This Chart compares the MP3000-DTHC Interface unit using MACH3 as a controller, and SheetCAM as a CAM package to other packaged solutions and costs. Take our list of features and insert your list from other vendors. Find the most expensive or the lowest cost....either way we compare in every way!
Features/Specs as of 12/01/08
|
Feature/Spec |
CandCNC |
Vendor A | Vendor B |
NOTES |
|
Min/Max volt range |
25/256 |
Operation @ 75V required for small tips | ||
|
Max open circuit volts |
350VDC |
Larger plasma cutters have over 300V open circuit | ||
|
HF and HV start protection |
Yes. Up to 15,000 VDC input protection |
Works with CD, HF and other arc start type machines. | ||
|
Fault Detection |
YES - Adjustable |
Cut voltage faults stop THC moves. Loss of Arc stops motion. Fault can trigger Torch off AND/OR rapid head retract (settings in Profile) | ||
|
Toolpath Integration |
YES |
THC is able to react to toolpath changes in speed Slowdowns on detail cuts will not cause head dive | ||
| Initial Standoff (IHS) |
Via mechanical Touch off |
Automatic "Touch Off" circuit. Does NOT use ohmic sensing. Interval can be set from every pierce to never.(see "Floating Head info) Mechanical slide NOT included | ||
|
Pierce Height |
Automatic |
Absolute Z value set from CAM by job or by cut. | ||
|
Safety Head Lock ("TIP SAVER") |
Settable by user |
Locks THC from going too low if tip volts goes outside (user) settable range Set by PROFILE | ||
|
Torch Volts Resolution |
1/4 V Adjustable in Cut Profile (screen) | Determines the Span tolerance for tip volts (gap tolerance. Set in CUT PROFILE. | ||
|
Real-time Z position tracking |
Yes |
Control software tracks all Z moves (including under THC) and maintains true Z position) Z DRO shows true head position. | ||
|
Torch Volts Set Point (PRESET) |
1volt increments |
Z tracking accuracy is about .025V per volt (set by Span volts | ||
|
Pierce control |
Yes |
Multiple parameters. (delay, height, ramp, lead-ins etc in CAM). | ||
| Automatic Lead-Ins/outs and offsets |
YES |
Selection of three types or none by object or globally.(SheetCAM feature) | ||
| Anti-pierce dive settings |
.5 to 5 sec settings |
Lockout Delay keeps tip from diving from pierce voltage spikes | ||
| Anti-Corner Dive |
YES |
Look-ahead toolpath (settable) | ||
|
Arc Good Motion Hold |
Yes |
Works with all plasma cutters. Sensor for manual plasma cutters $12.00 option. Provides variable automatic pierce delay. | ||
|
Arc Good indicator |
Screen |
Shows when the plasma has a valid arc. | ||
| THC Activity Monitor |
Screen |
Shows actual UP and Down moves of Z under THC Control | ||
| Z position display |
YES |
Z DRO shows actual torch position above material. | ||
|
Readout of actual cut volts |
Screen |
Real time Separate readout of Preset and Actual volts. | ||
|
THC on/off while cutting |
YES |
Needed for re-cuts | ||
| Z positional awareness |
YES |
Controller software knows Z position at all times | ||
| Automatic Surface touch |
YES |
Frequency of surface probe can be set (not required every pierce) | ||
| Material presets via screen |
YES |
User configurable software chart to select proper tip volt settings per material Make one for each type of material you cut | ||
|
Tool presets via CAM |
YES |
Tool definition tables allows multiple setups with different pierce heights, feedrates, initial cut height, delays , etc. Make one for each type of material and tip combo you cut with. | ||
|
Material presets via THC Profiles |
YES |
Allows THC specific settings by material. Stores tip size, cut current, Preset volts, THC Response curve (sensitivity), Fault trigger points, etc for instant recall. | ||
|
Digital tip volts adjust (dynamic) |
Screen - Real time |
1 volt per click while running. Digital preset from screen. Retains last setting on power down. Callable profiles allow automated setup. | ||
|
Z manual control for Oxy-Fuel cutting |
YES |
via inputs on Table I/O card. Adjust while cutting | ||
|
Supports Routing, Milling, Lathe as profiles |
YES |
MP1000-THC can be used to control steppers/servos on other machines not running plasma. | ||
|
Stepper/servo control |
Both |
Runs servo drives from Rutex, Gecko, Tecknix, others | ||
| Supports dual axis drive |
YES |
Axis slaving standard. Auto squaring of gantry | ||
|
Works with: |
MACH; EMC |
Support group at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mach1mach2cnc/ | ||
| Isolation |
All inputs; all power outputs |
Isolated inputs for Homes and Limit switches. Full compliment of I/O even with added THC inputs (3) | ||
| Tip Volt Input Isolation |
Total isolation from control logic |
Exclusive isolation circuit breaks any connection and noise (via common grounds) between the plasma and the logic control circuits | ||
| Home/Limit Switch Indicators | LED's on Table I/O Card (included) | Visual indication of switch operation including Z surface touch. | ||
| Handheld Jog and control Pendant | Available as low cost option (28 function w/jog stick) |
MPG101B ($169.00). Will allow off-keyboard control of all table and THC functions. | ||
| THC Excursion Settings | Screen Setting | Safety settings for absolute Z pos and neg excursions | ||
| THC Response Rate | Screen setting | Tunes response curve of THC for Z. Controls overshoot and lost positions | ||
| Interface Type | Standard Parallel Port (1)+Standard Serial (COM) | Buffered/isolated interface provided by MP3000-THC for (5) motor drives and THC functions + Homes & Limits | ||
| Drive types | All S&D input drives | Gecko, Rutex, Teknix, PiSci, Vetrix, etc | ||
| Auxillary Outputs | 2 relays (4 more optional) | 1 20A and 2 10A conventional relays (in addition to Torch relay) | ||
| Support for Arc's and circles (G02;G03) | Yes | Import from most CAD via DXF or PLT formats. | ||
| Support for full arc DXF from CorelDraw | Option | Via DXFTool. Certified to work with SheetCAM | ||
| Yearly Software Fee | Zero-Nada-zip | Fee for software updates/upgrades | ||
| MP3000-DTHC Warranty/Support |
2 year warranty, Unlimited support |
Free support via web or phone. No support fees on electronics. Support site: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CandCNCSupport/ | ||
|
Cost of MP3000 -DTHC + MACH3 + SheetCAM |
$900.00 |
Package deal includes all CAM and control software + THC hardware. Total cutting solution. | ||
| Cost of full electronics solution (Stepper = Two 740 oz-in One 570oz in) |
$2475.00
|
Includes 3 full axis of control electronics. All electronics between PC and table mechanical. Motors, Power Controller (ESP650), cases, THC, motor drives, Software. | ||
| Cost of full electronics servo solution (850 OZ-IN Peak Servos) |
< $3400.00 [includes cost of new servos at $225.00 each] |
Includes 3 full axis of control electronics. All electronics between PC and table mechanical. Servo Motors, Cables, Power Controller, Case, DTHC, motor drives, Software (see Plazpak 3 at http://www.CandCNC.com/PlasmaPakPriceChart.htm) | ||
| Works for Plasma AND Router (mixed mode) |
YES |
Full Z control for both THC and any other routing or milling type cutting | ||
|
Customizable Profiles |
Via GUI screen setup |
Menu selection of profiles for Plasma, Routing, Milling, etc. 30 sec switchover | ||
|
Custom Screens |
YES |
Comes with Free Screen Painter Application and Custom Plasma and Router Screens from CandCNC |
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