Method and apparatus for cutting high quality internal features and contours
AssigneeHypertherm, Inc.
InventorsJon W. Lindsay, Guy T. Best, Peter V. Brahan, Gregory S. Wilson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An automated method for cutting a plurality of hole features using a plasma arc torch system can be implemented on a computer numerical controller. The automated method can include the steps of: a) cutting a lead-in for a hole feature using a lead-in command speed based on a diameter of that hole feature and b) cutting a perimeter for the hole feature using a perimeter command speed greater than the corresponding lead-in command speed for the hole feature. The automated method can also include the step c) of repeating steps a) and b) for each additional hole feature having a same diameter or a different diameter.
Claims5
An automated method for controlling a plasma arc torch when cutting a hole feature in a workpiece, the method comprising:
- initiating a cutting current in the plasma arc torch;
- establishing a first command for extinguishing a plasma arc at a first location along a cut;
- establishing a second command for varying a motion of the plasma arc torch, the second command independent of the first command;
- establishing a negative time offset for determining initiation of a current ramp down at a second location along the cut, the second location preceding the first location,
- wherein the negative time offset is a sum of:
- (i) a delay between the first command and initiation of the current ramp down;
- and (ii) a time between initiation of the current ramp down and extinguishment of the plasma arc;
- cutting the workpiece using the plasma arc torch;
- and
- terminating the cut by:
- initiating the current ramp down at the second location, such that the cutting current is extinguished by the time the plasma arc torch reaches the first location;
- and
- varying the motion of the plasma arc torch according to the second command.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.