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Nesting for plasma tables with SheetCAM

Zorocut nests and prices plasma jobs, then hands SheetCAM one DXF per sheet with one layer per operation; SheetCAM writes the G-code for FireControl, Mach3 or LinuxCNC. Status: beta.

Güncellendi · Zorocut ekibi

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Kısaca

On a plasma table Zorocut sits before SheetCAM: it nests the parts, prices the job with plasma rates and writes one DXF per sheet in mm, on fixed layers that each become one SheetCAM operation. SheetCAM adds lead-ins, kerf offset and pierce settings and post-processes to your controller — Langmuir FireControl cannot open a DXF at all. Status: beta — built to SheetCAM's manual, not yet run through a real table.

Yazılım
SheetCAM TNG → FireControl, Mach3, LinuxCNC
Zorocut'ta
Makine sekmesi → Kontrol ünitesi: SheetCAM
DXF
ASCII R2000 / R12, mm
Öğeler
LINE, ARC, CIRCLE
Katmanlar
ZC_CUT, ZC_MARK, ZC_ENGRAVE, ZC_SHEET, ZC_LABEL
Giriş hatları, kerf, mikro bağlantılar
Added in SheetCAM operations (offset side, lead-in/out, pierce delay)
Durum
Beta — Üreticinin belgelenmiş içe aktarma kurallarına göre yapıldı; henüz gerçek bir kontrol ünitesinde içe aktarılmadı.

Where Zorocut fits on a plasma table

  1. Zorocut: clean the drawings, nest them on the plate, price the job, export one DXF per sheet.
  2. SheetCAM: import at the drawing origin, one operation per layer, post-process to your controller.
  3. Controller: FireControl, Mach3 or LinuxCNC runs the G-code.

Langmuir's staff state that a DXF cannot be opened directly in FireControl; it loads post-processed G-code. That is why Zorocut does not try to be the last step: it never writes G-code, and the CAM program keeps the toolpath decisions.

One layer, one operation

Zorocut layerSheetCAM operation
ZC_CUTContour cut, outside offset for outlines, inside for holes
ZC_MARKA low-current mark or centre-punch operation
ZC_ENGRAVEAn open-path operation without offset
ZC_LABELNo operation (text must be lines to cut in SheetCAM)
ZC_SHEETNo operation — the plate's edge

SheetCAM applies each operation to everything on its layer, so the five fixed names mean the operations can be set up once and reused.

Import settings that matter

  • Position: Drawing origin. Zorocut puts the plate's lower-left corner at 0,0, so the nest lands where it was planned.
  • Scale: SheetCAM sets it by hand (scale ratio) and its v3.1.17 manual does not say whether it reads $INSUNITS. Zorocut's file is in mm: import it as mm.
  • Tolerances: SheetCAM joins ends within its import link tolerance and fits arcs to runs of lines. Zorocut's segments already share identical end points and its arcs are true arcs, so nothing needs joining.

Plasma in Zorocut

  • Machine tab: kind Plasma, Controller SheetCAM. The quote then starts from a 60 €/h machine rate (90 €/h for fiber) — an estimate you replace with your own.
  • Speeds and pierce delays start from Hypertherm's Powermax45 XP chart; the values and their limits are in the plasma guide.
  • Kerf: plasma cuts 1.4–2.1 mm wide on that torch. Zorocut's part spacing is measured between the drawn contours, before SheetCAM offsets them, so leave room for it — see part spacing.
  • Every pierce wears consumables and costs time; pierce time shows how the quote counts them.

Not verified yet

The SheetCAM manual we read is v3.1.17. Whether newer builds create operations from layer names on their own, and whether they honour the DXF unit header, we could not confirm. Run one plate through SheetCAM's preview before the first real job.

Sık sorulan sorular

Can I skip SheetCAM and load Zorocut's DXF in FireControl?

No. FireControl loads G-code, not DXF, and Zorocut never writes G-code. Something like SheetCAM or Fusion's CAM has to make the toolpath.

Does it work with Fusion instead of SheetCAM?

The DXF is plain lines, arcs and circles in mm, which any CAM program imports. We describe SheetCAM because its manual documents the layer-per-operation workflow; set the controller to Other in Zorocut for anything else.

Do I need a separate machine for plasma in Zorocut?

Add it as a second machine with kind Plasma. On Free and Cutter one machine is licensed; Shop includes 3.

Kaynaklar

  1. SheetCam TNG Setup and Operation Manual v3.1.17
  2. Langmuir Systems forum, Files will not load (FireControl and DXF), 2023-08-11
  3. Hypertherm, Powermax45 XP/65/85/105 Cut Charts Guide 811300MU (cartridge, Duramax torches)
  4. Autodesk, AutoCAD 2012 DXF Reference ($INSUNITS, OCS, entities)

Ürün adları yalnızca uyumluluğu açıklamak için kullanılır. Zorocut'ın üreticileriyle bir bağı yoktur.

İşi makineye gitmeden önce yerleştir ve fiyatlandır

Zorocut Nest ve ücretsiz online nesting aracı bu DXF'i yazar. Dosyaların bilgisayarından çıkmaz.