xy-plane project

Archiver

i am interested to make a prototype project of cutting metal with
the use of a computer in a Xy-plane or two-dimentional axes. The
intent is to use say an oxy-acetylene to cut a line figure of line,
square, circle, curves, or any of its combination automatically with
the help of the computer.
Would appreciate on how could i do it and what resources i need to
have.

Archiver

This sounds like a job for a higher level CNC controller. The math involved
in the circular interpolation of the moves is beyond the capability of the
Stamp series of controllers.

I rebuild and repair this type of machine, and use Stamp's in the auxiliary
processes, like plasma torch controls and tool selectors. The part
programming and Servo control are done by a CNC (Computer Numerical Control)
computer.

A cheap machine costs about $6,000 to $7,000 and you provide a PC for the
CNC. The price goes up for the better quality/Acuracy machines.
Search the web for CNC controls and Plasma Cutters.
There are companies that provide the servo software and G-Code interpreters,
and you can use a PC to control some servo motors. You will find lots of the
low end systems on the web, and remember You get what You pay for.

Another problem to deal with is the heat. When Oxy Fuel Cutting you have to
shield the motors and wiring from the heat. When Plasma Cutting you have to
Electrically shield all the wires, motors, encoders and Computers from the
high voltage noise generated from the Plasma Cutter torch and power supply.
This noise can cause computer lock ups, and also cause problems with other
equipment near the cutting machine.

Alan Bradford
Plasma Technologies
Enfield NH

Archiver

Thanks for your inputs. however, please advise the
programming language i have to learn and the servo
control mechanism. It is a long term project i plan to
do and with little background on the areas you
mentioned i would appreciate if specific information
about the website and its topic could be provided.

Thank you.
--- plasmastamp@a... wrote:
> This sounds like a job for a higher level CNC
> controller. The math involved
> in the circular interpolation of the moves is beyond
> the capability of the
> Stamp series of controllers.
>
> I rebuild and repair this type of machine, and use
> Stamp's in the auxiliary
> processes, like plasma torch controls and tool
> selectors. The part
> programming and Servo control are done by a CNC
> (Computer Numerical Control)
> computer.
>
> A cheap machine costs about $6,000 to $7,000 and you
> provide a PC for the
> CNC. The price goes up for the better
> quality/Acuracy machines.
> Search the web for CNC controls and Plasma Cutters.
> There are companies that provide the servo software
> and G-Code interpreters,
> and you can use a PC to control some servo motors.
> You will find lots of the
> low end systems on the web, and remember You get
> what You pay for.
>
> Another problem to deal with is the heat. When Oxy
> Fuel Cutting you have to
> shield the motors and wiring from the heat. When
> Plasma Cutting you have to
> Electrically shield all the wires, motors, encoders
> and Computers from the
> high voltage noise generated from the Plasma Cutter
> torch and power supply.
> This noise can cause computer lock ups, and also
> cause problems with other
> equipment near the cutting machine.
>
> Alan Bradford
> Plasma Technologies
> Enfield NH
>
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Archiver

Thanks for your inputs. However, please advise the
programming language I have to learn and the servo
control mechanism. It is a long term project I plan to
do and with little background on the areas you
mentioned I would appreciate if specific information
about the website and its topic could be provided.

Thank you.

I do not know how to do the programming for the Servo Loops and the control.
I purchase a pre built and programmed CNC for the purpose. It costs $10,000
US.

If you do a web search you can find companies that have CNC software you can
buy for the PC. They are cheap. I have not looked at them as it is not my
market. Try searching under CNC or Profiling Systems.

Most of the PC based software is programmed in C++ or Visual Basic. The
actual parts cut are usually done in G Code.

G XXXX means go somewhere
M XXXX means do something

etc.

Hope this helps
Alan Bradford
Plasma Technologies