So far I’ve someone has said to manually create the tool sets using the Hypertherm cut charts. Is it true that Langmuir doesn’t offer .tools files for FineCut and regular torches for SheetCAM use?
Here’s what I got off the web. Hence, my question.
“Hypertherm tool sets in SheetCam are typically imported as pre-configured .tools files, often provided by CNC table manufacturers (e.g., Avid CNC, Premier Plasma, Langmuir Systems) to match manual cut charts for models like the PowerMax 45XP-105. These files contain optimized feed rates, pierce delays, and kerf widths.”
I don’t use Sheetcam at all but I’ve seen many tool libraries for the Sync and other machines. If I can recall where I’ll edit my post. But usually you’ll find that in different CNC groups (just go to the File section of said group).
Heck, Sheetcam is a member here in the forum maybe they have one to post.
Sheetcam their customer service has went to the negative numbers since the sale out. Lou has been answering all the questions on their forum. It’s a true shame! I doubt any sheetcam person will answer here.
The problem with those tool libraries is that they often contain path rules or code snippets specific to the machine that they were made for. Usually THC on/off commands using codes that Firecontrol doesn’t recognize. This causes lots of forum posts from people asking why they keep getting Firecontrol “unrecognized command” errors when they try to run the program.
I think the other factor discouraging LS from developing toolsets is all the permutations they would have to deal with and THEY would have to test running cut tests on every machine, plasma cutter, torch, AND Material combination they were modeling.
Considering how easy it is for a user to create a toolset that works for THEIR setup, it’s just not worth it. Frankly, I wouldn’t trust anyone else’s toolset and I’d run all the tests myself anyway.
If the tools were created with just the pierce height, cut height, pierce delay and cut speed, it would be fine.
Sheetcam tools can also include path rules and code snippets for slow downs and THC control. Most of the manufacturer provided tool sets include these path rules or code snippets to control a table specific THC.
If you could get another Langmuir user to provide a tool set, it would work, but you would be stuck with whatever path rules that user applied. You could always modify each tool to your liking, but why not just create them yourself from the start.
The worst part about Sheetcam is opening someone else’s “ job file”. That automatically brings in their tool set and settings. When you close out Sheetcam, it will ask if you want to save the default tool set(which is now the other users tool set). If you’re not paying attention and just hit “ok”, you can lose all of your tools. You can fix it by opening one of your own job files, but it could be an issue if you don’t have any saved job files.
If you were to download Hypertherm 810500 MU Rev.4 manual, you will find all the cut charts you will need. Bear in mind that these charts were developed on a gazillion dollar machine in labratory conditions, so they will need to be fine tuned to your specific set up.
The settings should be fairly close, though you may need to make some minor adjustments. And I believe the tool libraries I provided include only one fine-cut tool.
I have this one, I make zero guarantees however I downloaded it a while ago I think from plasmaspider. you will need to remove the .txt from the file name before you save it Im pretty sure. I think you can edit it in a text editor.
This does not have my rule set however that I use with it as well as some code snippets. you can do you own rules for your needs. you probably will need to adjust the pierce times as well.
Thanks, I’ll take a look. I spent several hours building toolsets from the Hypertherm cut charts. There were some differences in terminology between SheetCAM and the cut charts. Now I’ve bought a Windows laptop (switching from Mac with Crossover) and will be setting up the sw all over again. It’s a good opportunity to check out your toolsets or even build my own CSV for import. That would certainly be easier to maintain.
I’m also setting up cut rules in Fusion to compare experiences. It seems a less centralized setup.
I downloaded it a while ago I think from plasmaspider. you will need to remove the .txt from the file name before you save it Im pretty sure. I think you can edit it in a text editor.