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Instruction Manual
806450 | Revision 5 | English
Register your new Hypertherm system
Serial number:________________________________________________________________
Distributor: __________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Maintenance notes:
____________________________________________________________________________
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ArcGlide, EDGE, HPR, HSD, Hypernet, MAXPRO200, Phoenix, Powermax, Sensor, and Hypertherm are trademarks of
Hypertherm Inc. and may be registered in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their
respective holders.
Instruction Manual
806450
Revision 5
English
March 2015
Hypertherm Inc.
Hanover, NH 03755 USA
Hypertherm Inc. Hypertherm Europe B.V.
Etna Road, P.O. Box 5010 Vaartveld 9
Hanover, NH 03755 USA 4704 SE
603-643-3441 Tel (Main Office) Roosendaal, Nederland
603-643-5352 Fax (All Departments) 31 165 596907 Tel
[email protected] (Main Office Email) 31 165 596901 Fax
800-643-9878 Tel (Technical Service) 31 165 596908 Tel (Marketing)
[email protected] (Technical Service Email) 31 165 596900 Tel (Technical Service)
800-737-2978 Tel (Customer Service) 00 800 4973 7843 Tel (Technical Service)
[email protected] (Customer Service Email)
866-643-7711 Tel (Return Materials Authorization) Hypertherm Japan Ltd.
877-371-2876 Fax (Return Materials Authorization) Level 9, Edobori Center Building
[email protected] (RMA email) 2-1-1 Edobori, Nishi-ku
Osaka 550-0002 Japan
Hypertherm Plasmatechnik GmbH 81 6 6225 1183 Tel
Technologiepark Hanau 81 6 6225 1184 Fax
Rodenbacher Chaussee 6
D-63457 Hanau-Wolfgang, Deutschland Hypertherm Brasil Ltda.
49 6181 58 2100 Tel Rua Bras Cubas, 231 – Jardim Maia
49 6181 58 2134 Fax Guarulhos, SP - Brasil
49 6181 58 2123 (Technical Service) CEP 07115-030
55 11 2409 2636 Tel
Hypertherm (S) Pte Ltd. 55 11 2408 0462 Fax
82 Genting Lane
Media Centre Hypertherm México, S.A. de C.V.
Annexe Block #A01-01 Avenida Toluca No. 444, Anexo 1,
Singapore 349567, Republic of Singapore Colonia Olivar de los Padres
65 6841 2489 Tel Delegación Álvaro Obregón
65 6841 2490 Fax México, D.F. C.P. 01780
65 6841 2489 (Technical Service) 52 55 5681 8109 Tel
52 55 5683 2127 Fax
Hypertherm (Shanghai) Trading Co., Ltd.
Unit 301, South Building Hypertherm Korea Branch
495 ShangZhong Road #3904 Centum Leaders Mark B/D,
Shanghai, 200231 1514 Woo-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan
PR China Korea, 612-889
86-21-60740003 Tel 82 51 747 0358 Tel
86-21-60740393 Fax 82 51 701 0358 Fax
Contents
1 Specifications .............................................................................................................................. 35
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................................... 35
2 Installation .................................................................................................................................... 53
Hardware setup ............................................................................................................................................................................. 53
Claims ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 53
Installation requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 54
Placement of system components .................................................................................................................................... 54
Recommended grounding and shielding practices .............................................................................................................. 55
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................ 55
Types of grounding ............................................................................................................................................................... 55
Grounding practices ............................................................................................................................................................ 55
System description for a Hypernet configuration .................................................................................................................. 59
System description for a discrete configuration .................................................................................................................... 60
ArcGlide communication configuration examples ................................................................................................................. 61
Install the lifter ................................................................................................................................................................................ 77
Connect the ohmic wire from HPRXD plasma systems .............................................................................................. 79
Connect the ohmic wire to other plasma systems ........................................................................................................ 80
Ground the lifter .................................................................................................................................................................... 80
Extended torch sleeve option ............................................................................................................................................. 81
Install the optional pneumatic breakaway ....................................................................................................................... 82
Install the control module ............................................................................................................................................................ 84
Modify Retract Delay Time for an HT2000 plasma system ........................................................................................ 85
Ground the control module ................................................................................................................................................ 86
Install the optional HMI ................................................................................................................................................................ 87
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
• Only trained and authorized personnel may open this • If the equipment must have power when the enclosure
equipment. is open for servicing, arc flash explosion hazards may
• If the equipment is permanently connected, turn it off, exist. Follow ALL local requirements (NFPA 70E in the
and lock out/tag out power before the enclosure is USA) for safe work practices and for Personal
opened. Protective Equipment when servicing energized
equipment.
• If power is supplied to the equipment with a cord,
unplug the unit before the enclosure is opened. • The enclosure shall be closed and the proper earth
ground continuity to the enclosure verified prior to
• Lockable disconnects or lockable plug covers must be
operating the equipment after moving, opening, or
provided by others.
servicing.
• Wait 5 minutes after removal of power before entering
• Always follow these instructions for disconnecting
the enclosure to allow stored energy to discharge.
power before inspecting or changing torch
consumable parts.
Touching live electrical parts can cause a fatal shock or • Install and ground this equipment according to the
severe burn. instruction manual and in accordance with national
and local codes.
• Operating the plasma system completes an electrical • Inspect the input power cord frequently for damage or
circuit between the torch and the workpiece. The cracking of the cover. Replace a damaged power cord
workpiece and anything touching the workpiece are immediately. Bare wiring can kill.
part of the electrical circuit.
• Inspect and replace any worn or damaged torch leads.
• Never touch the torch body, workpiece or the water in
• Do not pick up the workpiece, including the waste
a water table when the plasma system is operating.
cutoff, while you cut. Leave the workpiece in place or
Electric shock prevention on the workbench with the work cable attached during
the cutting process.
All Hypertherm plasma systems use high voltage • Before checking, cleaning or changing torch parts,
in the cutting process (200 to 400 VDC are disconnect the main power or unplug the power
common). Take the following precautions when supply.
operating this system:
• Never bypass or shortcut the safety interlocks.
• Wear insulated gloves and boots, and keep your body • Before removing any power supply or system
and clothing dry. enclosure cover, disconnect electrical input power.
Wait 5 minutes after disconnecting the main power to
• Do not stand, sit or lie on – or touch – any wet surface
allow capacitors to discharge.
when using the plasma system.
• Never operate the plasma system unless the power
• Insulate yourself from work and ground using dry
supply covers are in place. Exposed power supply
insulating mats or covers big enough to prevent any
connections present a severe electrical hazard.
physical contact with the work or ground. If you must
work in or near a damp area, use extreme caution. • When making input connections, attach proper
grounding conductor first.
• Provide a disconnect switch close to the power supply
with properly sized fuses. This switch allows the • Each Hypertherm plasma system is designed to be
operator to turn off the power supply quickly in an used only with specific Hypertherm torches. Do not
emergency situation. substitute other torches which could overheat and
present a safety hazard.
• When using a water table, be sure that it is correctly
connected to earth ground.
The plasma arc by itself is the heat source used for The air quality level in any relevant workplace depends
cutting. Accordingly, although the plasma arc has not on site-specific variables such as:
been identified as a source of toxic fumes, the material • Table design (wet, dry, underwater).
being cut can be a source of toxic fumes or gases that
• Material composition, surface finish, and composition
deplete oxygen.
of coatings.
Fumes produced vary depending on the metal that is • Volume of material removed.
cut. Metals that may release toxic fumes include, but are • Duration of cutting or gouging.
not limited to, stainless steel, carbon steel, zinc • Size, air volume, ventilation and filtration of the work
(galvanized), and copper. area.
• Personal protective equipment.
In some cases, the metal may be coated with a
substance that could release toxic fumes. Toxic coatings • Number of welding and cutting systems in operation.
include, but are not limited to, lead (in some paints), • Other site processes that may produce fumes.
cadmium (in some paints and fillers), and beryllium.
If the workplace must conform to national or local
regulations, only monitoring or testing done at the site
Gases produced by plasma cutting vary based on the
can determine whether the site is above or below
material to be cut and the method of cutting, but may
allowable levels.
include ozone, oxides of nitrogen, hexavalent chromium,
hydrogen, and other substances if such are contained in
To reduce the risk of exposure to fumes:
or released by the material being cut.
• Remove all coatings and solvents from the metal
Caution should be taken to minimize exposure to fumes before cutting.
produced by any industrial process. Depending upon • Use local exhaust ventilation to remove fumes from
the chemical composition and concentration of the the air.
fumes (as well as other factors, such as ventilation), • Do not inhale fumes. Wear an air-supplied respirator
there may be a risk of physical illness, such as birth when cutting any metal coated with, containing, or
defects or cancer. suspected to contain toxic elements.
