Torch turns on during travel

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Rcmcustoms
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Torch turns on during travel

Post by Rcmcustoms »

Good morning. I have a home built CNC Plasma table running MACH3. Running a “cheap” NVCM6V2.1 usb card. I got all the axis working and everything seams to be working right. I load a program and looks like the unit travels the XYZ axis like it is suppose to. Problem I am having is during travel on the axis to get to any pierce point, the program turns on the torch before it gets to any pierce point. Does anyone know how to fix this?
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Re: Torch turns on during travel

Post by acourtjester »

sounds like you have a g-code problem, can you attach a section of the G-code you are using and what post processor you are using.
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Re: Torch turns on during travel

Post by Rcmcustoms »

N5 (File Name = TEST5 on Sunday, August 30, 2020)
N10 (Default Plasma Post)
N15 G91.1
N20 G0 Z0.3500
N25 G0 X0.6179 Y-1.2500
N30 G28.1 (Probe for Stock)
N35 G0 Z0.3000
N40 M3(PLasma On)
N45 G1 Z0.1000 F78.00
N50 X0.5468 Y-1.1788 F200.00
N55 G3 X0.3750 Y-1.2500 I-0.0712 J-0.0712
N60 X2.1250 Y-1.2500 I0.8750 J-0.0000
N65 X0.3750 Y-1.2500 I-0.8750 J0.0000
N70 X0.5468 Y-1.3212 I0.1006 J-0.0000
N75 G1 X0.6179 Y-1.2500
N80 G4P1.80
N85 M5 (Plasma Off)
N90 G0 Z0.3500
N95 G0 X5.6941 Y0.0000
N100 G0 Z0.3000
N105 M3(PLasma On)
N110 G1 Z0.1000 F78.00
N115 X5.4908 Y0.2033 F200.00
N120 G3 X5.0000 Y0.0000 I-0.2033 J-0.2033
N125 G1 Y-4.0000
N130 X0.0000
N135 Y0.0000
N140 X5.0000
N145 G3 X5.4908 Y-0.2033 I0.2875 J0.0000
N150 G1 X5.6941 Y0.0000
N155 G4P1.80
N160 M5 (Plasma Off)
N165 G0 Z0.3500
N170 M30
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Re: Torch turns on during travel

Post by Rcmcustoms »

After the M5, I added a .35 delay because the torch was shutting off before the cut was over with. Original issues was the torch would turn on while traveling to pierce point and then run the code and shut off 3 inches before the cut was finished at 200ipm travel speed. X,Y axis would still be traveling to the finish with torch off. Z would then lift, start moving to next pierce and turn on before it reached pierce point. Z down, cut, then off before the cut was over. I hope this makes since.
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Re: Torch turns on during travel

Post by acourtjester »

Are you writing your own code?
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Re: Torch turns on during travel

Post by Rcmcustoms »

I was using lazycam to make the code. I am currently trying to use/learn Sheetcam and see if it is a program issue or a setting and or wiring issue
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Re: Torch turns on during travel

Post by Rcmcustoms »

Build a Drawing In Steetcam and the CNC is doing the same thing as before. Torch starting while in movement to pierce point and shutting off before the cut is complete. Two different drawings from two different programs. I think it is a setting or wiring issue. Just dont know where to start with it. Currently I do not have a THC. I am using the Spindle output to fire the torch. Spindle output turns on output #1. OP1 turns on an external relay that I have the plasma hooked to. The output turns on to early and shuts off to early.
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Re: Torch turns on during travel

Post by adbuch »

Perhaps add a dwell to your code. G04.
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Re: Torch turns on during travel

Post by acourtjester »

You may want to change your steps you draw with a CAD program or Inkscape and then, move to SheetCam to plan and create a G-code. Your G-code does not look like a plasma type G-code. Just a little more learning of the process and you will be doing fine.
Here is a few tutorials for SheetCam https://arclightcnc.com/sheetcam-tutorials/
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Re: Torch turns on during travel

Post by Rcmcustoms »

Good afternoon, I have been working on this thing last few days. Got little familiar with Sheetcam. Also generated some other drawings from inkscape and generated the Gcode from sheetcam. Ordered a new Plasma cutter with CNC ports. Still having the Same issue as before. The computer is turning on the relay to the torch on the Z down stroke. Once it gets to the proper height, the YX axis travel and then relay shuts off about 1-2 inches before the cut is complete. I dont know if there is a way to change the Dwell in the program to let the relay wait and then hold the dwell when the program gets to the M5 code. Kinda seams like the program is couple steps ahead of what the machine is doing. I will post the Gcode in a few minutes.
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Re: Torch turns on during travel

Post by Rcmcustoms »

