Fine Cut consumable problems, is this normal?

[tacoma747]

Is it normal for a CNC table to not work properly with FineCut consumables? The ATHC does not function, at slow speeds it does OK, but when it reaches full cut speeds (@ Hypertherms suggested settings) the torch raises up to 1/2" or higher and never comes back down after it slows back down.

With 45a consumables the torch still raises slightly on long straight cuts, but not near as badly and it has not seemed to screw up what I am cutting (like it does with the FineCuts). It also seems to recover better with the 45a consumables.

I would like to use the FineCut tips but the only way I can is to disable ATHC.

Plasma cutter is a HT PM 65, plasma table is a Burntables ( )

Thanks

[plain ol Bill]

Fine cuts work well for me w/ a Powermax 1250, Sheetcam, Mach3.

[JEd]

With my Torchmate with AVHC and PM65 finecut consumables work great. I don't ever have the problem you are mentioning.

[tacoma747]

I figured it was just a problem with the control box on the table itself, although when I talked to Burntables they acted like I should not even be using FineCut's. I told them that I felt Hypertherm would say otherwise (why would it be made and marketed for CNC use if it should not be used on a CNC machine?).

Basically, the Burntables control will not support FineCut consumables, I just wanted to verify this is not a common issue with other CNC tables (not that they will do anything to fix it)...

Oh if only I had done more research before buying this table...

[jimcolt]

Fine Cuts work fine on most machines....sounds like some sort of a height control issue with your machine. I just did a job this past weekend on my PlasmaCam DHC2 (I also have a Torchmate) with a Powermax85, FineCut consumables on 18 gauge steel. 1050 pierces and 13,800 inches of cut.....one set of consumables (that are maybe 1/2 worn, still cutting great at the end. I cut at 320 ipm, the torch height was maintained at .06" for all of the cuts....not a single misfire or scrapped part.

Jim Colt

[BurnTables]

The range of the THC voltage is designed to work with the regular consumables with the voltage regulator in the Hypertherms. Using the fine tip consumables in the Hypertherm's put the voltage out of range on the THC, to use the THC and fine tip consumables, the raw voltage of the Hypertherm needs to be read with a 100K resistor in series. You can use the fine tip consumables without this mod, but need to have the antidive setting set to 110%.

[tacoma747]

The range of the THC voltage is designed to work with the regular consumables with the voltage regulator in the Hypertherms. Using the fine tip consumables in the Hypertherm's put the voltage out of range on the THC, to use the THC and fine tip consumables, the raw voltage of the Hypertherm needs to be read with a 100K resistor in series. You can use the fine tip consumables without this mod, but need to have the antidive setting set to 110%.

So like I said, your machine does not work with fine tip consumables. I am not going to splice into wires on a brand new $2,700 machine...

I just love how (Burntables) tells me Finetips are not to be used for alot of cutting, then Jim says he cut over 13k inches and the tip is still useable...

[BurnTables]

Our machine is usable with fine tips as we described. We cant help you if you don't want to wire in two wires that is a very common practice in plasma cutters, even points to how to perform the act on page 3-23 of the Hypertherm manual.

[jimcolt]

So...it sounds like you can do the simple modification as described.....and it will operate fine. The fine cuts do operate at a much lower voltage than the standard consumables.


Jim Colt

[cbassjr]

I had the same problem. Turned the THC off and everything works fine. No more probe.