Plasma First Cuts: Cycle Start Checklist¶

With your torch and material prepared, you're ready to start the last stage of your plasma workflow. Use the checklist below to monitor your progress through these final essential steps:

Step 1: Load G-code Program and Review Header
Step 2: Set Work Coordinate Offsets
Step 3: Regenerate Toolpath
Step 4: Preview Toolpath
Step 5: Turn on Torch Height Control and Verify Settings
Step 6: Turn On Torch and Verify Amperage
Step 7: Confirm Grounding Clamp is Attached
Step 8: Check Torch Air Pressure Gage
Step 9: Put On PPE Eyewear
Step 10: Cycle Start

Step 1: Load G-code Program and Review Header¶

• In the File Ops tab, click the Load G Code button.

• Select the file you would like to use and click "Open".

• Review the G-code to confirm that the file name, cutting operation, material, thickness, and torch align with your expectations.

Step 2: Set Work Coordinate Offsets¶

• Next, zero your X and Y by jogging the machine over to the work coordinate you designated in SheetCam.
• Click the Zero X and Zero Y buttons to confirm their location.
• For the Z-axis, position the machine approximately 1/8 - 1/2 inch above the cut material.
• If your material is sloped or wavy, the Z-axis should be zeroed above the highest point.
• The machine will automatically perform a material touch-off procedure once you start the cycle.

Step 3: Regenerate Toolpath ¶

• With your zeroes now set, click on the Regen Toolpath button.

• If the display in the Toolpath Preview window is too faint, click on the Toolpath Settings button.
• Use the dropdowns in the Toolpath Settings window to increase the weights of the axis, paths, and soft limits lines.

Step 4: Preview Toolpath¶

• Next, confirm that the Keyboard Jog toggle is turned "ON" and use your arrow keys to jog the machine around your material.
• Pay close attention to your Toolpath Preview window. A red crosshair will tell you the location of the machine head in relation to your design.
• Utilize this function to confirm that your design will fit completely on your material blank.

• If the machine is moving too fast while you are jogging it, you can adjust the speed by either clicking the arrows or by editing the text boxes in the Jog Rate section.

Step 5: Turn on Torch Height Control¶

• Confirm that Torch Height Control toggle is turned ON.

Step 6: Turn On Torch and Verify Amperage¶

• Turn on your torch and verify that the amperage displayed matches the toolpath settings you configured while working in SheetCam.

Step 7: Confirm Grounding Clamp is Attached¶

• There are two methods you can use to check that your grounding clamp has been secured correctly.
• If your material is light enough, lift it from the water table and GENTLY tap it on the tip of the torch.

• If the grounding clamp has been securely correctly, the Ohmic Probe icon in Mach4 will flash ACTIVE when the torch touches the material.

• If your material is difficult to maneuver, use Mach4 to SLOWLY jog your torch down until it almost touches the surface.
• To avoid crashing your torch, open up the Jogging Tab and use the Incremental Jogging button to close the remaining distance between the torch and the surface.
• Once again, the Ohmic Probe icon in Mach4 will flash ACTIVE when the torch touches the material.

Step 8: Check Torch Air Pressure Gage¶

For further details on the air pressure regulations for your torch, review both your owner's manual and this Hypertherm article CAREFULLY before beginning any cutting operation.

• Check your air compressor regulator and confirm that it is within the acceptable PSI range.

Step 9: Put On PPE Eyewear¶

Before beginning your first cut, review this Hypertherm resource CAREFULLY for additional information on the shade rating required for your torch.

• Put on your PPE eye protection. Even after you have them on, avoid looking directly at the torch while it is firing.

Before you click the Cycle Start button, review your checklist one last time:

Step 1: Load G-code Program and Review Header
Step 2: Set Work Coordinate Offsets
Step 3: Regenerate Toolpath
Step 4: Preview Toolpath
Step 5: Turn on Torch Height Control and Verify Settings
Step 6: Turn On Torch and Verify Amperage
Step 7: Confirm Grounding Clamp is Attached
Step 8: Check Torch Air Pressure Gage
Step 9: Put On PPE Eyewear
Step 10: Cycle Start

If you can successfully check off steps 1-9 on your checklist, move on to the final step.

Step 10: Cycle Start¶

• Once you've performed these last safety checks, click Cycle Start in Mach4!