• Assure that those using welding or cutting
It is the responsibility of the equipment and site owner
equipment, as well as air-supplied respiration
to test the air quality in the area where the equipment is
devices, are qualified and trained in the proper use of
used and to ensure that the air quality in the workplace
such equipment.
meets all local and national standards and regulations.
• Never cut containers with potentially toxic materials
inside. Empty and properly clean the container first.
• Monitor or test the air quality at the site as needed.
• Consult with a local expert to implement a site plan
to ensure safe air quality.
GROUNDING SAFETY
Work cable Attach the work cable securely to the Input power
workpiece or the work table with good metal-to-metal
contact. Do not connect it to the piece that will fall away • Be sure to connect the power cord ground wire to
when the cut is complete. the ground in the disconnect box.
• If installation of the plasma system involves
Work table Connect the work table to an earth connecting the power cord to the power supply, be
ground, in accordance with appropriate national and sure to connect the power cord ground wire properly.
local electrical codes.
• Place the power cord’s ground wire on the stud first,
then place any other ground wires on top of the
power cord ground. Fasten the retaining nut tightly.
• Tighten all electrical connections to avoid excessive
heating.
• Never lubricate cylinder valves or regulators with oil Gas cylinders contain gas under high pressure.
or grease. If damaged, a cylinder can explode.
• Use only correct gas cylinders, regulators, hoses and
fittings designed for the specific application. • Handle and use compressed gas cylinders in
accordance with applicable national and local codes.
• Maintain all compressed gas equipment and
associated parts in good condition. • Never use a cylinder that is not upright and secured
in place.
• Label and color-code all gas hoses to identify the
type of gas in each hose. Consult applicable national • Keep the protective cap in place over valve except
and local codes. when the cylinder is in use or connected for use.
• Never allow electrical contact between the plasma
arc and a cylinder.
• Never expose cylinders to excessive heat, sparks,
slag or open flame.
• Never use a hammer, wrench or other tool to open a
stuck cylinder valve.
Instant-on torches The plasma arc will cut quickly through gloves and skin.
Plasma arc comes on immediately when the torch • Keep away from the torch tip.
switch is activated. • Do not hold metal near the cutting path.
• Never point the torch toward yourself or others.
Eye protection Plasma arc rays produce intense • Flame-retardant clothing to cover all exposed areas.
visible and invisible (ultraviolet and infrared) rays that • Cuffless trousers to prevent entry of sparks and slag.
can burn eyes and skin.
• Remove any combustibles, such as a butane lighter
or matches, from your pockets before cutting.
• Use eye protection in accordance with applicable
national and local codes. Cutting area Prepare the cutting area to reduce
• Wear eye protection (safety glasses or goggles with reflection and transmission of ultraviolet light:
side shields, and a welding helmet) with appropriate
lens shading to protect your eyes from the arc’s • Paint walls and other surfaces with dark colors to
ultraviolet and infrared rays. reduce reflection.
• Use protective screens or barriers to protect others
Skin protection Wear protective clothing to protect
from flash and glare.
against burns caused by ultraviolet light, sparks, and hot
metal. • Warn others not to watch the arc. Use placards or
signs.
• Gauntlet gloves, safety shoes and hat.
Pacemaker and hearing aid operation can be affected To reduce magnetic field hazards:
by magnetic fields from high currents. • Keep both the work cable and the torch lead to one
side, away from your body.
Pacemaker and hearing aid wearers should consult a
• Route the torch leads as close as possible to the
doctor before going near any plasma arc cutting and
work cable.
gouging operations.
• Do not wrap or drape the torch lead or work cable
around your body.
• Keep as far away from the power supply as possible.
Cutting with a plasma arc can exceed acceptable noise Use ear protectors if the noise is disruptive or if there is
levels as defined by local codes in many applications. a risk of hearing damage after all other engineering and
Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can damage administrative controls have been implemented. If
hearing. Always wear proper ear protection when hearing protection is required, wear only approved
cutting or gouging, unless sound pressure level personal protective devices such as ear muffs or ear
measurements taken at the installed site have verified plugs with a noise reduction rating appropriate for the
personal hearing protection is not necessary per situation. Warn others in the area of possible noise
relevant international, regional, and local codes. hazards. In addition, ear protection can prevent hot
splatter from entering the ear.
Significant noise reduction can be obtained by adding
simple engineering controls to cutting tables such as
barriers or curtains positioned between the plasma arc
and the workstation; and/or locating the workstation
away from the plasma arc. Implement administrative
controls in the workplace to restrict access, limit
operator exposure time, screen off noisy working areas
and/or take measures to reduce reverberation in
working areas by putting up noise absorbers.
LASER RADIATION
Exposure to the laser output can result in serious eye injury. Avoid direct eye exposure.
For your convenience and safety, on Hypertherm products that use a laser, one of the following laser radiation labels
has been applied on the product near where the laser beam exits the enclosure. The maximum output (mV),
wavelength emitted (nM) and, if appropriate, the pulse duration is also provided.
Additional laser safety instructions: • Modifying the laser or product in any way can
increase the risk of laser radiation.
• Consult with an expert on local laser regulations. • Use of adjustments or performance of procedures
Laser safety training may be required. other than those specified in this manual may result
• Do not allow untrained persons to operate the laser. in hazardous laser radiation exposure.
Lasers can be dangerous in the hands of untrained • Do not operate in explosive atmospheres, such as in
users. the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust.
• Do not look into the laser aperture or beam at any • Use only laser parts and accessories that are
time. recommended or provided by the manufacturer for
• Position the laser as instructed to avoid unintentional your model.
eye contact. • Repairs and servicing MUST be performed by
• Do not use the laser on reflective workpieces. qualified personnel.
• Do not use optical tools to view or reflect the laser • Do not remove or deface the laser safety label.
beam.
• Do not disassemble or remove the laser or aperture
cover.
WARNING LABELS
This warning label is affixed to some power supplies. It is important that the operator and maintenance technician
understand the intent of these warning symbols as described.
1. Cutting sparks can cause explosion or fire. 1. Les étincelles de coupage peuvent provoquer une explosion
1.1 Do not cut near flammables. ou un incendie.
1.2 Have a fire extinguisher nearby and ready to use. 1.1 Ne pas couper près des matières inflammables.
1.3 Do not use a drum or other closed container as a cutting table. 1.2 Un extincteur doit être à proximité et prêt à être utilisé.
1.3 Ne pas utiliser un fût ou un autre contenant fermé comme table de coupage.
2. Plasma arc can injure and burn; point the nozzle away 2. L’arc plasma peut blesser et brûler; éloigner la buse de soi.
from yourself. Arc starts instantly when triggered. Il s’allume instantanément quand on l’amorce;
2.1 Turn off power before disassembling torch. 2.1 Couper l’alimentation avant de démonter la torche.
2.2 Do not grip the workpiece near the cutting path. 2.2 Ne pas saisir la pièce à couper de la trajectoire de coupage.
2.3 Wear complete body protection. 2.3 Se protéger entièrement le corps.
3. Hazardous voltage. Risk of electric shock or burn. 3. Tension dangereuse. Risque de choc électrique ou de brûlure.
3.1 Wear insulating gloves. Replace gloves when wet or damaged. 3.1 Porter des gants isolants. Remplacer les gants quand ils sont humides ou
3.2 Protect from shock by insulating yourself from work and ground. endommagés.
3.3 Disconnect power before servicing. Do not touch live parts. 3.2 Se protéger contre les chocs en s’isolant de la pièce et de la terre.
3.3 Couper l’alimentation avant l’entretien. Ne pas toucher les pièces sous tension.
4. Plasma fumes can be hazardous. 4. Les fumées plasma peuvent être dangereuses.
4.1 Do not inhale fumes. 4.1 Ne pas inhaler les fumées
4.2 Use forced ventilation or local exhaust to remove the fumes. 4.2 Utiliser une ventilation forcée ou un extracteur local pour dissiper les fumées.
4.3 Do not operate in closed spaces. Remove fumes with ventilation. 4.3 Ne pas couper dans des espaces clos. Chasser les fumées par ventilation.
5. Arc rays can burn eyes and injure skin. 5. Les rayons d’arc peuvent brûler les yeux et blesser la peau.
5.1 Wear correct and appropriate protective equipment to protect 5.1 Porter un bon équipement de protection pour se protéger la tête, les yeux, les
head, eyes, ears, hands, and body. Button shirt collar. Protect ears oreilles, les mains et le corps. Boutonner le col de la chemise. Protéger les oreilles
from noise. Use welding helmet with the correct shade of filter. contre le bruit. Utiliser un masque de soudeur avec un filtre de nuance appropriée.
