Mechanical and electronic gearing optimization for plasma machines

[cnckeith]

Plasma machine mechanical gearing and electronic gearing sweet spot.

plasma sweet spot.png (45.37 KiB) Viewed 20830 times

The plasma installation manual also discusses this in detail. If you want your machine to run the best that it can arrange things mechanically and electronically to fit in the sweet spot.

[bertieboy]

Is there any more information on electronic gearing or settings, that are explained for the less experienced ? cheers Keith and I appreciate all yours and others input and time.

[ShawnM]

Is there any more information on electronic gearing or settings, that are explained for the less experienced ? cheers Keith and I appreciate all yours and others input and time.

Hi Pete, there's a ton of info in the plasma users manual starting on page 10. Let us know if you need more info.

https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... manual.pdf

[bertieboy]

thanks mate. i didnt realise i hadnt answered and thanked you, so cheers

[Teaka]

Does this sweet spot ratio of 1.5 - 2.5 turns per inch apply to open-loop and closed-loop steppers and clearpath servos? Wondering if closed-loop and servos can get away from the sweet spot a little farther without as many problems as an open-loop stepper. Thanks.

[cnckeith]

open loop on the Z axis of a plasma is NOT recommended, closed loop steppers are cheap these days, so at least put a closed loop stepper on the Z axis of a plasma machine, you'll thank me later.

pushing open loop motor to spin at high speeds on the edge of their torque capabilities is a typical problem with open loop steppers so general rule to to up size the motor, (put a bigger stepper/higher amp drive) than you think you need. set the set per rev at 2000 and the mechanical gearing to around 1.5 turns of the motor yield 1" of travel. this keeps the open loop motor a fairly low RPM where it has better torque. if you want to cut fast and have the torque to maintain control with smooth cuts use Clearpath axis motors or AC servos such as Delta or Leadshine etc.