DETAILED SOFTWARE INFORMATION:
Torchmate CAD Software Module
Creating Shapes
The CAD module lets you quickly and easily create a shape for cutting in
several ways:
- Draw it in the Torchmate CAD Module.
- Import it as a dxf file from any of approximately 45
different CAD/drawing programs, including AutoCad,
DesignCad, etc. Competing programs only recognize a
handful of other file formats.
- Scan a hand-drawn or printed shape, and convert it in
seconds in the Torchmate CAD Module for
cutting.
- Import clip art shapes and quickly prepare them for cutting.
Clip art is generally non-proprietary, and
can be used for any desired purpose without the need for
permission.
Shapes imported from other programs often have small breaks or
overlapping lines. The CAD Module's "Post-Analysis" feature
invisibly corrects these defects during the importation process.
Using CAD Module Features
Unlike competing software with a simplistic DOS-like user interface,
both Torchmate's CAD and driver software modules are rich in Windows features.
The screen has time saving icons that can be clicked on to do many
operations. All functions can be performed via pull-down menus, if
you prefer.
Shapes and parts of shapes can be moved and scaled directly with the
mouse, or can be positioned and sized automatically. Small windows are
visible at all times to show you the size of shapes and their position on
the screen. Change those values, and the shapes instantly change.
Shapes can be duplicated in any number, and can be positioned in an
accurate pattern. If a flange is being created, for example, the
bolt holes can be automatically generated and placed equidistant from each
other and a particular distance from the edge of the flange.
When an outside shape has internal cut-out parts, the software
recognizes this, and treats the entire shape as an entity. It will
automatically compensate for the gap left by the torch. The
compensation will automatically be on the inside of internal cuts and the
outside of the external shape. When lead-ins and lead-outs are
generated for each shape component, they will automatically be on the
inside or outside as appropriate.
While internal parts will automatically be cut out before the
external shape, you can easily specify the order in which you want shapes
to be cut. It is common knowledge among the plasma cutting
fraternity that you get the best results when cutting outside shapes in a
clockwise direction, and internal shapes in a counter-clockwise direction.
The CAD Module automatically takes care of this for you.
The CAD Module remembers every step you have taken in your
current session. You can view a list of these steps, and start over
at any of those points if you want to make changes. It is virtually
impossible to make a mistake you can't correct.
An 11" x 17" chart is included with the CAD Module which gives simple
step-by-step illustrated instructions for using the main features of the
program.
Sign Making
Any of over a hundred fonts can be selected in any size, and on any
angle. Simply enter the text directly on the screen. Then
place a base under the text to keep the individual letters intact.
The whole process takes seconds. These letters can easily be added
to an existing scene or other design, making personalized signs a snap.
Production Work
It is important to shops to get the maximum number of parts from a
plate. Other programs require you to move shapes around and rotate
them to nest them into a pattern for cutting. An outstanding feature
of the Torchmate CAD Module is its Automatic Nesting capability.
Simply specify the minimum distance you want between the parts, and
the minimum distance from the plate edge, and the program will move the
parts, rotate them, and even mirror them to fit them into the tightest
pattern. Parts are dovetailed together, maintaining the specified
distance between them at all points. It is even possible to nest
parts within the interior spaces of other parts.
Torchmate Driver Software Module
Importing Shapes for Cutting
The Torchmate Driver Software Module 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. 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).
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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 programs, it is necessary to jog the torch back to a
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.
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Call Toll Free
(866) 571-1066
International Calls (775)673-2200
or Email: sales@torchmate.com
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