6. Become trained. Only qualified personnel should operate this 6. Suivre une formation. Seul le personnel qualifié a le droit de faire
equipment. Use torches specified in the manual. Keep non-qualified fonctionner cet équipement. Utiliser exclusivement les torches indiquées dans le
personnel and children away. manual. Le personnel non qualifié et les enfants doivent se tenir à l’écart.
7. Do not remove, destroy, or cover this label. 7. Ne pas enlever, détruire ni couvrir cette étiquette.
Replace if it is missing, damaged, or worn (PN 110584 Rev C). La remplacer si elle est absente, endommagée ou usée (PN 110584 Rev C).
S mark
The S mark indicates that the power supply and torch are suitable for operations carried out in environments
with increased hazard of electrical shock according to IEC 60974-1.
CSA mark
Products with a CSA mark meet the United States and Canadian regulations for product safety. The products
were evaluated, tested, and certified by CSA-International. Alternatively, the product may have a mark by one
of the other Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL) accredited in both the United States and
Canada, such as UL or TÜV.
CE mark
The CE marking signifies the manufacturer’s declaration of conformity to applicable European directives and
standards. Only those versions of products with a CE marking located on or near the data plate have been
tested for compliance with the European Low Voltage Directive and the European Electromagnetic
Compatibility (EMC) Directive. EMC filters needed to comply with the European EMC Directive are
incorporated within versions of the product with a CE marking.
GOST-TR mark
CE versions of products that include a GOST-TR mark of conformity meet the product safety and EMC
requirements for export to the Russian Federation.
C-Tick mark
CE versions of products with a C-Tick mark comply with the EMC regulations required for sale in Australia
and New Zealand.
CCC mark
s
The China Compulsory Certification (CCC) mark indicates that the product has been tested and found
compliant with product safety regulations required for sale in China.
UkrSEPRO mark
The CE versions of products that include a UkrSEPRO mark of conformity meet the product safety and EMC
requirements for export to the Ukraine.
National and Local safety regulations shall take precedence over any • Electromagnetic compatibility requirements
instructions provided with the product. The product shall be imported, These differences in national or other standards may make it impossible
installed, operated and disposed of in accordance with national and local
or impractical for all certification test marks to be placed on the same
regulations applicable to the installed site.
version of a product. For example, the CSA versions of Hypertherm’s
products do not comply with European EMC requirements, and therefore
Certification test marks do not have a CE marking on the data plate.
Hypertherm also removes some protective devices that would cause Higher-level systems
false test results. Where required by local national regulations, a label
shall be attached to the equipment to indicate that it has passed the When a system integrator adds additional equipment; such as cutting
tests prescribed by IEC 60974-4. The repair report shall indicate the tables, motor drives, motion controllers or robots; to a Hypertherm
results of all tests unless an indication is made that a particular test has plasma cutting system, the combined system may be considered a
not been performed. higher-level system. A higher-level system with hazardous moving parts
may constitute industrial machinery or robotic equipment, in which case
the OEM or end-use customer may be subject to additional regulations
Qualification of test personnel and standards than those relevant to the plasma cutting system as
manufactured by Hypertherm.
Electrical safety tests for shape cutting equipment can be hazardous and
shall be carried out by an expert in the field of electrical repair, preferably It is the responsibility of the end-use customer and the OEM to perform a
someone also familiar with welding, cutting, and allied processes. The risk assessment for the higher-level system, and to provide protection
safety risks to personnel and equipment, when unqualified personnel are against hazardous moving parts. Unless the higher-level system is
performing these tests, may be much greater than the benefit of periodic certified when the OEM incorporates Hypertherm products into it, the
inspection and testing. installation also may be subject to approval by local authorities. Seek
advice from legal counsel and local regulatory experts if you are uncertain
Hypertherm recommends that only visual inspection be performed unless
the electrical safety tests are specifically required by local national about compliance.
regulations in the country where the equipment is installed. External interconnecting cables between component parts of the higher
level system must be suitable for contaminants and movement as
Residual current devices (RCDs) required by the final end use installation site. When the external
interconnecting cables are subject to oil, dust, water, or other
In Australia and some other countries, local codes may require the use of contaminants, hard usage ratings may be required.
a Residual Current Devices (RCD) when portable electrical equipment is
When external interconnecting cables are subject to continuous
used in the workplace or at construction sites to protect operators from
movement, constant flexing ratings may be required. It is the
electrical faults in the equipment. RCDs are designed to safely
responsibility of the end-use customer or the OEM to ensure the cables
disconnect the mains electrical supply when an imbalance is detected
are suitable for the application. Since there are differences in the ratings
between the supply and return current (there is a leakage current to
and costs that can be required by local regulations for higher level
earth). RCDs are available with both fixed and adjustable trip currents
systems, it is necessary to verify that any external interconnecting cables
between 6 to 40 milliamperes and a range of trip times up to
are suitable for the end-use installation site.
300 milliseconds selected for the equipment installation, application and
intended use. Where RCDs are used, the trip current and trip time on
RCDs should be selected or adjusted high enough to avoid nuisance
tripping during normal operation of the plasma cutting equipment and
low enough in the extremely unlikely event of an electrical fault in the
equipment to disconnect the supply before the leakage current under a
fault condition can pose a life threatening electrical hazard to operators.
To verify that the RCDs continue to function properly over time, both the
trip current and the trip time should be tested periodically. Portable
electrical equipment and RCDs used in commercial and industrial areas
in Australia and New Zealand are tested to the Australian standard
AS/NZS 3760. When you test the insulation of plasma cutting
equipment to AS/NZS 3760, measure the insulation resistance
according to Appendix B of the standard, at 250 VDC with the power
switch in the ON position to verify proper testing and to avoid the false
failure of the leakage current test. False failures are possible because the
metal oxide varistors (MOVs) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
filters, used to reduce emissions and protect the equipment from power
surges, may conduct up to 10 milliamperes leakage current to earth
under normal conditions.
Introduction • In the United States, check all federal, state, and local laws.
• In the European Union, check the EU directives, national, and local
The Hypertherm Environmental Specification requires RoHS, WEEE and laws. For more information, visit www.hypertherm.com/weee.
REACH substance information to be provided by Hypertherm’s • In other countries, check national and local laws.
suppliers.
• Consult with legal or other compliance experts when appropriate.
Product environmental compliance does not address the indoor air
quality or environmental release of fumes by the end user. Any materials
that are cut by the end user are not provided by Hypertherm with the
The WEEE Directive
product. The end user is responsible for the materials being cut as well On January 27, 2003, the European Parliament and the Council of the
as for safety and air quality in the workplace. The end user must be aware European Union authorized Directive 2002/96/EC or WEEE (Waste
of the potential health risks of the fumes released from the materials Electrical and Electronic Equipment).
being cut and comply with all local regulations.
As required by the legislation, any Hypertherm product covered by the
directive and sold in the EU after August 13, 2005 is marked with the
National and local environmental WEEE symbol. This directive encourages and sets specific criteria for
regulations the collection, handling, and recycling of EEE waste. Consumer and
business-to-business wastes are treated differently (all Hypertherm
National and local environmental regulations shall take precedence over products are considered business-to-business). Disposal instructions for
any instructions contained in this manual. the CE versions of Powermax plasma systems can be found at
www.hypertherm.com/weee.
The product shall be imported, installed, operated and disposed of in
accordance with all national and local environmental regulations The URL is printed on the symbol-only warning label for each of these
applicable to the installed site. CE version Powermax series units shipped since 2006. The CSA
versions of Powermax and other products manufactured by Hypertherm
The European Environmental regulations are discussed later in are either out of scope or exempt from WEEE.
The WEEE Directive.
In the USA, OSHA does not require Material Safety Data Sheets for
articles such as electrodes, swirl rings, retaining caps, nozzles, shields,
deflectors and other solid parts of the torch.
Hypertherm does not manufacture or provide the materials that are cut
and has no knowledge whether the fumes released from materials that
are cut will pose a physical hazard or health risk. Please consult with your
supplier or other technical advisor if you need guidance concerning the
properties of the material you will cut using a Hypertherm product.
In the USA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM) is a collection of
methods for sampling and analyzing contaminants in workplace air.
Methods published by others, such as OSHA, MSHA, EPA, ASTM, ISO
or commercial suppliers of sampling and analytical equipment, may have
advantages over NIOSH methods.
If you are not fully aware and up to date on all applicable government
regulations and legal standards for the installation site, you should
consult a local expert prior to purchasing, installing, and operating the
equipment.
Note: The cutting circuit may or may not be earthed for safety reasons.
Changing the earthing arrangements should only be authorized by a
person who is competent to assess whether the changes will in crease
the risk of injury, for example, by allowing parallel cutting current return
paths which may damage the earth circuits of other equipment. Further
guidance is provided in IEC 60974-9, Arc Welding Equipment, Part 9:
Installation and Use.
