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 |
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 |
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