N0010 (Filename: SHELBY.tap)
N0020 (Post processor: Mach3 plasma.scpost)
N0030 (Date: 07/09/2020)
N0040 G20 (Units: Inches)
N0050 G53 G90 G91.1 G40
N0060 F1
N0070 S500
N0080 (Part: SHELBY)
N0090 (Operation: Outside Offset, Layer_1, T1: Plasma, 0.0591 in kerf)
N0100 M06 T1 F200.0 (Plasma, 0.0591 in kerf)
N0110 G00 Z1.0000
N0120 X5.6794 Y3.9214
N0130 Z0.1181
N0140 M03
N0150 G04 P0.5
N0160 G01 Z0.0591 F3.937
N0170 G02 X5.5509 Y4.0489 I-0.0006 J0.1280 F200.0
N0180 G01 X5.5504 Y4.1489
N0190 X5.5515 Y4.3571
N0200 X6.2222
N0210 X6.2177 Y3.8091
N0220 X6.2129 Y2.8883
N0230 X6.2141 Y2.2165
N0240 X6.2189 Y0.7929
N0250 G03 X6.2475 Y0.7635 I0.0295 J0.0001
N0260 G01 X6.3335 Y0.7607
N0270 X6.3354
N0280 X6.9388 Y0.7800
N0290 G02 X6.9803 Y0.7262 I-0.0023 J-0.0447
N0300 G03 X6.9801 Y0.7154 I0.0289 J-0.0060
N0310 G02 X6.9667 Y0.6489 I-0.0948 J-0.0156
N0320 X6.9564 Y0.6459 I-0.0097 J0.0142
N0330 G03 X6.9532 Y0.6458 I-0.0010 J-0.0295
N0340 G01 X6.9151 Y0.6429
N0350 X5.5470
N0360 X5.5552 Y3.0378
N0370 X5.5509 Y4.0489
N0380 M05
N0390 G00 Z1.0000
N0400 X7.7077 Y4.3055
N0410 Z0.1181
N0420 M03
N0430 G04 P0.5
N0440 G01 Z0.0591 F3.937
N0450 G02 X7.8578 Y4.2043 I0.0244 J-0.1256 F200.0
N0460 G01 X7.8507 Y2.5455
N0470 X7.8577 Y0.6440
N0480 X7.7475 Y0.6429
N0490 X7.1861
N0500 X7.1870 Y0.7431
N0510 X7.1894 Y1.2794
N0520 X7.1930 Y2.3356
N0530 X7.1882 Y3.4856
N0540 X7.1859 Y4.3571
N0550 X7.8579 Y4.3562
N0560 X7.8578 Y4.2043
N0570 M05
N0580 G00 Z1.0000
N0590 X8.3144 Y2.2417
N0600 Z0.1181
N0610 M03
N0620 G04 P0.5
N0630 G01 Z0.0591 F3.937
N0640 G02 X8.4854 Y2.1823 I0.0558 J-0.1152 F200.0
N0650 X8.6042 Y1.3233 I-1.2638 J-0.6125
N0660 G03 X8.6039 Y1.3212 I0.0291 J-0.0052
N0670 G02 X8.4007 Y0.7949 I-1.0777 J0.1138
N0680 X8.0836 Y0.6528 I-0.3035 J0.2524
N0690 G03 X8.0809 Y0.6528 I-0.0010 J-0.0295
N0700 G01 X8.0108 Y0.6488
N0710 Y0.7616
N0720 G03 X8.3217 Y0.8309 I0.0273 J0.6101
N0730 X8.3256 Y0.8333 I-0.0137 J0.0262
N0740 X8.5401 Y1.1523 I-0.3414 J0.4612
N0750 X8.5039 Y2.0457 I-1.2020 J0.3988
N0760 G01 X8.5034 Y2.0470
N0770 G03 X8.4077 Y2.2016 I-0.7764 J-0.3738
N0780 X8.3697 Y2.2092 I-0.0233 J-0.0181
N0790 G02 X8.1319 Y2.2931 I-0.0825 J0.1452
N0800 G01 X8.1317 Y2.2937
N0810 G02 X8.1098 Y2.4399 I0.2797 J0.1166
N0820 G01 X8.1140 Y2.4357
N0830 G03 X8.4076 Y2.3491 I0.1986 J0.1322
N0840 X8.4124 Y2.3517 I-0.0118 J0.0271
N0850 X8.5935 Y2.6165 I-0.2443 J0.3614
N0860 X8.5568 Y3.7755 I-1.7850 J0.5236
N0870 X8.2881 Y4.1434 I-0.7264 J-0.2483
N0880 X8.2862 Y4.1447 I-0.0176 J-0.0237
N0890 X8.0127 Y4.2322 I-0.3072 J-0.4896
N0900 G01 Y4.3513
N0910 G02 X8.0802 Y4.3450 I-0.0863 J-1.2754
N0920 X8.4597 Y4.0757 I-0.0886 J-0.5271
N0930 G01 X8.4603 Y4.0748
N0940 G02 X8.6836 Y3.2825 I-1.3471 J-0.8073
N0950 G03 X8.6837 Y3.2803 I0.0295 J0.0003
N0960 G02 X8.5560 Y2.4219 I-1.8867 J-0.1580
N0970 X8.4594 Y2.2755 I-0.4873 J0.2161
N0980 G03 X8.4551 Y2.2412 I0.0217 J-0.0201
N0990 G02 X8.4854 Y2.1823 I-1.2335 J-0.6714
N1000 M05
N1010 G00 Z1.0000
N1020 X9.6038 Y1.9409
N1030 Z0.1181
N1040 M03
N1050 G04 P0.5
N1060 G01 Z0.0591 F3.937
N1070 G02 X9.6885 Y1.7810 I-0.0376 J-0.1224 F200.0
N1080 G01 X9.4241 Y0.9207
N1090 X9.3467 Y0.6766
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Re: Torch turns on during travel