Attention The warranty set forth above is exclusive and is in lieu of all other
warranties, express, implied, statutory, or otherwise with respect to the
Genuine Hypertherm parts are the factory-recommended replacement Products or as to the results which may be obtained therefrom, and all
parts for your Hypertherm system. Any damage or injury caused by the implied warranties or conditions of quality or of merchantability or fitness
use of other than genuine Hypertherm parts may not be covered by the for a particular purpose or against infringement. The foregoing shall
Hypertherm warranty, and will constitute misuse of the Hypertherm constitute the sole and exclusive remedy for any breach by Hypertherm
Product. of its warranty.
You are solely responsible for the safe use of the Product. Hypertherm Distributors/OEMs may offer different or additional warranties, but
does not and cannot make any guarantee or warranty regarding the safe Distributors/OEMs are not authorized to give any additional warranty
use of the product in your environment. protection to you or make any representation to you purporting to be
binding upon Hypertherm.
General
Patent indemnity
Hypertherm Inc. warrants that its Products shall be free from defects in
materials and workmanship for the specific periods of time set forth Except only in cases of products not manufactured by Hypertherm or
herein and as follows: if Hypertherm is notified of a defect (i) with respect manufactured by a person other than Hypertherm not in strict conformity
to the plasma power supply within a period of two (2) years from the date with Hypertherm’s specifications and in cases of designs, processes,
of its delivery to you, with the exception of Powermax brand power formulae, or combinations not developed or purported to be developed
supplies, which shall be within a period of three (3) years from the date of by Hypertherm, Hypertherm will have the right to defend or settle, at its
delivery to you, and (ii) with respect to the torch and leads within a period own expense, any suit or proceeding brought against you alleging that
of one (1) year from its date of delivery to you, with the exception of the the use of the Hypertherm product, alone and not in combination with
HPRXD short torch with integrated lead, which shall be within a period of any other product not supplied by Hypertherm, infringes any patent of
six (6) months from the date of delivery to you, and with respect to torch any third party. You shall notify Hypertherm promptly upon learning of any
lifter assemblies within a period of one (1) year from its date of delivery to action or threatened action in connection with any such alleged
you, and with respect to Automation products one (1) year from its date infringement (and in any event no longer than fourteen (14) days after
of delivery to you, with the exception of the EDGE Pro CNC, learning of any action or threat of action), and Hypertherm’s obligation to
EDGE Pro Ti CNC, MicroEDGE Pro CNC, and ArcGlide THC, which defend shall be conditioned upon Hypertherm’s sole control of, and the
shall be within a period of two (2) years from the date of delivery to you, indemnified party’s cooperation and assistance in, the defense of the
and (iii) with respect to HyIntensity fiber laser components within a claim.
period of two (2) years from the date of its delivery to you, with the
exception of laser heads and beam delivery cables, which shall be within
a period of one (1) year from its date of delivery to you.
Limitation of liability
This warranty shall not apply to any Powermax brand power supplies that In no event shall Hypertherm be liable to any person or entity for
have been used with phase converters. In addition, Hypertherm does not any incidental, consequential direct, indirect, punitive or
warranty systems that have been damaged as a result of poor power exemplary damages (including but not limited to lost profits)
quality, whether from phase converters or incoming line power. This regardless of whether such liability is based on breach of
warranty shall not apply to any product which has been incorrectly contract, tort, strict liability, breach of warranty, failure of
installed, modified, or otherwise damaged. essential purpose, or otherwise, and even if advised of the
possibility of such damages.
Hypertherm provides repair, replacement or adjustment of the Product as
the sole and exclusive remedy, if and only if the warranty set forth herein
properly is invoked and applies. Hypertherm, at its sole option, shall National and local codes
repair, replace, or adjust, free of charge, any defective Products covered
National and local codes governing plumbing and electrical installation
by this warranty which shall be returned with Hypertherm’s prior
shall take precedence over any instructions contained in this manual.
authorization (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), properly
In no event shall Hypertherm be liable for injury to persons or property
packed, to Hypertherm’s place of business in Hanover, New Hampshire,
damage by reason of any code violation or poor work practices.
or to an authorized Hypertherm repair facility, all costs, insurance and
freight pre paid by the customer. Hypertherm shall not be liable for any
repairs, replacement, or adjustments of Products covered by this Liability cap
warranty, except those made pursuant to this paragraph and with
Hypertherm’s prior written consent. In no event shall Hypertherm’s liability, if any, whether such
liability is based on breach of contract, tort, strict liability,
breach of warranties, failure of essential purpose or otherwise,
for any claim, action, suit or proceeding (whether in court,
arbitration, regulatory proceeding or otherwise) arising out of or
relating to the use of the Products exceed in the aggregate the
amount paid for the Products that gave rise to such claim.
Insurance
At all times you will have and maintain insurance in such quantities and
types, and with coverage sufficient and appropriate to defend and to hold
Hypertherm harmless in the event of any cause of action arising from the
use of the products.
Transfer of rights
You may transfer any remaining rights you may have hereunder only in
connection with the sale of all or substantially all of your assets or capital
stock to a successor in interest who agrees to be bound by all of the
terms and conditions of this Warranty. Within thirty (30) days before any
such transfer occurs, you agree to notify in writing Hypertherm, which
reserves the right of approval. Should you fail timely to notify Hypertherm
and seek its approval as set forth herein, the Warranty set forth herein
shall be null and void and you will have no further recourse against
Hypertherm under the Warranty or otherwise.
Introduction
The Hypertherm ArcGlide THC is a voltage sensing, torch height control (THC) system that is designed for plasma
cutting applications on an X-Y cutting machine. The system uses the plasma arc voltage to control the physical distance
between the torch and the workpiece during cutting. Up to 4 ArcGlide systems can be installed on a cutting machine.
The system includes the components shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1
10 9 8
1
7
5
2
3 4
The ArcGlide control module and Ethernet switch should be located in an electrical cabinet that is electrically grounded
and environmentally clean.
The ArcGlide control module houses a micro-controller, I/O board, and a motor drive. This component provides arc
voltage control and interfaces with the torch lifter, the CNC, and the plasma system through standard discrete I/O
interfaces or through the Hypernet® plasma interface board.
Lifter assembly
The torch lifter station, under control of the ArcGlide control module, positions a torch head vertically above the
workpiece.
The HMI includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), operating switches, and a selector knob for THC setup and control. The
HMI is an optional operator interface for adjusting or reading settings.
1. Precise, scaled feedback of the plasma arc voltage to the ArcGlide THC control module.
Hypertherm offers 2 types of plasma interface boards. See Discrete plasma interface board (141094) on page 44 or
Hypernet plasma interface board (141162) on page 45.
An industrial grade Ethernet switch with multiple ports is required in configurations that have more than one cable
connection for Hypernet. See Ethernet switch on page 46 for more information.
Specifications
ArcGlide system
Current rating (selectable)* 2.6 A at 100 VAC – 120 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 1-phase
1.5 A at 200 VAC – 230 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 1-phase**
* To prevent damage to equipment, select the input voltage using the input fuse module on the front of the ArcGlide control module
above the power connector (115 V or 230 V).
** Factory default setting
Figure 2
157.23 mm
(6.19 inch)
206.25 mm
(8.12 inch)
381.00 mm
(15.37 inch)
7.26 kg 358.65 mm
(16.00 lb) (14.12 inch)
The following table lists specifications that are common for all lifter assemblies. Table 1 lists specifications that differ from
the model listed below.
Table 1
Figure 3
151.10 mm 78.70 mm
(5.95 inch) (3.10 inch)
269.20 mm
(10.60 inch)
744.20 mm
(29.30 inch)
50.80 mm
(2.00 inch)
14.00 kg
186.70 mm (30.90 lb)
149.10 mm
(5.87 inch) (7.35 inch)
Figure 4
130.50 mm
(5.14 inch)
117.60 mm
(4.63 inch)
1.91 kg 298.00 mm
(4.20 lb) (11.73 inch)
This plasma interface board is required for configurations that use discrete communication.
Figure 5
127.00 mm
50.80 mm (5.00 inch)
(2.00 inch)
145.29 mm
(5.72 inch)
0.68 kg
(1.50 lb)
27.69 mm
(1.09 inch)
This plasma interface board is required for configurations that use Hypernet communication.
Figure 6
171.45 mm
(6.75 inch)
145.29 mm
(5.72 inch)
0.20 kg
(0.45 lb)
Ethernet switch
If the ArcGlide THC has more than one connection to Hypernet that communicates with either the CNC or the plasma
system, you must include an industrial grade Ethernet switch with multiple ports for communication between these
components.
switch
This switch must be an industrial grade switch that supports shielded Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cable. The Ethernet
should be located in an electrical cabinet that is electrically grounded and environmentally clean.
