PowerPlasma 50 Questions

[cpierce18]

I am interested in purchasing your PowerPlasma 50 Model and I have a few questions to ask. I was currently using a Hypertherm MAX-20, but the transformer went on me and I don’t think its worth the cash/time to fix a 20-30 year old machine that cuts at 20 amps max 3/16” thk.
Here are my questions… for now;

-What is the length of the torch cable?

-I am buying this for use with a CNC plasma cutting table. In order for the PC to control arc on/off, I would need to zip tie the trigger closed, splice into the wire that runs to the trigger and wire it to a relay, then run the wire back to the trigger. This way when the PC closes the relay, the torch trigger is already closed and the arc will fire. Will this void the warranty of the machine? Is there another way to do this with this machine?

-What is the voltage & amps that the torch trigger operates on (not the plasma itself). The relay I use is rated at the following.
- Maximum Current (AC) 7A@240VAC; 10A@125VAC
- Maximum Current (DC) 15A@24VDC; 10A@28VDC

Thanks for anyone the help!

-Chris

[performance]

Instead of doing all this fancy wiring, why not tie directly into the switch plug itself and disconnect the torch switch completely? The way you describe it, the trigger itself is unnecessary. The only part of the warranty this would void would possibly be the part of the torch that is modified (obviously). It also has a CNC feature that allows a monetary contact to turn the machine on and another momentary contact to turn the machine off.

Also as with any CNC automated work, you should monitor the duty cycle carefully.

The torch cable is a standard 15ft. You can purchase an additional 25 ft as well.

[geezer]

I have a PP 50 and a CNC table, the PP 50 is a fine machine, however you should keep in mind that it takes 20 amps to pierce every 1/8 inch on CNC, therefore I would suggest you buy the PP8o which is what I will be doing. The PP80 should give you 1/2 inch capability for starting your cuts on a plate. A few more bucks but worth the money. Edge cutting and piercing a hole on a plate for CNC are two diffent things. I plan on using my PP50 for general shop use or light CNC work; but really the PP80 or 70 is the way to go for CNC cutting.

[cpierce18]

I like the PP80 also. One of the worries I have with that one is the HF start. I'd hate to buy that machine only to have my PC freeze on the first arc. From the specs, the PP50 is non-HF. Thats why I am leaning towards that one. But you do have a valid point about the piercing capabilities.

[performance]

Here is a customer of ours with a couple of videos that he posted using a CNC with our PP 70.

As you can see, it can be done.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OSdt2fKqz4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_S9fbQymHks

[geezer]

I like the PP80 also. One of the worries I have with that one is the HF start. I'd hate to buy that machine only to have my PC freeze on the first arc. From the specs, the PP50 is non-HF. Thats why I am leaning towards that one. But you do have a valid point about the piercing capabilities.

If your PC freezes up then move it futher away from the source or shield it.
People are using the PP80 & PP70 for CNC. Bottom line it can be done has been done and I plan on doing it with mine. There is no substitute for power when piercing on CNC. I have many projects in mind that use 3/8 and 1/2 inch plate and that takes power to punch a hole in the plate.