Issues with Arc

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Gprider90
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Issues with Arc

Post by Gprider90 »

Hi Guys,

So at the shop we have the following setup:
- Powermax 65 with a Machine torch ( Torch is brand new )
- flmc-f2300b CNC controler
- Fangling F1621 Height controller

Issue: when we start a program, the cnc goes thru the cycle, starting point, checks height, starts the air in the torch and then there is an error message "arc break alarm" and freezes.

For some reason there is an issue with the signal between the Height controller and the powermax 65. There is a plug with two connectors going from the plasma to the controller. when i unplug, and try to start the plasma manually with the pierce test it will work, but when I plug it back ( like it should ) the controller tells me there is a "arc break alarm" and the error 0-30-1 pops up on the powermax

The issue seems to be in the signal going from the height controller to the plasma. We tested and there is no electricity going thru when in standby and there is electricity when we ask press manually to pierce.

All consumables are new, Air pressure is good.

Has any of this ever happened to someone and how was it fixed ?

Thanks for your valuable help !
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acourtjester
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Re: Issues with Arc

Post by acourtjester »

Is this a new system that has not been had successful operations before and started failing with this problem?? If it has not worked before you may be missing wiring between the Plasma and the THC called "arc OK" I have not heard of the "arc break alarm" but it sure sounds like Arc Ok to me.
The THCs I have used have wiring from the plasma unit which are Arc Ok, arc voltage, and outputs to the controller like arc OK and up, and down.
Attached is a list of the signal from the Hypertherm 65, 2 wires are for the torch fire. An error of 0-30 is loose connection for the nozzle.
Another thing you may not have enough air pressure at the Plasma unit, should be at least 100 PSI. constant while it is firing the torch.
connections.JPG
connections.JPG (48.92 KiB) Viewed 741 times
DIY 4X4 Plasma/Router Table
Hypertherm PM65 Machine Torch
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13" metal lathe
Small Mill
Everlast PowerTig 255 EXT
weldguy
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Re: Issues with Arc

Post by weldguy »

I have the same questions as AC about if this worked before and just seeing the problem now or whether this is a new setup.

Can you provide a picture of the "plug with two connectors going from the plasma to the controller" ?
adbuch
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Re: Issues with Arc

Post by adbuch »

I agree with Tom. Check your air pressure (want around 100 psi at the entrance to the plasma cutter while the air is flowing to the torch) and make sure your connections are tight on your torch control cable (from plasma cutter to thc).
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Gprider90
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Re: Issues with Arc

Post by Gprider90 »

Thanks for the feedback.

1. The Plasma did work fine for a couple of months, about 2 weeks ago while cutting it just stopped.
2. The torch does work when I press on the Arc test with the connector disconnected so it tells me the air pressure is fine

The issue is really that the THC does not seem to be able to create the arc with the plasma.

On the picture of the screen, this is the alarm i'm getting.
Attachments
Screen 1.jpg
Screen 1.jpg (57.25 KiB) Viewed 731 times
Connector 1.jpg
Connector 1.jpg (58.65 KiB) Viewed 731 times
Gprider90
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Re: Issues with Arc

Post by Gprider90 »

Allright, So after doing many tests on the wiring we found that the wire that sends the arc signal had been pinched... there was a short circuit connecting both wires together thus creating the error.

Thanks guys for your feedback !
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acourtjester
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Re: Issues with Arc

Post by acourtjester »

Good show now back to work :HaHa :HaHa
DIY 4X4 Plasma/Router Table
Hypertherm PM65 Machine Torch
Drag Knife and Scribe
Miller Mig welder
13" metal lathe
Small Mill
Everlast PowerTig 255 EXT
adbuch
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Re: Issues with Arc

Post by adbuch »

Gprider90 wrote: Wed Jul 06, 2022 2:55 pm Allright, So after doing many tests on the wiring we found that the wire that sends the arc signal had been pinched... there was a short circuit connecting both wires together thus creating the error.

Thanks guys for your feedback !
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weldguy
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Re: Issues with Arc

Post by weldguy »

Right on, often it is something simple I find. Thanks for posting back.
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