Cut quality

Cut quality issues can be discussed here, most common issues have been discussed here and should help you.
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BensPlasmaAu
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Cut quality

Post by BensPlasmaAu »

I have been cutting 1.6mm and here are the edge quality results.
20160814_191639_resized.jpg
20160814_191710_resized.jpg
It seems to me that the edge is pretty beveled, and the dross is not great. Anyway, let me know what you think, that would be tops. I do have a very small amount of slop in the a axis gear, I need to figure out a way of repairing that.

Also, these are the consumables after a job worth of cutting. I think they look pretty good, but again, let me know what you think.
20160814_191836_resized.jpg
20160814_191849_resized.jpg
Home built 3400 x 1400mm (11 and a bit X a bit over 4.5 feet)
Hypertherm Powermax 45
CandCNC Bladerunner IV
Some air dryer off the internet
Another water seperator I found unused on a shelf
Refrigerated air dryer
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acourtjester
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Re: Cut quality

Post by acourtjester »

There seems to be a lot of wiggling in your cuts. I would work on getting the axis going straight. Try mounting a ink pen to the torch mount and running different cut paths start with a straight for each axis this will save material. The thin pen path will give you a better representation of how well the motion of the axis is and if it need more work. When you start cutting check if the pierce and cut heights are correct. In the one picture if that was a smooth arc you may need to change the drawings in their makeup or save them in SVG file type. I don't know if the 45 has a shield for the nozzle but if so you need to watch it's condition too shielded will give you a cleaner cut.
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BensPlasmaAu
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Re: Cut quality

Post by BensPlasmaAu »

Thanks Jester,

I am pretty sure the file is not the smoothest. I will work on it and either find another or smooth it out myself. I really do need to work on getting that wee bit of slop out of the A axis. I think i need a redesign of the drive gearbox. Terrible engineering on my part with selection of drive shafts and how the gears and pulleys are connected. I may have to resort to buying a manufactured set and retro fit them.
Home built 3400 x 1400mm (11 and a bit X a bit over 4.5 feet)
Hypertherm Powermax 45
CandCNC Bladerunner IV
Some air dryer off the internet
Another water seperator I found unused on a shelf
Refrigerated air dryer
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SeanP
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Re: Cut quality

Post by SeanP »

I would say that edge bevel is fairly normal on that thickness for the powermax 45, I can't get it any better anyway.

The electrode is fairly worn but should still be ok, I find it's the nozzle and shield that needs watching most, the slightest nick on the nozzle will cause trouble, once the electrode gets worn more than 1.2mm say I usually swap it, you can keep going more but when it burns out the flame goes green and makes a mess mid cut.

That file looking at the second pic looks like one of the ones you see with jaggy radius on it, not your usual HQ files!
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jimcolt
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Re: Cut quality

Post by jimcolt »

Power Max 45 amp process edge bevel on 1/4".....and hole top and bottom dimensions on 1/4". I use these samples as a benchmark...it means that your machine is operating at the correct height and is able to maintain the correct speed...even on holes. T see if the machine is staying on the expected path do a pen tracing at the same speed you need to cut at. Jim Colt
Powermax45 edge angle 003.jpg
Powermax45 edge angle 003.jpg (28.45 KiB) Viewed 946 times
Powermax45 edge angle 003.jpg
Powermax45 edge angle 003.jpg (28.45 KiB) Viewed 946 times
Powermax45 edge angle 004.jpg
Powermax45 edge angle 004.jpg (36.83 KiB) Viewed 946 times
Powermax45 edge angle 004.jpg
Powermax45 edge angle 004.jpg (36.83 KiB) Viewed 946 times
dimensions.jpg
dimensions.jpg (106.35 KiB) Viewed 946 times
dimensions.jpg
dimensions.jpg (106.35 KiB) Viewed 946 times
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