Every operator encounters cutting issues now and then. A part you've cut hundreds of times before suddenly isn't turning out the way it should. The solution, ironically, is to do more cutting! First, start by programming a 4” square with a 2” hole in the middle, similar to the one below.
Next, cut out that
part while keeping an eye on your torch and controller. Once the cutting is
done, grab that part off the table and take a look.
- If the hole is too small (i.e. less than 2” in diameter) and the part too large
(i.e. greater than 4”) this means your kerf is too large. If you have the
opposite problem (the hole is too big and the part too small) then your kerf is
too small.
- If one side of your square is off; either it is too long or too short, then your
issue may be a mechanical one with the axis. There could be an issue with a
gear or your encoder counts could be wrong.
- How did your torch do? Did it stay at the correct height? If the torch was too close
to the plate, the cause can be traced to cut speed, gas flow, or consumables. Did
your feed rate match your cut chart? Try increasing your speed, double checking
your gas flow to be sure it is accurate, and changing out your consumables.
Another thing you can do is keep a test program and sample part, cut out using that program, on hand. If something ever changes, having a known program and a part to compare against can be invaluable. It provides a reference we can use when looking at settings (CNC, plasma, and CAM software); machine alignment (maybe a forklift bumped into your table overnight); and your consumable stack-up.
While the above suggestions are pretty basic, doing some simple testing on your own can
go a long way toward establishing the root cause of your problem. At the very
least, it can help Hypertherm’s Technical Service Team eliminate potential culprits
and get you back on track more quickly.
Hypertherm's North American Technical Service Team is happy to answer
all of your questions. You can contact the team via email at technical.service@hypertherm.com or by phone, if you're in the U.S. or Canada, at 800-643-9878.
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