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Importing Shapes for Cutting The Torchmate Standard Driver Software can import dxf files created by other drawing programs, or those created by the Torchmate CAD Module. It automatically converts these shapes into G-Code for cutting. Since there are dozens of G-Code formats in existence, this totally eliminates the format incompatibility problems often present when one program attempts to run G-Code created in another program. Scaling and automatic closing of breaks in the shape can be accomplished as part of the importation process. The program uses the G-Code to run the machine -- not some proprietary code that you don't get to look at. The code scrolls on the screen in a window at the bottom while the file executes. |
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A built-in
G-Code editor is there to allow you to make modifications to the file as
desired. This is rarely necessary, however. Different speed settings, dwell time for piercing, torch gap (kerf) allowances, etc., are needed for cutting different types and thicknesses of material. Rather than having to enter the desired settings each time you change material types, you simply load the previously created settings file that is appropriate to that material. You can create as many settings files as you want, and name them something that relates to the material to be cut (3_8_alum for example). The Main Cutting Screen The Torchmate Driver Software screen is shown above. It consists of an area in which your shape(s) are shown, a window at the bottom where the G-Code scrolls during file execution, a control panel at the lower right, and a digital read-out window at the upper right. The larger your computer screen, the larger the area will be in which your shapes are displayed. All control of the machine is done through your computer. There is no need to run back and forth between a computer and an external control box. The use of a laptop computer minimizes the needed space. When you load a dxf or G-Code file, the shapes to be cut appear as red outlines on the screen. Rapid traverse moves appear as dotted lines. You can preview the cutting action off-line either slowly, or very quickly. As the cut progresses, the red lines gradually turn to blue. This makes it easy to see if your parts will be cut in the manner you wish, without wasting material. When you are actually cutting parts, the screen simulation is in real time, the torch always being at the point where the line color is changing. You can jog the torch anywhere you wish using small arrow icons in the on-screen control panel. The absolute and relative torch position is shown in inches or metric in the digital read-out window. You can make any spot your home (0,0) position if you want to cut a piece from an unused section of your plate. You can then return to your original home position. You can jog the torch at any speed you desire and to any point on the table with the click of a screen icon. You can return to your original position just as easily. You can turn the torch on via the on-screen control panel, and then jog it the width or length of the material. This allows you to use the unit manually as a cut-off machine. Cutting your Shapes When you begin the cutting process, the torch rapidly moves to the initial pierce point, the dotted line turning blue as the torch travels. The torches then fires, and remains stationary while it pierces. Then it moves along the cut path until the shape has been cut. The torch remains stationary for a predetermined time (a second or so) so it completely extinguishes before moving to the next pierce point. This prevents blemishes from the torch not going all the way off before starting to move. You can pause the cutting operation at any time you wish, and re-start it with the same dwell time as when you began the cut. If you need to back up and correct a mistake, you can re-start the file at any line of code you wish. With some other manufacturers' machines, if you make a mistake you must jog the torch back to the specific spot on the tool path and then re-start it. This is kind of like trying to use the power window buttons for a car window to leave a small air gap on a hot day. It is hard to keep from overshooting the mark. Torchmate lets you start on the exact line of code you wish. The on-screen control panel has a digital feed-rate override feature. This lets you speed up or slow down the movement of the torch while it is cutting. A digital speedometer in inches or mm per minute tells you exactly how fast you are going. The software will also automatically calculate total cutting time and remaining time. This software can be used with Torchmate signal generators with serial numbers 101700 and higher without any modification. Earlier signal generators require a modification. |
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