ABOVE: Torchmate 2 gantry units are constructed
from heavy 3" square extruded aluminum. All aluminum brackets are 1/4"
thick, and steel brackets are 3/16" thick.
Some low-cost machines use a friction drive (small wheels to power the machine).
Accumulations of plasma dust on the support surfaces can easily cause slippage.
Insist on a positive rack & pinion drive on both axes.
The Torchmate 2 is driven on the Y axis and both sides of the X axis via a rugged rack
& pinion drive train. A 3.4:1 reduction via industrial timing pulleys and belts
produces an effective motor torque of 459 oz. in.
RIGHT: The Y axis (short axis) uses a precision industrial linear motion assembly.
The rail assembly bolts to the gantry carriage with hardened socket head cap screws every
three inches. A person of average weight can actually stand on the roller cassette,
and be carried on both axes by the machine.
Take a good close-up look at the construction of any machine you are considering.
You are buying a piece of industrial equipment. It should be built like one. |
BELOW: The torch carriages of some similarly priced machines are both supported and
guided by construction grade materials such as square tubing. Square tubing can have
ten thousandths of an inch or more surface irregularity, which can affect your cut.
Industrial quality machines use precision guide surfaces.
The Torchmate 2 uses a precision industrial linear motion roller cassette and rail system
to ensure the utmost in accuracy. Eight 1" diameter hardened needle bearing
rollers ride on 4 hardened and ground rails at right angles to each other. The
rollers are adjusted to zero tolerance. |
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