Post by Rcmcustoms »

image.jpg
I got the plasma fired up and tan some test pieces. At the end of the cut you can see where M5 came before the cut was suppose to end. I have played with manually adding dwell in the code but is there a way I can fix this in the programming so I don’t have to for each file?
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Re: Torch turns on during travel

Post by Old Iron »

I had a similar issue and had the wrong processor. What Post Processor are you using?
Is Sheetcam set to Jet cutting?
Open Sheetcam got to Options, Machine, tick the box Jet cutting
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Re: Torch turns on during travel

Post by Rcmcustoms »

Post processor: Mach3 plasma
Jet cutting is checked.
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Re: Torch turns on during travel

Post by Rcmcustoms »

I am currently not running THC. Have not purchased the controller for that yet. Was wanting to get the machine going before I spent another $250 on something else. The Jet setting is checked. I did get a decent cut yesterday after going threw the Gcode and putting in the M3 commands before the M5 commands. I dont think I have the wrong post processor. I went threw them all and this description sounded the best for the system I am running to me. It could be the wrong one tho. My set up consist of, ASUS lap top for the computer, NVCM6v2.1 for the controller for MACH3, Model EMA342-7842S4 stepper motors (3- 2Y, 1X axis), Model 23HS8440D8P1-C (Z axis), Everlast powerplasma 82I CNC plasma cutter. Programs, Mach3, Sheetcam, Lazycam, Inkscape and Solidworks currently.

Mach3 plasma post processor

Generic plasma post for machines without THC

Modal G-codes and coordinates
Comments enclosed with ( and )
M03/M05 turn the torch on/off
Incremental IJ
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Re: Torch turns on during travel

Post by Rcmcustoms »

I dont know if it matters or not. I do have the version of sheetcam TNG. I have not purchased the license yet. Should I do that? I see where it gives me more lines but does/would it possibly fix my issue that I am having?
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Re: Torch turns on during travel

Post by robertspark »

what version of mach3 do you have?

do you have a licence for mach3 with YOUR name on it (not something you were given). there are a lot of pirate licences about for mach3. Art soft kindly modified the code within mach3 to do strange things should you not have an official genuine licence. M3 not turning off and shooting off at a tangent is a really common inbuilt licence error).... not seen the torch turning off early though.

are you using stepper motors or servo motors (or a hybrid stepper motor)? I ask because servo motors can have an allowable following error..... basically if you set them up wrong you can feed them a really fast pulse Trane and they will buffer that pulse Trane and complete the move and if the error buffer is set too large they would not complete the move before the M5 is triggered.

note most CNC software does not operate closed loop, and each item operates independently so if you set up the servos (or hybrid steppers wrong) they could be buffering that pulse Trane the issuing the M5 while the servo is still trying to clear the buffer. (it's a long shot, but possible)

