Overview:
There are two ways of commanding the plasma cutting sequence. You could command all the actions using gcode commands (M3/M5 to as torch on/off, G31 for probing, and G4 for piercing delays) or you could set all the operating parameters and just command the plasma using the M32/M52 macros. These instructions will configure the system to use it both ways.
M32 Macro performs the following actions:
M52 Macro performs the following actions:
The screen holds the new DRO values and also has the code that will enable the probe while the system is probing.
Software Used: UCCNC Version 1.2115
https://www.cncdrive.com/UCCNC/setup_1.2115.exe
Hardware Used:
THC-1 or THC-2, PTS-1
Start by making a backup of the existing installation:
Make a backup of the configuration and file installation, we recommend creating a backup of the current installation by right-clicking in the current installation folder and zipping it.
Download and install the new screen and macro files:
Download the compressed file containing the macros and screen that work with the macros:
https://www.cnc4pc.com/pub/media/productattachments/files/UCCNC_CNC4PC_Plasma_V2.3.zip
You will need to install the screen found in the download folder and place the macro in the macros directory for the profile folder.
Make a backup of the original M32, M52, and M99998 macros by zipping them into the same folder, just so you may have access to the original macros if you need to revert the installation later:
Set UCCNC to use the new screen that you just copied:
On the Main Screen, you need to set the piercing parameters:
Probe pin configuration. This is the pin used to sense the probing action. This pin will go high when the probe touches the plate. If using a floating head where the z axis will need to travel to the switch position, you need to set the Z offset.
https://www.cnc4pc.com/pub/media/productattachments/files/UCCNC CNC4pc plasma no Z
This post-processor works with all the data on the screen and uses the M32 and M52 macros.
The function of these instructions is to show the operation of the postprocessor for sheet cam with Z for UCCNC.
Test Probing with a PTS-1 or Floating head:
Test that the Touch Relays Starts/Stops the Plasma
M3 should start the plasma and M5 should stop it. Observe action on the screen LEDs, Output pins of the breakout board, relay and plasma cutter.
Test THC action:
Test the complete sequence which includes probing, piercing cutting with THC.
Configure the THC parameters according to the manual:
Run this G code that does not use macros:
N0050 F20 (Set the Probing Speed 20mm/sec)
N0060 G31 Z-10 (Start probing axion on the Z-axis to a depth of up to 10mm)
N0070 G92 Z -3 (Set work zero for the z axis using an offset of the switch)
N0080 G00 Z 2 (move the Z-Axis 2mm up. initial pierce )
N0090 M3 (Start the Torch)
N0100 G04 P2 (Set a Pause of 2 seconds to allow the pierce time.)
N0110 G00 Z 3 (move the Z-Axis 3mm up. Cut height)
N0120 G01 X5 (Cut a 5mm square.)
N0130 Y5
N0140 X0
N0150 Y0
N0160 M5 (Turn off the Plasma)
N0170 G0 Z5 (move the Z-Axis 5mm up. Z_top)
Feel free to adjust it to your units or other preferences.
Test using the macros
Macros:
Keep in mind the macro will now execute the following actions when M32 (Start Cutting) and M52 (End Cutting):
Configure the operation parameters in this screen:
G code with macro:
N0090 M32 (Probes, pierces, moves to cutting position, and start the torch)
N0100 G01 X5 (Cut a 5mm square.)
N0110 Y5
N0120 X0
N0130 Y0
N0150 M52 (Turn off the Plasma and move the z axis to Z_Top)