Just finished setting up a new CrossFire system with Z-Axis. I am trying to sort out how to set the Z axis “0” position. Im using SheetCam for toolpath generation. Does IHC in FireControl remain active always and if so, does FireControl-THC module take control of Z-Axis position after IHC has set initial height (after finding Z-Axis 0) from the “tool setup” in SheetCam? After all of that, how should I setup the Z-Axis Torch Elevation initially? Thanks for the help! Gary
Let’s start with how to position the torch in the holder. Jog the Z-axis carriage down until there is about 3/4" of travel left before it bottoms out. Loosen the torch mount and slide the torch down until it hits the metal. Tighten the torch mount and then jog the Z-axis up to about 1" and zero the axis. This is a good starting point.
The following is the IHS loop that the post processor will insert into the code for every loop and an explanation of each step:
G92 Z0. (zero the Z axis in the current position)
G38.2 Z-5.0 F100.0 (probe the Z axis downward until it unloads the IHS switch at 100IPM)
G38.4 Z0.5 F20.0 (raise the Z-axis .5" at 20IPM)
G92 Z0.0 (set the Z-axis zero at the current position)
G0 Z0.02 (IHS Backlash) (raise the Z-axis .02" to compensate for backlash)
G92 Z0.0 (set the Z-axis zero at the current position)
G0 Z0.15 (Pierce Height) (raise the Z-axis to pierce height)
M3 (fire the torch)
G4 P0.7 (pierce delay)
G1 Z0.06 F100.0 (Cut Height) (lower the torch to cut height)
H1 (turn on THC)
At the completion of each cut loop, the torch will raise to a 1" clearance height before moving to the next cut loop.
So, to answer some of your questions, the IHS loop senses the material height before each cut loop and then the THC will take control of the torch height during the cut. You shouldn’t have to set up anything in your tool setup for Z-zero. In “machine options” I have top of work selected for Z-zero location, but I don’t think it is that important with the IHS loop in the post processor.
Thankyou very much for the help!! Gary
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