#Inkscape gcode plasma how to#
#Inkscape gcode plasma full#
#Inkscape gcode plasma software#
#Inkscape gcode plasma code#

Pay attention to the following options in the pop-up menu:.

In the pop-up menu click Move to Layer, New layer (you will name it) or choose an existing layer to assign the object to a previously created layer.

Right click on any of the selected objects.

Left click and hold, then drag the mouse over one or more objects and then release the button.

To assign objects to a new layer, click the Mode menu and select Edit Contours.

The program will assign all objects to one layer initially.

Cutting the design first will probably drop it out of the material, so then it would be difficult to cut the holes after this happens.

Think about how each layer will affect the rest of the project. For example, choose the “Holes” layer first, and the rest of the design second. When choosing to create your layers, be sure to choose them in the order that you want them to be cut. To do this the program has the ability to assign objects to different layers. For example, you may want the plasma cutter to cut the holes out first, then cut the rest of the design afterwards. Once you have completed your design or finished adjusting settings for the imported object, you can create different layers for objects if you want them cut in a certain order.

If you did not import a drawing file, you can create your object using the SheetCAM controls.

If you are working around previous cuts, this makes the job much more difficult to position on the plasma cutter. If you set the position to center, the plasma cutter will always start from the bottom left corner of your material and move to the object. This setting or any of the other corners would work best depending on if you have a blank piece of material.

Position: Default is set to the bottom left corner.

#Inkscape gcode plasma full#

If you want it full size, change this to a “1”. Scaling: Default is set yo 0.5 which is roughly half the size of the imported drawing.Under the drawing options, pay special attention to Scaling and Position.If you want to import a previously designed object from another program (dxf, svg, etc.), in the pop-up menu that opens, choose Yes when it asks if you want to Import a drawing, and then select your file from the explorer menu. To begin a new project, Click the File menu – New Part.Options -> Machine -> Post processor drop down to 'Mach3 plasma'.

The Crossfire uses 'Mach3 Plasma', while the Dynatorch uses 'Dynatorch'.

#Inkscape gcode plasma code#

The step-by-step instructions below assume that you have already created your drawing and are ready to import it into SheetCAM to prepare the code for cutting with the plasma cutter.ĭepending on which plasma cutter you plan to use, make sure to select the correct post processor.

#Inkscape gcode plasma software#

The input to the CAM software is a drawing (.dxf or. The software we recommend for this step is called SheetCAM and can be found on all machines in the computer lab.

#Inkscape gcode plasma how to#

In the case of the plasma cutter, this typically means how to follow the lines, and at what speed. The purpose of the CAM process is to provide the tool with instructions on how to create the CAD drawing. Inkscape is recommended for artistic, freeform designs, while FreeCAD is recommended for technical drawings with precise dimensions. There are a lot of options for creating 2D CAD drawings. However the workflow used at Vector Space is Inkscape/FreeCAD -> SheetCAM -> Mach3. Langmuir provides extensive video tutorials that cover the full workflow using Fusion 360. There are many different software options that can be used to make it through this workflow. The general workflow for using the CNC plasma is as follows. Only turning on the computer and the controller will allow you to import your code and move the plasma cutter without it actually cutting the material.

If you want to see the path the plasma cutter will take and check the positioning of your material without cutting it, leave the plasma cutter off.

Never cut or weld material with zinc in it.

Make all machine adjustments or maintenance with the machine unplugged from the power source.

Closed toe shoes are required when working in a shop area.

Non-slip footwear or anti-skid floor strips are recommended.

Remove all loose clothing and confine long hair.

Before operating equipment, remove tie, rings, watches and other jewelry, and roll sleeves up past the elbows.

The plasma cutter requires at least shade #5 eye protection.

We have two CNC plasma cutters: a Dynatorch 5x10' and a Crossfire 2x2'. The CNC Plasma cutter is used to cut 2D computer generated drawings from sheet and plate metals.

5.3 GENERAL PLASMA CUTTING TROUBLESHOOTING.