Vectrics Cut2D PRO software for Plasma Cutting?

[Greolt]

I made a video explaining WHY and HOW I use Vectric CAD CAM software for toolpaths on my CNC Plasma table.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN1K63hRGpY

[adbuch]

Nicely Done!! Could you describe a little detail about your M12 "touch-off" macro, and explain how it works? Also the M13. Are these macros specific to the CCNC software?
Thanks,
David

[Greolt]

Yes the macros are written in the macro language that UCCNC uses.
The same macro for Mach3 would do the same thing but be written in the language that Mach3 uses.

M12 grabs he pierce height from an on screen field
Does "G31 Z -30 F800"
Sets the Z axis DRO to compensate for floating head override.
Then moves the torch to the pierce height

M3 turns on the torch

M13 grabs an on screen value for the pierce delay.
Then simply delays for that time.

Then to complete the cycle the torch moves to cut height "G0 Z 1.6"

So the toolpath grabs the pierce height and delay and runs with them.

As I said in the video, many would do all that with straight Gcode.

I chose to do it this way because I can use on screen fields to control pierce height and pierce delay.

[adbuch]

How are you setting your "touch-off"? Is this "Stall on material to zero", or "Sense material to zero" using ohmic sensing?
Thanks,
David

[Greolt]

G31 is a Probe move. "G31 Z-30 F800"
This means it moves towards Z-30 and stops when the probe input is triggered. Floating head.
Then I set the Z DRO to allow for override of the floating head switch.

This is pretty standard stuff. Some will use G28 and set up the floating head switch as a limit. I prefer G31

[34by151]

I use Aspire to clean up and edit DXF files for plasma.
For clarity I also use SolidWorks, some things are easier in Solidworks others in Aspire

I create DXF files in Solidworks, Aspire and Sign Slapper

I also use Corel to convert some files but really only for EPS and CDR files, dont like corel for more than that

For nesting I often use Aspire and Pronest for the more complex ones. I find Pronest a but slow by comparison to Aspire but is more featured and I find the fastcam nesting a pit painful and very slow so never use it

For the tooling I use a combination of Sheetcam and Fastcam just depends on what I'm doing but most often sheetcam

Another reason for aspire for me is I have and 8x4 Plasma, 8x4 Router and Drag cutter. So one bit of software does most files just changing how I do do tooling

[Greolt]

One of the reasons I use Vectric, is that it does all that I want within one program.

Suits me better than jumping around multiple programs.

[adbuch]

G31 is a Probe move. "G31 Z-30 F800"
This means it moves towards Z-30 and stops when the probe input is triggered. Floating head.
Then I set the Z DRO to allow for override of the floating head switch.

This is pretty standard stuff. Some will use G28 and set up the floating head switch as a limit. I prefer G31

OK. Thanks for your response. That answers my question.
David

[Greolt]

My first video is obviously too long and boring. Very few watchers got past the first few minutes.

This is my attempt at making the info more accessible, more concise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYoRS6jXCTQ

[adbuch]

Thanks for the update! I will take a look at it when I get a chance.
David

[acourtjester]

Nice video thanks for posting, it seems to be a handy software package but the fact it is a subscription just puts me off. SheetCam works fine for me and I bought it once and have had many free updates supplied automatically, today being the last one.

[Greolt]

Vectric software is not a subscription. One time purchase. Use it for ever. With regular free upgrades.
However every year or two they release a major upgrade which can be had for a fee.
I guess that is how it differs from Sheetcam.

I did purchase Sheetcam years ago and then paid an upgrade fee at one stage.

The point of the video was for those who may already be using Vectric on a router or similar and how it can be used for plasma.

If only using plasma then Sheetcam is a good choice. Although even owning both, I personally prefer Vectric

[acourtjester]

Thanks My mistake on the subscription, Ok next question I do some router work too and have used EstlCam which does most of the routing work I do.
My questions will Vectric 2 D do 3-D type "V" carving or is that only their more expensive packages?? And can it do inlay type routing, I was only successful doing that once with F-engrave and it was a star, not sure if more complex shapes are possible with it.

[Greolt]

The middle level offering does "V" carving. Hence the name VcarvePro.
Yes more expensive.

[adbuch]

Vectric Cut2D pro - $449
https://www.vectric.com/products/cut2d-pro

Vectric VCarve Pro - $699
https://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-pro

Vectric Aspire - $1995
https://www.vectric.com/products/aspire

The cost to upgrade from Cut2D pro to VCarve Pro is typically around $250.
I own and use both VCarve Pro and Aspire. I think VCarve Pro is sufficient for most 2/3 D carving.
David

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X94lQ8_Um1Y

[acourtjester]

thanks for post the info, as a retired DIY guy and the amount I may use one of those programs I will stray with what I have. I have been able to do what is needed for the projects I choose. My hats off to those who do more artistic router work, and that is why they buy and use those programs.

[Greolt]

.........as a retired DIY guy and the amount I may use one of those programs I will stray with what I have.

I would do exactly the same. My post is aimed at people who already own Vectric software that they use on a router or similar.

Not suggesting anyone should dump Sheetcam and buy Cut2D. Although it does have some advantages IMO.

[acourtjester]

Thanks for the info Greolt I have more info than before, not a bad thing
have fun
Tom

[Greolt]

I am on a roll.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dUm5VYdV1c

[Greolt]

Another video using Cut2D

https://youtu.be/Sn-9ws7OnJk

[adbuch]

Thanks for another great video!!
David

[robertspark]

nice video clip. well detailed workflow.

I was wondering, as you mentioned that you created your own post processor, if you would mind posting it out of curiosity and maybe to help the next person planning on using vectric for plasma cutting.

thanks

[acourtjester]

2X on the posting of the Post Processor, one note you use an extension of .txt while saving did you need to make changes to UCCNC to except that extension? Always great to add another tool in the bag.

[robertspark]

the bit that I have wondered about is how you add cut path rules (thc / corner lock etc).... hence I was curious to see the post processor

[Greolt]

.txt .tap .nc doesn't really matter. They are all just text files.

I get asked a lot for my PP and I politely decline. Not because I do not want to share, but because it will not suit any other setup or controller.
My PP depends on some custom macros as well as some custom fields I have added to my control software screen.

I have considered writing a more generic PP for Mach3, which is popular but that I no longer use.

However my belief is that it is better for users to write their own because only they know how their machine and control software works together for touch off etc.

The Vectric PPs are much easier to work with for non programmers than any other CAM software that I am aware of. Documentation is very good.

In answer to robertspark, there are no Sheetcam type cut rules. For my application the anti dive and THC delay provisions in UCCNC work just fine.

I actually own a Sheetcam licence but prefer to use Vectric. Being combined CAD CAM and it's look and feel suits me. Also being very familiar with it and using it on my router and mill.

I share these videos to show others who might already use Vectric software on routers etc. that it can also be adapted for plasma use.