ESAB Vision T5 (Anc55) CAD/CAM Post and Questions

[lkristof]

Good day, everyone!

This is my first post here. We have an ESAB plasma cutter (iSeries 400A machine), with a Vision T5 (Anc55) control system, and I recently began using Autodesk Inventor to do my nesting, and I'm actively looking for a CAM/Nesting software alternative for ESAB's Columbus as it just doesn't work for our workflow.

My main issue right now is that I can't find a postprocessor for this NC anywhere. Does anyone have any information on this controller?
I've tried reverse engineering the code and writing converters between ESSI and G-code but right now it's a bodge and I'm pretty much thinking about scrapping the whole project.

Any help finding a postprocessor, or any tips, tricks and workflow advice, and software recommendations are welcome. Basically any information that could be helpful in finding a way to do the nesting and export the program directly without having to use the machine's built in DXF-parser.

Thank you in advance and best regards!

[djreiswig]

Maybe try contacting Les at sheetcam. He may have a post processor for that system, of could tell you if it is possible to create one.

[Phill7even]

Do you have any G code files already saved on the ANC55. If you do then I don't see why reverse engineering would fail. In case you decide scrapping it then I might have a client that might be interested in buying the ANC55 control system.

[Dave_morl]

Did you ever get this sorted? We are having the same issue and I don't feel columbus is fitting the bill and looking for another solution

[plasmanewbie]

Did you ever get this sorted? We are having the same issue and I don't feel columbus is fitting the bill and looking for another solution

It has been a couple years since this member was on, hopefully he will be notified of your reply and get back to you. If you find anything out in the meantime please post back.