your gcode looked fine to me

Code: Select all

N0010 (Filename: SHELBY.tap)
N0020 (Post processor: Mach3 plasma.scpost)
N0030 (Date: 07/09/2020)
N0040 G20 (Units: Inches)
N0050 G53 G90 G91.1 G40
N0060 F1
N0070 S500
N0080 (Part: SHELBY)
N0090 (Operation: Outside Offset, Layer_1, T1: Plasma, 0.0591 in kerf)
N0100 M06 T1 F200.0 (Plasma, 0.0591 in kerf)
N0110 G00 Z1.0000.  (retract to safe travel height)
N0120 X5.6794 Y3.9214 (move to start of cut point)
N0130 Z0.1181 (drop to pierce height)
N0140 M03 (fire the torch)
N0150 G04 P0.5 (pierce delay)
......
N0370 X5.5509 Y4.0489 (final cut move)
N0380 M05 (turn off torch)
N0390 G00 Z1.0000 (retract z to safe travel height)
N0400 X7.7077 Y4.3055 (move to new cut point)
N0410 Z0.1181 (drop to pierce height)
N0420 M03 (fire torch)
N0430 G04 P0.5 (pierce delay)
N0440 G01 Z0.0591 F3.937 (drop to cut height)
.......
N0560 X7.8578 Y4.2043 (final cut move)
N0570 M05 (turn torch off)
N0580 G00 Z1.0000
N0590 X8.3144 Y2.2417
N0600 Z0.1181
N0610 M03
N0620 G04 P0.5
......
N0980 G03 X8.4551 Y2.2412 I0.0217 J-0.0201
N0990 G02 X8.4854 Y2.1823 I-1.2335 J-0.6714
N1000 M05
N1010 G00 Z1.0000
N1020 X9.6038 Y1.9409
N1030 Z0.1181
N1040 M03
N1050 G04 P0.5
N1060 G01 Z0.0591 F3.937
.....

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Re: Torch turns on during travel

Post by Rcmcustoms »

Thanks for the info on the Mach3. I am not totally sure what kind of Mach3 I have. I had my computer rebuilt because the hard drive crashed and I had the guy put Mach3 on there. When you go to license it give some funky symbols. After playing and really paying attention. Looks like to me the torch turns on early and shuts off early about the same amount of time. So on Z down stroke before it get to the actual number to fire, it fires and takes about 2 seconds to finally start the cutting strokes. Then the torch turns off about 2 seconds before the end of the cut. I did manually add dwells to the code and got it to make the full cut. But that takes for ever and if a change is made, then have to re-input all the dwells again. I think I will have to delete and start over with Mach3 and buy the license for it. Hopefully that solves the issue

Oh to you question about servo or stepper motors. I have the stepper motors. The part number to both styles I and using is in a post above.
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Re: Torch turns on during travel

Post by robertspark »

Rcmcustoms wrote: Sat Sep 12, 2020 11:06 am When you go to license it give some funky symbols.
I suspect you have a fake licence

https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index ... c=24331.70

take a screenshot if you want a definitive answer, but my experience is if it is not your name, or your companies name or you forked out $175 for the licence then its probably fake. and it WILL do strange things (YMMV + good luck as it will probably never run right, simply because Artsoft put code in it to not stop fake licences from working but to ruin your work / material on the basis that "it serves you right"

Just as a suggestion........

Try this.....

go into the Mach3 folder C:\Mach3

and look for a file with the name "Mach1Lic.dat"..... cut and paste it to your desktop.

restart mach3 and run some gcode and see if your code now works fine..... if it does then it is a fake licence code problem.
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Re: Torch turns on during travel

Post by acourtjester »

I think the file creation date should be around the date of purchase too.
Remember that an un-licence Mach will only run about 200 lines of code
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Re: Torch turns on during travel

Post by Rcmcustoms »

UPDATE. Thought about what was said about having a pirated copy of the Mach3. So I uninstalled Mach3, Lazycam and anything to do with that system and programming. Spent all morning to re-install Mach3 (unlicensed copy from Mach3 web sight) and got all the settings reset. loaded the program and still doing the same thing as before. So I still have no idea what is going on with this
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Re: Torch turns on during travel

Post by robertspark »

does it still have a licence listed????

if you uninstalled it, and then reinstalled it in the same folder it will have the licence file retained in the folder.

how are you driving mach3 ..... parallel port, usb Bob, smooth stepper, how?????
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Re: Torch turns on during travel

Post by robertspark »

can you provide a copy of the profile (XML. file) you are running

you will need to rename it *.txt or *.DXF for it to upload to plasma spider as it won't like an XML file
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Re: Torch turns on during travel

Post by Rcmcustoms »

Mach3 now says Licensed to DEMO VERSION
To uninstall, Went to Uninstall programs in the windows. clicked on Mach3 and clicked Uninstall. That takes everything accociated with Mach3 and removes it from the computer. its better than just deleting the program. once uninstall was complete. I searched for the name Mach3 in the C drive and also deleted them folders also. Also deleted lazycam and anything else to do with Mach3. After doing so, it was like i never had Mach3 on this computer. Then went to Mach3 websight and downloaded there Demo Version. I have not bought the License yet for the Demo Version.
How an I driving it? I am not quite sure what that means. I am running a USB port to the controller and had to download a plugin NOVUSUN to communicate with the controller.
The XML files where abouts would i find that
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Re: Torch turns on during travel

Post by robertspark »

https://www.nvcnc.net/

are these the motion controllers you are using?
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