Centroid and Waterjet Cutting – Dual Head Support

[akim14]

Hi everyone,

I’m not sure if I’m posting in the right forum, but I’m trying to find out whether Centroid software supports waterjet cutting systems—and more specifically, if it can handle a dual-head waterjet setup.

If it does, could someone point me in the right direction? I’d like to know:

Which Centroid controller or software package is typically used for waterjets

Whether dual-head operation is supported (independent Z or mirrored heads)

Any documentation, videos, or examples I could look into

I’ve been working on a similar system with other controllers, but I’m considering switching to Centroid if it can simplify the process and help get my shop up and running.

Thanks in advance!

[CentroidFrog]

Hello and welcome to the forums.
Unfortunately, Centroid currently doesn't directly support waterjets.
However, I believe it could be done with custom PLC and VCP work.
With a Centroid controller and full access to the PLC running the machine, you can do just about anything.
I would love to see us offer waterjet support some day.

[APCNC]

Am I wrong or doesn't Centroid have a customer that is a waterjet OEM using centroid? I may be wrong but Im almost positive. Is it flow? Seems to me that modification of the plasma setup would do just fine. Two axis profile cutting, works essentially the same less THC, add pressure flow rate. Set Z height adjusted from material thickness or Probe. Sync both lifters Z1, Z2 etc.
From the manual:
"Acorn can be used for the CNC control of milling machines, routers, lathes, engravers, flame cutters, plasma
cutters, laser cutters, water jet cutters, drill presses, grinders, and other specialized applications using most
any step and direction axis motors and drives."

[APCNC]

Hi everyone,

I’m not sure if I’m posting in the right forum, but I’m trying to find out whether Centroid software supports waterjet cutting systems—and more specifically, if it can handle a dual-head waterjet setup.

If it does, could someone point me in the right direction? I’d like to know:

Which Centroid controller or software package is typically used for waterjets

Whether dual-head operation is supported (independent Z or mirrored heads)

Any documentation, videos, or examples I could look into

I’ve been working on a similar system with other controllers, but I’m considering switching to Centroid if it can simplify the process and help get my shop up and running.

Thanks in advance!

Im new to Centroid so double check me. You want 2 axis profiling. technically there are 3 but in process you're at a set height and the part itself is 2 axis. As far as I know the plasma setup would be what you are looking for. They may offer another basic setup flame or even waterjet but the idea is the same to cut the profile Inside or out. I would start by finding what pump you have and what inputs. Discrete on/off, high/low, pressure etc. Match that to what you need in PLC. From there operate your pump from the tool on macro after removing THC controls. Synchronizing I believe is called pairing here so setup two lifters paired. Or depening on you servo drive, you may just follow/synchronize the second with the encoder output from the first drive output and homing with the drives. This may take a little work to setup but should work like a champ with the low feedrates.

[akim14]

We’ve completed the mechanical retrofit of the pump system, which was straightforward. However, we encountered significant challenges when setting up LinuxCNC, particularly with building the code, configuring the system, and customizing the GUI. After spending considerable time on it, we determined the effort wasn’t justified for our needs.

As an alternative, we’ve decided to evaluate Centroid controls and have ordered two controllers for testing. We also looked into CNC12, which appears to be a more user-friendly solution. Hoping this will streamline the process and reduce setup time.

Will share updates once testing begins.

[Joey]

Others have done this.

I think Forest Scientific offers a Hypertherm Water Jet table using the Acorn Control. Pretty sure there running the Mill or router software version of CNC12

Definitely keep us up to date on your progress and any questions on custom Macros.