A plasma arc cutting machine can be configured with the following units:
1 CNC with Hypernet support
Up to 4 plasma systems
4 ArcGlide THC control modules
4 ArcGlide THC lifters
4 ArcGlide TNC HMIs
The total number of Ethernet ports the system requires depends on the number of plasma systems and ArcGlide THCs
installed. Use Table 2 to help determine the number of Ethernet ports the system needs.
Table 2
For each of these components: You need this many Ethernet ports:
CNC 1
For example, a cutting machine with 2 plasma systems + 2 THCs + 2 HMIs + 1 CNC = 7 ports.
Hypernet connections and Ethernet connections to a LAN cannot be made through the same switch. If your cutting
machine is connected to a LAN over Ethernet, you must use a separate Ethernet switch for these connections.
Hypertherm recommends 3 different models of Advantech™ industrial Ethernet switches. These switches are available
from Hypertherm. Table 3 provides details about each model. Choose the switch that fits your needs.
Power input (not included) 12 – 48 VDC redundant dual inputs with twisted pair cable.
Table 4 lists the operating specifications for the recommended Ethernet switches. See the respective Advantech user
manuals for information about installing and operating these switches.
If your cutting machine does not include one of these Advantech Ethernet switches, use the specifications in Table 4 to
select an industrial-grade Ethernet switch that will support your plasma cutting machine.
Electrical protection 4000 VDC Ethernet ESD protection, 3000 VDC surge (EFT) protection for
the power line
ArcGlide communication
Figure 7 through Figure 10 show discrete and Hypernet communication that the ArcGlide THC uses to exchange signals
with the CNC and the plasma system. Use the following table to distinguish between discrete and Hypernet
communication.
Discrete Discrete I/O and serial A dedicated cable to each component from the ArcGlide control
data module; within each cable, there is a dedicated wire for each
signal.
Hypernet Ethernet data packets A standard, Cat5e or Cat6, shielded, Ethernet cable from the
Ethernet switch to each component of the cutting machine.
Both communication styles transmit the same signals. The difference is in the way the signals are “packaged” for
transmission over the two cabling configurations.
Do not use redundant (both discrete and Hypernet) communication between the same two components in the same
ArcGlide configuration.
Hypernet communication
ArcGlide THCs in Hypernet configurations connect to the CNC and plasma system using the Hypernet protocol over
shielded, Ethernet Cat5e or Cat6 cables. Both the CNC and plasma systems in this configuration must have a dedicated,
Hypernet-configured, Ethernet port for these connections.
In addition, a Hypernet configuration must include an industrial-grade Ethernet switch to route communication from the
CNC to the other components in the system.
Each ArcGlide THC component (HMI, control module, and plasma interface board) that is connected to the Hypernet
must have the same Hypernet component address. This address must correspond to the station number for the THC
that is selected in Phoenix, on the Station Configuration screen. See Assign an ArcGlide THC to a station on page 125
for more information.
Figure 7
Station 1
Lifter
HPR plasma system
Key:
Hypernet connection
Discrete connection
In a Hypernet configuration, serial communication is carried on the Hypernet cable between the CNC and the ArcGlide
THC and the ArcGlide plasma interface board in the plasma system. Within the plasma system, serial communication is
carried between the ArcGlide plasma interface board and the plasma control board by a serial cable (123760).
ArcGlide
ArcGlide plasma Plasma
CNC
interface control board
board
Hypernet Hypernet RS-422
Cat5e or Cat6 Cat5e or Cat6
Discrete communication
In a discrete configuration, signals are routed through the ArcGlide control module. Each component in the configuration,
except the HMI, is connected to the ArcGlide control module with discrete cables. The HMI communicates with the
control module using the Hypernet protocol over a shielded, Ethernet Cat5e or Cat6 cable.
Figure 8
Lifter
Plasma system
HMI
Key:
Hypernet connection
Discrete connection
Mixed communication
In a mixed configuration, Hypernet communication is used between the ArcGlide control module and CNC or plasma
system and discrete communication is used for the alternate connection from the ArcGlide control module. When the
HMI is included, it must be connected to the ArcGlide control module with a Hypernet connection. See Figure 9 and
Figure 10 for details.
Figure 9
Lifter
Plasma system
Discrete plasma
ArcGlide control module
interface board
HMI
Figure 10
Lifter
Plasma system
Hypernet plasma
Ethernet switch
interface board
HMI
Key:
Hypernet connection
Discrete connection
Serial communication
The ArcGlide THC supports an optional serial interface to a non-Hypernet CNC. See ArcGlide THC Serial
Communication Installation on page 269 for more information on serial communication.
Hardware setup
After you receive your new equipment:
Make sure that all items on your order have been received in good condition. Contact your table manufacturer if any
parts are damaged or missing.
Inspect the system components for damage that may have occurred during shipping. See Claims if there is evidence
of damage. All communications regarding this equipment must include the model number and the serial number
located on the back of the unit.
Before you set up and operate this Hypertherm system, read Safety on page 13 for important safety information.
Claims
Claims for damage during shipment – If your unit was damaged during shipment, you must file a claim with the
carrier. Hypertherm will furnish you with a copy of the bill of lading upon request. If you need additional assistance,
call the nearest Hypertherm office listed in the front of this manual.
Claims for defective or missing merchandise – If any of the components are missing or defective, contact your
table manufacturer. If you need additional assistance, call the nearest Hypertherm office listed in the front of this
manual.
Installation requirements
All installation and service of the electrical system must conform to national and local electrical codes. This work should
be performed only by qualified, licensed personnel.
Direct any technical questions to the nearest Hypertherm Technical Service office listed in the front of this manual, or to
your table manufacturer.
Place all system components in position prior to making electrical and interface connections.
Ground all system components to earth. See Recommended grounding and shielding practices on page 55 for more
information.
WARNING!
ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN KILL
Introduction
This section describes practices for grounding and shielding to protect a plasma cutting system against radio frequency
interference (RFI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) (also called noise). It also describes the DC power ground and
the service ground. The diagram at the end of this section shows these types of grounds in a plasma cutting system.
The grounding practices in this section have been used on many installations with excellent results, and Hypertherm
recommends that these practices be a routine part of the installation process. The actual methods used to implement
these practices may vary from system to system, but should remain as consistent as possible. However, due to the
variation in equipment and installations, these grounding practices may not succeed in every case to eliminate RFI/EMI
noise issues.
Types of grounding
Service ground (also called safety ground or potential earth (PE) ground) is the grounding system that applies to the
incoming line voltage. It prevents a shock hazard to any personnel from any of the equipment or the cutting table. It
includes the service ground coming into the plasma system and other systems such as the CNC and the motor drives, as
well as the supplemental ground rod connected to the cutting table. In the plasma circuits, the ground is carried from the
plasma system chassis to the chassis of each separate console through the interconnecting cables.
DC power ground (also called cutting current ground) is the grounding system that completes the path of the cutting
current from the torch back to the plasma system. It requires that the positive lead from the plasma system be firmly
connected to the cutting table ground bus with a properly sized cable. It also requires that the slats, on which the
workpiece rests, make firm contact with the table and the workpiece.
RFI and EMI grounding and shielding is the grounding system that limits the amount of electrical noise emitted by
the plasma and motor drive systems. It also limits the amount of noise that is received by the CNC and other control and
measurement circuits. The grounding practices described in this section mainly target RFI and EMI grounding and
shielding.
Grounding practices
1. Unless noted, use only 16 mm2 (6 AWG) welding cables (047040) for the EMI ground cables shown on the diagram
at the end of this section.
2. The cutting table is used for the common, or star, EMI ground point and should have threaded studs welded to the
table with a copper bus bar mounted on them. A separate bus bar should be mounted on the gantry as close to
each motor as possible. If there are motors at each end of the gantry, run a separate EMI ground cable from the
far motor to the gantry bus bar. The gantry bus bar should have a separate, heavy EMI ground cable 21.2 mm2
(4 AWG; 047031) to the table bus bar. The EMI ground cables for the torch lifter and the RHF console must each
run separately to the table ground bus.
3. A ground rod that meets all applicable local and national electrical codes must be installed within 6 m (20 ft) of the
cutting table. This is a PE ground and should be connected to the cutting table ground bus bar using 16 mm2
(6 AWG) green and yellow grounding cable (047121) or equivalent.
4. For the most effective shielding, use the Hypertherm CNC interface cables for I/O signals, serial communication
signals, between plasma systems in multi-drop connections, and for interconnections between all parts of the
Hypertherm system.
5. All hardware used in the ground system must be brass or copper. While you can use steel studs welded to the
cutting table for mounting the ground bus, no other aluminum or steel hardware can be used in the ground system.
