other than the OEM manual. What make and model of plasma cutter does the new owner have? Cut height, pierce height, cut speed, current setting, etc. are normally provided in the Owner's Manual for the plasma cutter. Mechanized cutting charts. Once you know the proper settings, then you will need to calibrate your height control using these settings.

The cut height is not necessarily higher between 16 gauge and 1 inch material. What will be different is the cutting speed, pierce delay, current setting, and torch consumables.

David

[weldguy]

Your height controller may be independent and not operate using gcode. I would find that out first and if it does rely on the gcode you may need to use a different post processor for your setup.

[tcaudle]

The THC is a separate controller and steeper driver. It does not listen to G-code so a move to a Z height is ignored.
Most of those have a window full of settings with odd names that have to be set to things like pierce height , rapid height and cut height. If you can figure out that Starfire control then the THC should be easy. It helps to speak Chinese....

[tcaudle]

You will have to manfully change settings for every type of material . You might want to keep a chart close by to aid in settings