Retrofit of Retrofit

[Haecksler]

Hi everybody
Brief introduction:
Plasma Gantry Machine Messer Cortina, first retrofited in 2015 to brand "Powerautomation" included cnc controller, software, servo, motors, gearbox, THC, etc.
Powerautomation is bankrupt since 2018 support for this machines is rare.
Aiming for Linux cnc even I have to scrap all the electronic hardware incl. motors
I cut a couple of 1000 parts I am happy to share my experiences with forum members.

[plasmanewbie]

Welcome to the site! A couple thousand parts, thats awesome! Were all these parts done with the new Linux cnc setup or your old Powerautomation setup?

[adbuch]

Welcome aboard Haecksler! There are several here with experience using Linux cnc.

I would take a look a the Linux cnc

https://plasmaspider.com/viewforum.php?f=203

and diy sections of the forum.

https://plasmaspider.com/viewforum.php?f=103

David

[acourtjester]

Hi Haecksler, I am using LinuxCNC on the last table I built, you are able to use some of the electronics you have. Either stepper or Servo motors and power will work with linuxCNC. The setup I have for the linuxCNC is a dedicated PC running linux, I used Stepper at first and upgraded to Servos after. I used a Mesa controller (7I76E) they have others that will work to. This setup will include a THC using one of their optional add on cards. The cards have many more input/output connections for things like home/limit circuits along with axis control signals I use a linuxCNC GUI called QTPlasmaC that is a very nice plasma control software. Additionally there is great help from the LinuxCNC web site by knowledgeable people.
Here is another of their card that some have used for Plasma, this site may be better for Europe.
https://eusurplus.com/index.php?route=p ... =60&page=3