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Nesting and quoting for the Langmuir CrossFire

FireControl, the CrossFire's control software, runs G-code from Langmuir's posts, not DXF. Zorocut nests and prices the job, then SheetCAM turns its per-sheet DXF into a FireControl program. Status: beta.

Updated · By the Zorocut team
Short answer

A CrossFire, CrossFire PRO or XR cannot cut a DXF directly: FireControl only runs G-code made with Langmuir's post processor for SheetCAM or Fusion 360. Zorocut sits before that step — it nests the parts, prices the job and writes one DXF per sheet in mm; SheetCAM imports it, adds lead-ins, kerf offset and pierce settings, and posts it with the FireControl post. Status: beta — the route follows Langmuir's and SheetCAM's documentation, but we have not run a Zorocut file on a CrossFire yet.

Software
FireControl · SheetCAM · Fusion
In Zorocut
Machine tab → Controller: SheetCAM
DXF
ASCII R2000 / R12, mm
Entities
LINE, ARC, CIRCLE
Layers
ZC_CUT, ZC_MARK, ZC_ENGRAVE, ZC_SHEET, ZC_LABEL
Lead-ins, kerf, micro-joints
Added in SheetCAM or Fusion (lead-in/out, kerf offset, pierce and cut height); FireControl only overrides feed rate and pierce delay
Status
Beta — Built to the vendor's documented import rules; not yet imported on a real controller.

Langmuir's own workflow: design, CAM, cut

Langmuir describes three steps for the CrossFire, CrossFire PRO and CrossFire XR: draw the part (Fusion 360 for parts, Inkscape or Illustrator for art), make the toolpaths in Fusion's CAM or in SheetCAM, then cut in FireControl. Its staff state on the forum that a DXF cannot be opened in FireControl, and the FireControl guide says a program not made with a Langmuir-approved post will not run, because it lacks the IHS loops and THC codes. Zorocut adds a step before the CAM, not instead of it.

  1. Zorocut: clean the customer's drawings, nest them on the plate, price the job, export one DXF per sheet.
  2. SheetCAM: import the DXF at the drawing origin in mm, one operation per layer, post with Langmuir's FireControl post.
  3. FireControl: load the program, set the origin on the plate, dry-run it if you want, cut.

What each piece of software does

SoftwareFromWhat it does on a CrossFire
FireControlLangmuir, freeRuns the G-code: jog, origin, scale, rotate, patterning, run-from-here, feed and pierce-delay override, ATHC panel. Windows 7+ or macOS 10.13+.
SheetCAMSold on Langmuir's store, lifetime licenceImports DXF and SVG, nests, sets leads and start points, saves settings per material; Langmuir's post adds IHS and THC codes.
Fusion 360AutodeskCAD and CAM; imports DXF, mesh and SVG; posts with Langmuir's Fusion post.
ZorocutZorocutCleans customer files, nests mixed parts true-shape, prices the job, writes one DXF per sheet. No G-code.

FireControl's patterning and manual nest jog repeat or shift one program on the plate. They do not nest different parts together or price the job; that is the gap Zorocut fills.

Setting up the route

  1. In Zorocut, Machine tab: kind Plasma, Controller SheetCAM. Set the sheet to the plate you load, inside the cut area: 48 × 33 in (about 1219 × 838 mm) on a PRO, 48 × 48 in on a PRO MAX, 48 × 96 in on an XR.
  2. Download the SheetCAM Post v1.6 for your table from Langmuir's downloads page (there is a separate setting for a CrossFire without Z-axis) and copy the .scpost file into SheetCAM's Posts folder.
  3. In SheetCAM, Options → Machine: Jet cutting, Z zero at top of work, the FireControl post selected, output units as you prefer.
  4. With a powered Z-axis, fill in pierce height, plunge rate and cut height in the plasma tool, or the IHS sequence is not written; Langmuir suggests 100 IPM for the IHS plunge. Without a Z-axis, set pierce and cut height to 0.
  5. Import the Zorocut DXF at the drawing origin, in mm, and give ZC_CUT a contour operation; leave ZC_SHEET and ZC_LABEL without one. The layer-by-layer table is on the SheetCAM page.
  6. Post, load the program in FireControl and check it in the visualizer before you fire the torch.

Plasma details that touch the nest and the quote

  • Units: FireControl loads metric (G21) and inch (G20) programs alike; its mm/inch switch only changes the display. Zorocut writes mm, so import as mm in SheetCAM.
  • Kerf: SheetCAM offsets the cut after Zorocut has placed the parts, so the part spacing must leave room for the kerf; see kerf width.
  • Leads: Langmuir's Fusion guide warns to use no lead-out on a CrossFire PRO with THC, so the arc voltage is not lost at the end of the cut; see lead-in and lead-out.
  • Pierces: every pierce costs time and consumables, and the quote counts them; see pierce time and how to price plasma cutting.

Not verified yet

We have not run a Zorocut DXF through SheetCAM and FireControl on a real CrossFire. Langmuir's SheetCAM page was last updated in 2020 and its screenshots show older post versions, while the downloads page lists v1.6 and says new firmware needs the latest posts. The Fusion route is documented by Langmuir, but we have not checked how Fusion treats the five ZC_ layers. Cut one scrap plate before the first paid job.

Frequently asked questions

Can I load Zorocut's DXF straight into FireControl?

No. FireControl runs G-code made with Langmuir's post processors, and Zorocut never writes G-code. SheetCAM or Fusion has to make the program.

SheetCAM or Fusion 360?

Langmuir supports both and publishes a post for each. SheetCAM applies one operation to everything on a layer, which fits Zorocut's fixed layers; Fusion is the choice if you already draw and program there. Langmuir describes Fusion as free for personal use; check Autodesk's terms for a business.

Does it work on a legacy CrossFire with Mach3?

Langmuir's workflow page does not cover the legacy Mach3 machines, but SheetCAM and Fusion posts for Mach3 exist on its legacy downloads. Zorocut's DXF goes into SheetCAM the same way; only the post changes. Not tested by us.

Is Zorocut made by Langmuir Systems?

No. CrossFire and FireControl are Langmuir Systems products; the names are used here only to describe compatibility.

Sources

  1. Langmuir Systems, Software Workflow (CrossFire, CrossFire PRO, CrossFire XR)
  2. Langmuir Systems, CAM with SheetCAM (FireControl post processor setup)
  3. Langmuir Systems, Fusion 360 CAD/CAM tutorials for CNC (FireControl post)
  4. Langmuir Systems, FireControl machine control software
  5. Langmuir Systems, CUT with FireControl software guide
  6. Langmuir Systems, CNC machine downloads (FireControl, SheetCAM and Fusion 360 posts)
  7. Langmuir Systems, CrossFire PRO 4x3 CNC plasma table (PRO / PRO MAX / XR comparison)
  8. Langmuir Systems forum, Files will not load (FireControl and DXF), 2023-08-11
  9. SheetCam TNG Setup and Operation Manual v3.1.17

Product names are used only to describe compatibility. Zorocut is not affiliated with their makers.

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