6. AC power, PE, and service grounds must be connected to all equipment according to local and national codes.
7. For a system with a remote high frequency console (RHF), the positive, negative, and pilot arc leads should be
bundled together for as long a distance as possible. The torch lead, work lead, and the pilot arc (nozzle) leads may be
run parallel to other wires or cables only if they are separated by at least 150 mm (6 inches). If possible, run power
and signal cables in separate cable tracks.
8. For a system with an RHF console, the ignition console should be mounted as closely as possible to the torch, and
must have a separate ground cable that connects directly to the cutting table ground bus bar.
9. Each Hypertherm component, as well as any other CNC or motor drive cabinet or enclosure, must have a separate
ground cable to the common (star) ground on the table. This includes the ignition console, whether it is bolted to the
plasma system or to the cutting table.
10. The metal braided shield on the torch lead must be connected firmly to the ignition console and to the torch. It must
be electrically insulated from any metal and from any contact with the floor or building. The torch lead can be run in a
plastic cable tray or track, or covered with a plastic or leather sheath.
11. The torch holder and the torch breakaway mechanism – the part mounted to the lifter, not the part mounted to the
torch – must be connected to the stationary part of the lifter with copper braid at least 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) wide. A
separate cable must run from the lifter to the gantry ground bus bar. The valve assembly should also have a separate
ground connection to the gantry ground bus bar.
12. If the gantry runs on rails that are not welded to the table, then each rail must be connected with a ground cable from
the end of the rail to the table. The rail ground cables connect directly to the table and do not need to connect to the
table ground bus bar.
13. If you are installing a voltage divider board, mount it as closely as possible to where the arc voltage is sampled.
One recommended location is inside the plasma system enclosure. If a Hypertherm voltage divider board is used, the
output signal is isolated from all other circuits. The processed signal should be run in twisted shielded cable
(Belden 1800F or equivalent). Use a cable with a braided shield, not a foil shield. Connect the shield to the chassis
of the plasma system and leave it unconnected at the other end.
14. All other signals (analog, digital, serial, and encoder) should run in twisted pairs inside a shielded cable. Connectors
on these cables should have a metal housing. The shield, not the drain, should be connected to the metal housing of
the connector at each end of the cable. Never run the shield or the drain through the connector on any of the pins.
The following picture shows an example of a cutting table ground bus. The components shown here may differ from your
system.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 Gantry ground bus
2 Ground rod
3 Plasma system lead (+)
4 Remote high frequency (RHF) console
5 CNC enclosure
6 Torch holder
7 Plasma system chassis
The following picture shows an example of a gantry ground bus. It is bolted to the gantry, close to the motor. All of the
individual ground cables from the components mounted on the gantry connect to the bus. A single heavy cable then
connects the gantry ground bus to the table ground bus.
1 2
The following diagram shows an example of grounding the components in a plasma cutting system.
6 7 8 9 10
5
12
11
3 13
AC earth ground
HMI (optional)
Industrial Ethernet
switch
ArcGlide lifter
For information on multi-drop configurations, refer to the instruction manual for your plasma system.
Figure 12
Key:
Hypernet connection ––––––
Discrete connection ——————
ArcGlide control module
CNC
ArcGlide lifter
Plasma system
Table 5
Drawing
number and Connection to plasma Connection to CNC
page
3 Discrete to HPR or HPRXD plasma system with Discrete to a CNC with a Picopath interface.
page 65 plasma interface board 141094. Serial cable from CNC to plasma system, supplied
by the table manufacturer.
4 Discrete to HPR or HPRXD plasma system with Discrete to third party CNC. Serial cable from
page 66 plasma interface board 141094. CNC to plasma system, supplied by the table
manufacturer.
5 Discrete to HPR400XD or HPR800XD plasma Discrete to third party CNC. Serial cable from
page 67 system with plasma interface board 141094. CNC to plasma system, supplied by the table
manufacturer.
6 Discrete to HPR or HPRXD plasma system with plasma interface board141094, showing circuits,
page 68 signals, and connections to terminal blocks.
7 Discrete to HSD130 plasma system with the Discrete to a CNC with a Picopath interface.
page 69 plasma interface board 141094, machine interface
cable (123209) from the plasma interface board to
the control board in the plasma system.
8 Discrete to MAX 200, HT2000 or HT2000 LHF Discrete to a CNC with a Picopath interface.
page 70 plasma system with plasma interface board
141094. 1 X 6 interface cable between the
plasma interface board and plasma system.
9 Discrete to MAX 200, HT2000 or HT2000 LHF plasma system with plasma interface board 141094,
page 71 showing circuits, signals, and connections to terminal blocks.
10 Discrete to Powermax plasma systems with Discrete to a CNC with a Picopath interface.
page 72 plasma interface board 141094 and Powermax
interface cable 023206 between the plasma
interface board and the Powermax plasma system.
Drawing
number and Connection to plasma Connection to CNC
page
12 Discrete communication to any plasma system with plasma interface board 141094, showing circuits,
page 74 signals, and connections to terminal blocks.
WARNING!
SHOCK HAZARD, ENERGY HAZARD, AND FIRE HAZARD
Connecting directly to the plasma circuit for access to raw arc voltage increases the risk of shock
hazard, energy hazard, and fire hazard in the event of a single fault. The output voltage and the output
current of the circuit are specified on the data plate.
The output of the internal voltage divider board is designed to prevent shock, energy and fire hazards, and is intended
to satisfy most codes and standards for external wiring outside the electrical enclosure.
All external wiring practices for an unprotected raw arc voltage should be reviewed and approved by the local
inspection authorities at the time of installation prior to operation and use. Raw arc voltage wiring terminals and
connections should not be exposed to accidental contact under normal and single fault conditions. External wiring
from an unprotected (that is, no voltage divider used in the power source) raw arc voltage routed inside conduit
between electrical enclosures will normally satisfy all electrical codes and standards worldwide. Failure to address
the hazards associated with live contact, accessibility and single fault failures to this unprotected output can result in
death or fire.
Awiring
voltage divider board inside the CNC protects only the CNC and does NOT protect the external interconnecting
between the power source and the CNC. Overcurrent protection may be required to protect the user or machine
in fault conditions.
External wiring outside the electrical enclosure should be suitable for the installation and meet national and local
regulations (for example, NFPA 70 NEC, NFPA 79, Canadian Electrical Code, CSA/CAN E60974-1, IEC 60204-1,
BS 7671) or other codes or standards applicable to the installed site where the equipment will be operated.
1 – Multiple ArcGlide THCs with Hypernet connection to a Hypernet-enabled CNC and HPR or HPRXD plasma system
Rotary address switch, set to 1
ArcGlide control module
Interlock
Rotary address switch,
set to 2 Lifter I/O cable
Shielded Ethernet cables, up to 61 m
Optional ArcGlide HMI (200 feet) long Rotary address switch,
set to 2
ArcGlide control module
Interlock
Shielded Ethernet cables, up to 61 m
Lifter I/O cable
(200 feet) long
Hypernet
Hypernet plasma interface board
Hypernet plasma interface board (141162) installed in the plasma system
(141162) installed in the plasma system (below)
(below)
HPR130/HPR260
HPR130XD/HPR260XD
HPR400XD/HPR800XD
with built-in Hypernet adapter or optional
Hypernet kit ArcGlide lifters
(228611) or (228604)
2 – ArcGlide THC with Hypernet connection to a Hypernet-enabled CNC and discrete connection to an HPR130/260 or HPR130/260XD plasma system
Hypernet
DB50
ArcGlide lifter
3 – ArcGlide THC with discrete connection to a Picopath interface CNC and HPR130/260 or HPR130/260XD plasma system
Rotary address switch, set to 1
Axes 3, 4
Axes 1, 2
I/O
CNC I/O cable
To CNC RS-422 serial port,
terminate as required
RS-422 serial port Lifter I/O cable
DB37 (female)
DB37 (male)
4 – ArcGlide THC with discrete connection to a generic CNC and HPR130/260 or HPR130/260XD plasma system
Rotary address switch, set to 1 Rotary address switch,
Optional ArcGlide HMI set to 1
Axes 3, 4
Axes 1, 2
I/O
CNC I/O cable
To CNC RS-422 serial port,
terminate as required
Lifter I/O cable
DB37 (female)
Plasma I/O cable
DB37 (male)
5 – ArcGlide THC with discrete connection to a generic CNC and HPR400/800XD plasma system
Axes 3, 4
Axes 1, 2
I/O
CNC I/O cable
DB37 (female)
Arc voltage
sense wires
Discrete plasma interface board
(141094)
ArcGlide lifter
DB50
(male)
6 – Discrete plasma interface board with connection to an HPR or HPRXD plasma system
J2-16
+24V THC 16 Field +24 V out
J2-16 FOR I/O USE IF NEEDED
16 Not connected J2-15
500MA MAX 15 Field +24 V out
J2-15
FUTURE USE 15 Not connected
J2 Inputs J3 Outputs J2-14
14 Common
J2-14 14 Common J2-13
16 16 13 Common
15 J2-13 FIELD COMMON
15
14 14
13 Common
D1
13 13 J2-12
PLASMA ON 12 Common
12 12
J2-11
11 11 11 Common J3-12
10 10 D2
J2-10
9 9 PLASMA STRT 10 Common REMOTE ON 12 Remote ON B
FIELD COMMON
Electrode - 8 8 RELAY J3-11 11 Remote ON A
7 7
D3
6 6
ARC XFER
5 5
4 4 J2-9
Work + 3 3 D4
9 Spare in J3-10
2 2 THC ON SPARE 10 Spare out B
1 1 RELAY J3-9 9 Spare out A
J2-8
FIELD COMMON 8 Common
24V *
PULL UP J3-8
PLASMA START
8 Plasma Start**
J2-7
7 Not ready RELAY J3-7 7 Plasma Start A**
Discrete plasma interface board (141094)
