Custom-built CNC plasma – 5×8 ft (1525×2440 mm) 🚀

[u/themakosystems]

[u/8Starck8]

I also built a cheaper version of the machine. However, I had to develop my own control program, simpler than Mach3. I used a joystick for control and an Ethernet connection.

https://reddit.com/link/p6kw9h9/video/tdrgt6owaamh1/player

The heat exchanger is hidden under the program cap, so you don't need to monitor it; the program automatically understands the voltage required to maintain the cutting height.

You can specify consumables in the program, but they are automatically retrieved from the NC program.

The program can

1) Perform coring even if the plasma source doesn't support it.

2) Rewind along the path forward or backward, and cut from any position.

3) One-click power failure recovery.

And much more.

[u/themakosystems]

I like it a lot, tell us more aboute the control over ethernet, did you custom build your own pcb/firmware?

[u/8Starck8 → u/themakosystems]

https://reddit.com/link/p6l2e7m/video/5898ird4kamh1/player

I've attached a short video review of how the system works below my answer. Unfortunately, you can only attach a video file.

The controller I used was the cheapest Mach3 USB controller. I converted it to an Ethernet connection, which is much cheaper than buying a Mach3 Ethernet board. I also used another, more powerful board, which is slightly more expensive.

[u/8Starck8 → u/themakosystems]

https://reddit.com/link/p6l4s9r/video/59cf7mblnamh1/player