G-code lines Feed rate over-ride Window shows
speed File execution
scroll as they available at touch
in inches per minute can be paused
are executed of these buttons
during feed over-ride and re-started
Our Torchmate Windows-based
driver software is Windows 95/98/2000, NT, and XP compatible. It is loaded with
features not feasible in a DOS environment. Here are just a few advantages over our
standard electronics and software:
- Torchmate Windows-based electronics
include 135 oz. in. stepper motors as standard equipment. These are considered more
accurate than servo motors, which rely on encoders to provide error information to the
computer. Rapid traverse speeds up to 300 inches per minute reduce plate processing
time.
- Software can be run from a desktop or laptop computer. With a laptop, you can create
the file in your office, then carry the computer to the shop, connect the serial port to
the controller box, and cut your parts. A Pentium with at least 16 mb of ram is
required, and 64 mb is preferable. Software is installed by running a simple set-up
file, and is pre-configured for plasma cutting.
- Unlike competing units that rely on the inherently inaccurate Windows clock, Torchmate
electronics use an external electronic signal generator for precision timing.
- On-screen torch path simulation follows the actual progress of the torch on the metal.
- Digital readouts at the upper right tell you the position of the torch in inches at all
times.
- The software can generate its own G-code from imported dxf files, and can run on G-code
generated by BobCad, Vector, and similar programs.
- Both the electronics and software are capable of full 3-D operation. Simply add a
3-D CAD program (such as BobCad) and our optional physical Z axis and motor to do light
routing, engraving, etc.
- G-code is displayed at lower left, line by line as it is executed.
- A feed rate override at the lower right lets you vary the speed while cutting. A
digital speedometer tells you how fast you are going.
- The torch can be jogged via buttons on the screen, and relative moves can be made of
specified distances on both axes. Three user-controllable jog speeds are available.
- The machine can be paused and re-started at any time with the same dwell as at the
beginning of the file.
- Files can be executed continuously, or one line at a time to help in de-bugging.
- Files can be run off-line with torch path simulation operational. You can see the
piece being cut on the screen before actually cutting metal. You don't have to turn
off your plasma cutter to toggle from one mode to the other.
- The Torchmate II electronics and software have all the functions of the standard items,
plus the Windows interface, advanced on-screen features, more powerful motors, a far
broader speed range, the use of G-code rather than HPGL files, full 3-D capability, and
the ability to use a laptop.
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