J2-6
FIELD COMMON 6 Common
J3-6
HOLD
6 Hold B
24V *
PULL UP RELAY J3-5 5 Hold A
Arc voltage sense wires to J2-5
5 Rampdown error
plasma system, use ~0.9 mm2
(18 AWG) twisted pair wire, J3-4
rated 600 V or greater. J2-4 PIERCE 4 Pierce B
FIELD COMMON 4 Common
To terminal block 2, RELAY J3-3 3 Pierce A
pins 1 and 3 24V *
PULL UP
J2-3 J3-2
3 Error
CORNER 2 Corner B
RELAY J3-1 1 Corner A
J2-2
FIELD COMMON 2 Common
24V *
To plasma system Electrode- PULL UP
** Motion and Start are the minimum connections. Use other signals if they are
J2-1
1 Motion** supported by the plasma system.
To plasma system Work+
* 24 V pull-up resistors on inputs are active only if they are set to dry (D) on the ArcGlide control module
7 – ArcGlide THC with discrete communication to a Picopath interface CNC and HSD130 plasma system
Axes 3, 4
Axes 1, 2
Lifter I/O cable
DB50 (male)
DB37
Arc voltage sense wires to plasma system, use ~0.9 mm2 (18 AWG) twisted pair wire,
Plasma interface board (141094), mounted externally by the customer
rated 600 V or greater.
8 – ArcGlide THC with discrete connections to a Picopath interface CNC and MAX200, HT2000, or HT2000 LHF plasma system
Axes 3, 4
Axes 1, 2
MAX200
Shielded Ethernet cable
I/O
MACHINE
Discrete plasma
interface board
(141094)
ArcGlide lifter
Arc voltage sense wires to plasma system, use ~0.9 mm2 (18 AWG) twisted pair wire,
rated 600 V or greater.
9 – Discrete plasma interface board with connection to MAX200, HT2000, or HT2000 LHF plasma system
J3-5
Hold A - White
1
IHS SYNC +24V
HOLD IGNITION
RELAY 5 HOLD
J3-6
Electrode - 8 Hold B- Black
7 COMMON
6
5
Work + 24V
2 PULL UP
1 Remove J2-1 Motion - Red 36(37)
MACHINE MOTION
J2-2 31(32) DELAYED
FIELD COMMON Common - Blue
Replace with
bushing (008245) ( ) - FOR HT2000, HT2000LHF
Hold B Black 5 86
1X6
Motion Red 36 (37*) 84
Common Blue 31 (32*) 85
Ring terminal to ground stud Shield wire No connection To plasma system
Electrode -
Set plasma inputs to dry (D) using the input switch on the control module. ( * ) For HT2000, HT2000LHF
Optional ArcGlide HMI ArcGlide control module Rotary address switch, set to 1
Shielded Ethernet cable
Axes 1, 2
I/O
Terminal blocks on the CNC I/O cable
discrete plasma interface Powermax machine interface
board connector
Start - Green
J3-7 3
+24V Electrode - J2 J3
Plasma I/O cable
PLASMA START
RELAY 4 START
J3-8
Start - Black COMMON Work +
8
7
24V
PULL UP
Motion - Red Discrete plasma interface
J2-1 12 2 board (141094)
1
MACHINE MOTION
J2-2 14
FIELD COMMON Common - ArcGlide lifter
Black
Powermax machine interface cable
(023206)
Arc voltage sense wires to plasma system.
Use ~0.9 mm2 (18 AWG) twisted pair wire,
rated 600 V or greater.
ORG
J17
J11
Motion A Red 12
Common Black 14
RED
J18
Powermax Powermax
Arc voltage
1000/1230/1650 65/85/105/125
J27
J26
J15 1000/1230/1650 Electrode- 0.9 mm (18 AWG)
2 J16
J28
WORK
LEAD
J16
Work+ 0.9 mm2 (18 AWG) J15
65/85 CSA Electrode- 0.9 mm2 (18 AWG) J28
Powermax Powermax Work+ J26
65/85/105/125 1000/1230/1650 65/85 CE Electrode- See Field Service Bulletin J29
Work+ Machine Interface for J27
105/125 CSA or CE Electrode- Raw Arc Voltage J28
For Work and Electrode connections, see the table at right.
Work+ (807060) J27
Set dry contacts by sliding Picopath CNC end A ArcGlide control module end B
the switch to D.
DS DS 24V
Picopath interface CNC CNC PLASMA
PULL UP
OUTPUT 12 32 CYCLE START 1
24V
PULL UP
OUTPUT 11 31 IHS SYNC 7
24V
PULL UP
Axes 3, 4 OUTPUT 10 30 AVC DISABLE 5
12 MOTION 17
+24V
ArcGlide control module INPUT 12 CUT/MARK
Axes 1, 2 18 SENSE
JUMPER 29
COMMON
A INTERLOCK
25
24V
CNC I/O cable INPUT 26
37 31
24V COMMON COMMON
End A of the Hypertherm ArcGlide CNC I/O cable is terminated during installation and will work only if the I/O setup in Phoenix software corresponds to the setup End B of the Hypertherm ArcGlide CNC I/O cable is terminated at the
described in this half of this table. factory as described in this half of the table.
Pin No. Function* Phoenix mapping name Wire color* Pin No. Signal
32 Output 12 Cut Control Red 1 Cycle start input +
31 Output 11 Hold Ignition Blue 7 IHS sync input +
30 Output 10 Torch Height Disable Green 5 AVC disable input +
12 Input 12** Cut/Mark Sense Green 17 Machine motion output A
Red 18 Machine motion output B
Jumper blue and red, pins 18 and 29.
Blue 29 Common
11 Input 11** Torch Collision Yellow 21 Torch breakaway output A
Red 22 Torch breakaway output B
Jumper red and green, pins 22 and 30.
Green 30 Common
Orange 25 Interlock input + **
External switch Satisfy with switch or jumper.
Red 26 Interlock input - **
37 24 V common Yellow 31 Common
Backshell Chassis ground Drain wire Ring terminal Chassis ground
* This example uses CNC outputs 10, 11, 12, and inputs 11 and 12. Assign the I/O points in the Phoenix software. * Multiple wires are the same color. Verify pin-to-pin connections before plugging cables into equipment.
** Set ArcGlide plasma inputs to dry (D) using the plasma input switch on the THC processor board in the control module. ** ArcGlide interlock must be closed to enable ArcGlide motion.
No connection J3 Outputs
24V
J2-9 J3-10
9 Spare in 10 Spare out B
SPARE
RELAY J3-9 9 Spare out A
J2-8
FIELD COMMON 8 Common
24V * J3-8
PULL UP 8 Plasma Start**
PLASMA START
J2-7 RELAY J3-7 7 Plasma Start A**
7 Not ready
J2-6 J3-6
FIELD COMMON 6 Common
HOLD
6 Hold B
24V * RELAY J3-5 5 Hold A
PULL UP
J2-5
5 Rampdown error
J3-4
PIERCE 4 Pierce B
To plasma system FIELD COMMON
J2-4 RELAY J3-3 3 Pierce A
4 Common
machine interface
24V *
PULL UP
J3-2
J2-3 2 Corner B
3 Error CORNER
To plasma system Electrode - RELAY J3-1 1 Corner A
Arc voltage sense wires to plasma system.
Use ~0.9 mm2 (18 AWG) twisted pair wire, FIELD COMMON
J2-2
2 Common
rated 600 V or greater.
To plasma system Work + 24V *
PULL UP
** Motion and Start are the minimum connections. Use other signals if they
J2-1 are supported by the plasma system.
