Sneak Peek: Magnetic Breakaway System I’ve Been Working On – Feedback Welcome!

[SJDrummond]

Hey folks,

I’ve been part of this forum for a while now — mostly soaking up knowledge and ideas — and I’ve always appreciated how open and helpful everyone is around here.

Over the last few months, I’ve been chipping away at something I thought might be useful for others in the CNC plasma world. I wasn’t planning to post about it just yet, but it’s getting close, and I couldn't wait any longer.

Introducing:
FLUX – Smart Magnetic Breakaway System & Full Floating Head
Not quite for sale yet, but nearly there — and would love to hear what you think.

The Problem We All Know:
Torch crashes suck. Whether it’s a wrecked torch, a scrapped cut, or a bent Z-axis — they always seem to happen at the worst time. I’ve had a few myself, so I started designing a magnetic breakaway system that ticks a few boxes I couldn’t quite find elsewhere — something clean-looking, cohesive, compact, affordable, and solid enough to trust in the shop.

I didn’t want it to look like it was thrown together out of leftover brackets and hot glue. I wanted it to feel like part of the machine — refined, functional, and actually thought through.

After lots of iterations, testing, and magnet strength trials… it’s finally at a point where I’m happy to show it off.

Enter FLUX - a fully featured, professional looking AND affordable smart magnetic breakaway system.

Key Features:
- Full Floating Head - with built in sensor for IHS (Initial height sensing),
- Crash Detection - waterproof sensor immediately detects the disconnect,
- Hidden Lanyard System - Catches the torch and prevents it from hitting the floor or dunking in the water,
- Strong Magnetic Connection - Holds firm while cutting, cleanly separates on impact,
- Self-Aligning Immediate Reset – Just bring it close and it snaps back into position
- Fits Standard Torch Barrels – Works with standard 35mm (1 3/8") torches,
- T-Slot Compatible – Mounts directly to OpenBuilds or 80/20-style extrusion.

Sneak Peek Renders:
I've attached a few renders below to give a look at where it’s at.

Not for sale just yet — just sharing early. Still dialling in a few details and doing a little more testing, but thought this would be a good time to share and see what the community thinks. If you have thoughts, feedback, or ideas — I’m all ears. This place has been a goldmine of knowledge for me over the years, and I’d love to build something that actually fits what people need.

Some things I’d love to hear:
Are you currently using a breakaway system? If not, why?
Do these features align with what are most important to you?
Do you see something here that solves a real problem?
If you might be interested in something like this, comment below to stay updated. Il make sure anyone who’s keen gets first heads-up when it’s ready.

Thanks again for reading — and for everything this forum’s helped me learn over the years.
Really appreciate your time, and looking forward to hearing what you think.

All the best,
Sean Drummond

P.S. Might be putting a couple of these in the hands of testers soon — if you’d be up for giving it a run and sharing feedback, give me a shout.

FLUX-1.jpg

FLUX-2.jpg

FLUX-3.jpg

FLUX-4.jpg

FLUX-5.jpg

[TJS]

Is this a complete Z car assembly ?

[SJDrummond]

Hi TJS, It’s not the full linear actuator as these are readily available, but it is the torch clamp, magnetic breakaway system and floating head part of the Z-axis. It mounts onto the z-axis.

All the best,
Sean

[acourtjester]

Ok here is my version of what you are trying to do, Works for me. This is only a show of how I did it not that you should change yours, which looks great. On my table it has both ohmic sensor, floating head switch, and break away switch, and my cable guide restricts the free torch movement.
I was using all magnetic attachments but found that a magnetic to steel attachment is better. Not sure if the closeness of the magnetics caused a flux interference problem. This is mounted on a aluminum plate for easy removal and install when I change to the router option on my table. Keep plugging as you seem to want a marketable product. have fun

[Joe Jones]

Hi Sean!

Dont'cha LOVE 3D printers?

I like your design. Very crisp and "sexy."

I do have some thought on this, which I will send via PM.

Joe

[tnbndr]

Nice looking design. I like the lanyard idea to keep the torch out of the water tray!!!
I don't have my table any longer but if I did or was building a new one I would be up for this.

Tom:
Your design looks similar to what was on my LDR table only not 3D printed. It looks like it would function great.

[weldguy]

That looks super slick! Great looking pictures as well. Very nicely done.

[adbuch]

Your pictures look very professional - ready for a full color catalogue brochure. Nice job on your design as well.
David

[SJDrummond]

Hey everyone,

Thanks so much for all the feedback — really appreciate you taking the time to check out the FLUX setup and share your thoughts.

To clear up a couple of things:

Z-axis setup: FLUX is meant to bolt onto your existing Z-axis. It comes with the torch clamp, magnetic breakaway, and floating head with IHS switch — but you’d still need your own linear actuator or Z-slide. That way it can work with a bunch of different machines without forcing you into a full swap.

Some great points raised about the design. I’ve seen the setups a few of you shared — very cool and definitely some clever ideas. I’m still testing a few tweaks, especially around magnet strength and how cleanly it releases under different crash angles.

I’m going to be putting together a few units for testing soon. If anyone’s interested in giving one a go and sending some honest feedback, just let me know — would love to get it in the hands of real users before doing a full run. Especially if you are Australia based.

Thanks again — really cool to see this kind of engagement. I’ll keep posting updates as I go.

Cheers,
Sean

P.S. I’ve started putting together a website with a bit more detail about the FLUX system. It’s still a work in progress, but feel free to check it out. If you want to stay in the loop for the launch or beta testing, you can drop your email in the signup box at the bottom of the page. Link below.

https://fluxcnc.myshopify.com

[adbuch]

Very professional looking website! But it looks like you are sold out.
David