This Chart compares the MP1000-THC Interface unit ,  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.

Features/Specs as of 11/01/06

Feature/Spec

CandCNC

Vendor A Vendor B

NOTES

Min/Max volt range

50/200

   

Operation @ 75V required for small tips

Max open circuit volts 350VDC     Larger plasma cutters have over 300V open circuit

Fault Detection

YES

   

Cut voltage faults stop THC moves.  Loss of Arc stops motion.

Toolpath Integration

YES

   

THC is able to react to toolpath changes in speed

Torch Volts Accuracy

+ - 1volt

   

Z tracking accuracy is about .025" per volt

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. 
Anti-pierce dive settings .5 to 5 sec settings     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 included free. Provides variable automatic pierce delay.

Arc Good indicator

Front Panel

   

 

Axis Activity Monitor Front Panel     Verifies signals from computer to motor drives
THC Activity Monitor Front Panel     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 Front Panel     Bright LED readout on THC

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

Material presets via CAM

YES     Tool definiton 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.
Digital tip volts adjust  (dynamic) Screen and Front Panel     1 volt per click while running.  Digital preset from screen.  Retains last setting on power down.
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

   

www.machsupport.com

Support group at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mach1mach2cnc/
Isolation All inputs; all power outputs     Isolated inputs for Homes and Limit switches
Home/Limit Switch Indicators LED's on Table I/O Card (included)     Visual indication of switch operation including Z surface touch.
Software License covers multiple hardware installs Yes MACH3 license covers use on multiple PC's and multiple controllers (non-commercial applications)
Handheld Jog and control Pendant Avail as low cost option (5 function w/MPG handwheel)    

New 16 function model ships JAN 10th 2007.  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 Ports      Buffered/isolated interface provided by MP1000-THC for (4) motor drives and THC functions
Drive types All S&D input drives     Gecko, Rutex, Teknix, PiSci, Vetrix, etc
Auxillary Outputs 3 relays     1 30A 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     Fee for software updates/upgrades
MP1000-THC Warranty/Support

1 year/free

 

    Free support via web or phone.  No support fees on electronics. Support site: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CandCNCSupport/

Cost of MP1000-THC + MACH3 + SheetCAM

$1000.00

     Package deal includes all CAM and control software + THC hardware and 2nd parallel port card for PC
Cost of full electronics solution (Stepper = Two 640 oz-in One 240oz in)

<$1850.00 

 

    Includes 3 full axis of control electronics.  All electronics between PC and table mechanical.  Motors, Power Controller (PSC650), cases, THC, motor drives, Software.
Cost of full electronics servo solution (600 OZ-IN Servos)

< $2500.00

[includes cost of new servos at $200.00 each]

    Includes 3 full axis of control electronics.  All electronics between PC and table mechanical. Servo Motors, Power Controller, Case, THC, motor drives, Software (see http://www.CandCNC.com/PSC650+MP1000Bundle.htm)
Third Party add-ons YES     Open SDK for other vendors.
Customizable Profiles Via GUI screen setup     Menu selection of profiles for Plasma, Routing, Milling, etc.  30 sec switchover

Customizable Screens

YES

   

Comes with Free Screen Painter Application and Custom Plasma and Router Screens from CandCNC

More Information:

MP1000-THC

MACH Control Software

SheetCAM CAM software