Plasma Software

Many machines offer an all in one setting and this will operate as such. CAD (Drawing), CAM (Process), Control (Operation) can all be done on the BOSS Computer Stand. However, it is a large benefit to be able to draw your parts, nest and generate the cut file on computer behind a desk or from your couch. Then take the cut file to your machine and perform the operation.

​How do you write G Code? Well you are more than welcome to write the code yourself, but BOSS tables coupled with SheetCam will effectively and easily write it for you. How? The drawing you created with your choice of CAD program will be imported and nested onto the cut area. From there you can create an array of parts, duplicates, and import multiple parts onto the same job. Lay the Parts out how you see fit.

​SheetCam is a great tool that will easily produce cut paths and allow peck/hole mapping for drill and tap operations. Air scribe and/or plate marking for bend lines or drill and tapping are another feature built in. Tools are provided by BOSS Tables for use in SheetCam. They include FineCut/45/65/85/105/125 Amp operations from 26 Gauge – 1” Steel, Stainless Steel, and Aluminum.

​Once you have your parts imported you simply pick what rules you would like to apply. Such lead in, lead outs, holes, and offset. Simple and effective settings that will allow you to cut like a BOSS. Rules are applied, now just pick the material you will be using and the thickness. Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Steel and the thickness. The cut path is automatically generated with the correct kerf width, feed rate, pierce height, pierce delay (needed on thicker Steel), cut height and volts. Take the file to the machine and cut your parts out. Done.

Cutting interface is provided by Halo CNC. They have provided the Plasma industry with the great features and a reliable platform. Simple and flexible it will become second nature to perform perfect operations time and time again. Halo brings a system immune electronic interference that is caused by plasma cutting. A stand-alone Linux system connected by Ethernet cable bring forth a smooth measurable motion. But what is Linux?

​Linux is a stand-alone operating system that does not rely on Windows, Macintosh or any other operating platform such as what’s on your phone. It does not need updates or need any maintenance. It will simply provide you a no frill user interface to provide consistent results. Linux platform provides real time feedback allowing advanced options like VAD (Velocity Anti-Dive) that senses corners and turns and turns off the DTHC (Digital Torch Height Control) to prevent head dive.

Digital Torch Height Control will constantly monitor the cut giving you no dross, proper kerf, and straight edges. The Height of the torch is one of the crucial parts of equipment offered by BOSS Tables. The torch height is adjusted by monitoring the voltage of the cut. Torch too high just make an adjustment on the fly to produce perfect results.  All aspects of the cut are adjustable and can be saved as your individual needs arise do to different materials and or cutting operations.

​While the Digital Torch Height is constantly monitored other systems provide a fail-safe production. The torch mount is constantly monitored for perfect placement. Should the torch have a collision and the magnetic breakaway leaves the mount the collision sensor will halt the cut. Working together with feather touch is the arc monitoring system that works from the start to the end of the cut. Initially if the Arc Ok is given, the cut will commence, if the Arc Ok command is not produced the cut will not start. Pointing to a poor ground, worn consumables, or no material to cut. Once the cut is under way if the torch travels off the material the Arc will be lost and cut will stop. This is beneficial if your trying to fit parts onto scrap steel and you do not have enough room.

​Lead in and lead out give you a motion that will produce a smooth start and finish of the cut. The Lead In pierces the material on the “scrap side” of the cut and swings the arc into the cut. Once the torch has made the complete cut the torch crosses the Lead In path and leads out onto the “Scrap side of the Material.

It may be intimidating but the process is largely the same as driving. You don’t think much of it now but the first time behind the wheel it seemed like a lot to grasp. Next thing you know you will be drawing up and cutting out parts as you buddy watches as if it magic. But its not, the largest part is to overcome the CAD Drawings, you need to be able to effectively create parts that have the proper specs. and tolerance to be assembled. The CAM Software (SheetCam) will create a path determined by your drawing. The path will be accurate and easy to create using the tools provided.  Plasma is a great way to cost effectively manufacture parts efficiently.