Torchmate automatic torch height control - Hypertherm plasma cutter, plasma torch, retrofit, robotics, automated motion control systems, Z axis, torch height adjustment, cnc control systems, retro-fit, automated shape cutting, automation, cnc cutting table, metal art, ornamental iron, wrought iron, automated welding, automated cutting

This site is intended for owners of existing automated cnc cutting tables who would like to update their cnc plasma cutter with an automatic torch height control. Some companies claim to have an automatic torch height adjustment, but in fact adjust torch height only at the beginning of a cut, or worse, require you to raise and lower the torch with a switch. Torchmate's torch height control units are totally self-contained, permitting owners of other manufactuers' machines to upgrade to true automatic operation.

Designing a true torch height control is not an easy thing to accomplish, and many companies lack the engineering expertise to do it. Our torch height controls are designed and manufactured exclusively for Torchmate by a former member of the engineering staff of one of the Country's largest CNC shape cutting machine manufacturers.

While sometimes mistakenly refered to as a z axis or third vertical axis, torch height control units are not intended to provide computer controlled vertical movement like a cnc router. They are designed to maintain the proper distance between your plasma cutter torch tip and the material being cut. Our units cost half of the other true torch height controls on the market. These units hold any standard 1 3/8" diameter machine plasma torch, eliminating the need for a standard torch holder. We have both proximity sensor and arc voltage models available. We do have a computer controlled vertical (Z) axis option available for those wanting to do routing, drilling, soldering, etc. However, it is not to be confused with the units described on these pages.

Owners or operators of welding shops, machine shops, metal fabrication businesses, ornamental iron shops, metal art and western art dealers, and other production facilities can save valuable time. Because the cutting machine will no longer require someone to follow the torch around turning a height adjustment knob on a torch holder, the operator can keep an eye on what's going on while running a nearby band saw, drill press, ironworker or other shop tool.

In keeping with the Torchmate objective of bringing the CNC plasma process within reach of the small shop, we now offer a fully automatic arc voltage torch height control at an affordable price. Historically costing anywhere from $6,000 to $10,000, these accessories totally automate the CNC plasma cutting operation.

Our torch height control units were both designed and built for Torchmate by a former engineering staff member of one of the Country's largest CNC cutting machine manufacturers. They are comparable in every respect to models costing several times more.

We have made our torch height control units totally separate from the rest of our machine. This makes it possible for customers to add them to their machine at any time finances permit. It also allows them to be retro-fitted to the cutting tables of other manufacturers.

Unlike manual cutting, where the torch is dragged on the work, cnc machine cutting requires that a slight distance be maintained between the torch and the material being cut. This prevents the torch tip from catching on edges of parts or splashes of dross. Also, the lack of physical contact between the torch and the work provides longer electrode and nozzle life, and improves cut quality.

To maintain the proper tip-to-work distance, a torch height controller must be able to actually detect the distance between the torch tip and the material so that it can make minute adjustments as necessary. Methods that use some sort of physical plunger or similar means of "feeling" the metal are cheap to make, but are unreliable.

One of the common methods of controlling tip-to-work distance is by use of proximity sensors that provide feedback to a programmable logic controller, which in turn controls a motor that raises and lowers the torch.

A more recent, and somewhat more expensive method is by monitoring the voltage of the plasma arc. This voltage level changes with the distance between the torch tip and the metal. This voltage value is sent to a motor with an internal computer, which controls the torch height. Since it is the end of the torch itself that provides the torch height information, rather than sensors that are offset from the torch tip, it is possible to follow more exaggerated changes in the surface of the material. We have actually cut a circle out of a plate positioned on a 30 degree angle.

There is no longer a need to follow your torch around making manual tip height adjustments. In addition to preventing your torch from contacting your work and spoiling your cut, these engineering marvels free you up to perform other work close-by. While it is always desirable to keep an eye on any automated process, it is costly to waste your time just standing idly by.

Now you can add this time saving accessory to your CNC or optically guided plasma cutting table for less than the cost of your plasma cutter.