SheetCam isn't just a tool for generating G-code; it’s a tool for managing . By adjusting how the torch interacts with the material, you can significantly reduce the internal stresses that lead to cracking. 1. Optimizing Lead-ins and Lead-outs
If you’ve been running a CNC plasma table for a while, you’ve likely encountered a few "ghosts in the machine"—those frustrating cut quality issues that seem to appear out of nowhere. One of the more technical challenges operators face is .
Implement Path Rules in SheetCam to slow the torch down or shut the air/plasma off a fraction of a second early (the "End of Cut" rule). sheetcam hot crack
Cutting too slowly is a leading cause of hot cracking because it dumps excessive heat into the workpiece.
Use a "Leadin Type" of Arc in your operation settings. This provides a smoother transition for the plasma arc, reducing the sudden thermal shock to the boundary layer of the part. 2. Path Rules and "Overburn" SheetCam isn't just a tool for generating G-code;
Use SheetCam to create longer, curved lead-ins . This allows the pierce (the hottest part of the process) to happen further away from the finished edge.
Understanding and Preventing "Hot Cracking" in SheetCam: A Guide for CNC Plasma Cutting Optimizing Lead-ins and Lead-outs If you’ve been running
Here is a deep dive into why this happens and how you can use SheetCam’s powerful toolset to prevent it. What is Hot Cracking?