Plasma Operations Checklists
The following checklists can be used to ensure proper operation of your PRO CNC Plasma system.
Plasma CNC Power-On
| Step | Procedure | Remarks |
| 1 | CNC Plug and Play Controller: Set main power switch to "ON" position | CNC Controller Powered |
| 2 | CNC PC: Connected to CNC Controller (Ethernet) | |
| 3 | CNC PC: Mach4 software loaded with plasma cutting tool enabled | Use "Avid Machine Configuration" menu and "Machine Setup" tab. |
| 4 | Machine: Verify all E-Stop switches are unlocked | Twist handle to unlock a locked E-Stop switch |
| 5 | CNC PC: Click the green Enable button to clear emergency stop condition | If Emergency Stop condition persists, verify E-Stop switches and limit switches are not active |
| 6 | CNC PC: Check the TMC3in1 communications lights are Green | TMC3in1 Status are found on the Mach4 "Diagnostics" tab |
| 7 | CNC PC: Verify machine moves using the jog keys (arrow keys) | Be aware of machine position prior to jogging. Keyboard jog must be enabled. |
| 8 | Plasma Torch Power Supply: Verify compressed air line is connected and pressurized | Reference your plasma torch manual for air pressure and flow rate requirements |
| 9 | Plasma Torch Handle: If equipped with a torch lock, verify this is set to "ready-to-fire" position | Applies to Powermax 45XP machine torches. Note: Torch will need to be test fired once after switching from locked to ready-to-fire, to prime torch |
| 10 | Plasma Torch Power Supply: Set power switch to "ON" | Machine is now ready |
Plasma CAM Checklist
| Step | Procedure | Remarks |
| 1 | SheetCam: Create new or Open your plasma ".job" file | |
| 2 | SheetCam: Import vectors for this job as "new part" | Verify your new part is selected |
| 3 | SheetCam: Select the correct tool from the tools list for your material type and thickness | Avid CNC provides tool tablestool tables for your specific Hypertherm torch model |
| 4 | SheetCam: Create new "Plasma Cut" operation | Operation > Plasma cut |
| 5 | SheetCam: Choose Contour Method | Outside offset is typical for jobs with a mix of closed/open profiles |
| 6 | SheetCam: Select the layer that contains the vectors you want to cut | |
| 7 | SheetCam: Configure lead-in and lead-out settings | Edit individual start points which do not conform to global lead-in/lead-out requirements |
| 8 | SheetCam: Press OK and verify cutting preview shows a clockwise motion around your outer part profiles | Enable Cut Reverse Direction if cutting preview needs to be reversed |
| 9 | SheetCam: Run the Post Processor and create your GCode file | Ensure you use the AvidCNC Mach4 post processorAvidCNC Mach4 post processor |
For information about the Avid CNC SheetCam tool tables and post processor, refer to the SheetCam Software Setup Guide: /support/instructions/software/sheetcamSoftwareSetup
Normal Plasma Operations
| Step | Procedure | Remarks |
| 1 | Machine: Load material onto water table and attach grounding clamp | Ensure grounding clamp is directly attached to your material and has a solid connection with bare/exposed metal |
| 2 | Plasma Power Supply: Verify cutting amperage setting | This will match the amperage of you tool from SheetCam |
| 3 | CNC PC: Verify THC (Torch Height Control) is enabled | Torch Height Control toggle buttonTorch Height Control toggle button on Mach4 screen |
| 4 | CNC PC: Load program (G-Code) using "Load G Code" button | |
| 5 | Torch Mount: Verify torch mount is fully engaged with magnetic alignment features in base plate | |
| 6 | CNC PC: Zero X & Y on the front left corner of where you want your job to start | |
| 7 | CNC PC: Zero Z with torch approximately 0.25" above work surface | |
| 8 | CNC PC: Press Cycle Start button to begin cutting program | Note: Wear appropriate eye protection. See your torch manual for proper shade level |