1 Motion**
* 24 V pull-up resistors on inputs are active only if they are set to dry (D) on the THC processor board in the control module.
13 – ArcGlide THC with Hypernet connection to an EDGE Pro CNC and MAXPRO200 plasma system
Rotary address switch, set to 1 ArcGlide control module Rotary address switch, set to 1
Interlock
Hypernet
ArcGlide lifter
MAXPRO200 with built-in Hypernet adapter
or optional Hypernet kit (428276)
14 – ArcGlide THC with discrete connection to a Picopath interface CNC and MAXPRO200 plasma system
I/O
MAXPRO200
Yellow/black 26- wire Terminal strip
Figure 13
Level
2 4
Side panel Side panel
Figure 14
Lifter motor
To connect the ohmic wire from an HPRXD torch to the ArcGlide lifter:
2. Disconnect the existing ohmic wire from the J5 connector on the underside of the lifter interface board.
3. Remove the ohmic wire from the motor compartment of the lifter.
4. Cut the terminal end off the ohmic wire from the HPRXD torch and strip 5 mm (0.2 inch) of the covering.
5. Insert the end of the ohmic wire from the HPRXD system through the grommet in the bottom of the motor
compartment of the lifter.
6. Insert the stripped HPRXD ohmic wire into the J5 connector on the underside of the lifter interface board.
7. Use cable ties to fasten the wire to the mounts on the inside back wall of the lifter compartment.
If your plasma system is not an HPRXD system, connect the ArcGlide ohmic
wire to the torch:
1. Unfasten the cable tie around the coiled ohmic wire and straighten the
ohmic wire.
2. Install the free end of the ohmic wire on the IHS tab on the torch retaining
cap.
Ohmic wire
2
Ground the lifter
The lifter must be grounded correctly to make sure the lifter performs
accurate initial height sense (IHS).
2. Fit the terminal on the ground wire over the grounding post.
3. Replace the bottom nut and washer on the ground post and
finger-tighten it so the terminal is in contact with the washer and
bottom nut.
4. Connect the other end of the ground wire to a terminal on the table
ground bus bar on the cutting machine.
5. Verify that the wire is not in the path of the lifter mechanics
An extended torch sleeve (220790) is available for torches used with HPR130XD, HPR260XD, HPR400XD, and
HPR800XD plasma systems. This torch sleeve extends the reach of the torch tip 127.00 mm (5.00 inches) and increases
the mounting flexibility of your cutting machine setup.
For additional stability, clamp the torch body as close to the torch tip as possible.
Extended torch sleeve options for the MAXPRO200 plasma system are 220942 and 220943.
Figure 15
ArcGlide and HPRXD torch (228354) ArcGlide and HPRXD torch (228354)
with standard sleeve with extended sleeve (220790)
228.60 mm
(9.00 inch) 355.60 mm
(14.00 inch)
127.00 mm
(5.00 inch)
228.60 mm
(9.00 inch)
111.76 mm 355.60 mm
(4.40 inch) 239 mm (14.00 inch)
(9.40 inch)
Installing the torch breakaway kit on the lifter assembly also requires using parts of the torch mounting block kit of the
proper diameter.
The maximum inlet pressure of the pressure regulator is 10.2 bar (150 psi). Typically, the maximum inlet pressure
should be set at 6.9 bar (100 psi).
The routing of the leads, stall force, IHS speed, and acceleration or deceleration movements can affect the pressure
setting required to achieve reliable operation.
If air pressure is removed, the breakaway must be manually repositioned when air is applied. The breakaway will not
rest in its position when air pressure is lost.
Figure 16
Pin 4
Pin 1 Pin 3
Wire to emergency stop
circuit
33.34 mm Tubing
(1.31 inch)
Brown = 4 Blue = 3 (not connected)
Filter/regulator
Black = 1
Inlet port 0.25 inch NPTF*
6.9 bar (100 psi)
1. Mount the fiberglass bracket to the lifter using the 4 hexagonal screws.
3. Attach the torch mounting block to the breakaway with the collar and 2 screws.
4. Wire the electrical output of the breakaway to the torch collision input of the CNC.
7. Install the air supply to the filter/regulator inlet port at 6.9 bar (100 psi), the recommended pressure.
8. Adjust the filter/regulator to indicate 2 bar (30 psi), the recommended starting pressure, on the gauge. Typical
operating pressure is 2.75 bar to 4 bar (40 psi to 60 psi)
11. Adjust the air pressure until the desired trip force is achieved.
12. Enable the emergency stop circuit at the CNC after the breakaway is installed.
Figure 17
381.00 mm 168.91 mm
(15.37 inch) (6.65 inch)
71.63 mm
(2.82 inch)
107.95 mm
(4.25 inch)
25.40 mm 157.23 mm
358.65 mm
(1.00 inch) (6.19 inch)
(14.12 inch)
Front view
166.62 mm
(6.56 inch)
Right side view
371.35 mm
(14.62 inch)
165.00 mm
(6.50 inch)
377.70 mm
(14.87 inch)
Rear view
2. Connect the end of the lifter interface cable with the red band to the connector marked Lifter (with the red circle).
See Connect Hypernet cables on page 92 or Connect discrete cables on page 95 for more information.
3. Attach one end of the power cord to the AC power connector on the front of the control module. Prepare the other
end for the 100 VAC – 120 VAC or 200 VAC – 230 VAC power outlet.
If you are installing an ArcGlide THC with an HT2000 plasma system, set switch 1 on the auxiliary DIP switch options
( 1 ) to ON on the THC processor board (228578) in the control module. This setting modifies Retract Delay Time for
correct operation.
Figure 18
1 2
1. Remove the top nut and washer of the grounding assembly on the front of the control module.
3. Replace the top nut and washer on the ground post and finger-tighten it so the terminal is in contact with the washer
and the bottom nut.
4. Connect the other end of the ground wire to a terminal on the table ground bus bar on the cutting machine.
See Recommended grounding and shielding practices on page 55 for more information.
Figure 19
See Operating the control module on page 135 for more information.
Figure 20
130.58 mm
(5.14 inch)
101.60 mm
298.00 mm (4.00 inch)
(11.73 inch)
65.00 mm
(2.50 inch)
5.00 mm
(0.20 inch)
diameter
The mounting brackets on the top and bottom of the HMI allow you to install it singly or stacked, under or on another
piece of equipment, and level or tilted. See Figure 21.
Figure 21
2. Place the mounting bracket on the surface where you will mount the HMI and attach the bracket with screws through
the holes in the bottom of the bracket.
3. Remount the HMI in the mounting bracket by loosely fastening the screws through the sides of the bracket into the
top or bottom holes in the sides of the HMI.
4. Adjust the HMI to the angle you want it and tighten the screws.
5. Attach one end of the power cord to the AC power connector on the back of the HMI. Prepare the other end for the
100 VAC – 120 VAC or 200 – 230 VAC power outlet.
You can also mount the HMI on top of the EDGE Pro CNC. The
EDGE Pro enclosure has 4 mounting holes for the HMI bracket.
Use 4 10-32 x 1/2 inch screws to fasten the HMI to the EDGE Pro
CNC enclosure.
1. Remove the top nut and washer of the grounding assembly on the back of the HMI.
3. Replace the top nut and the washer on the ground post and finger-tighten it so the terminal is in contact with the
washer and bottom nut.
4. Connect the other end of the ground wire to a terminal on the gantry ground bus bar of the cutting machine.
See Recommended grounding and shielding practices on page 55 for more information.
Figure 22
If you are replacing a Command THC with an ArcGlide THC, you must replace the Command THC plasma interface
board in your plasma system with an ArcGlide plasma interface board.
The discrete plasma interface board is mounted in an enclosure that is installed in your plasma system, either internally or
externally. For specific instructions and safety-related information about mounting the enclosure, refer to the manual that
came with your plasma system.
Figure 23
114.30 mm
(4.50 inch)
152.40 mm
(6.00 inch)
See Discrete plasma interface board (141094) on page 224 for information about electrical installation.
The Hypernet plasma interface board is mounted inside an HPRXD plasma system on standoffs built into the plasma
system, as shown in Figure 24.
Figure 24
Hypernet plasma
interface board
See Hypernet plasma interface board (141162) on page 228 for information about electrical installation.
In this type of configuration, Hypernet connections are made from the ArcGlide control module directly to the Ethernet
switch and from there to the CNC or plasma system. See Figure 11 on page 59 for an example.
Each unit assigned to a station must have the same Hypernet address. This common address between units allows
the Ethernet switch to direct communications to the appropriate station. See Figure 25 for an example.
Figure 25
Station 1
Lifter
HPR plasma system
Station 2
HMI ArcGlide control module
HPR plasma system
Hypernet address: 2 Hypernet address: 2
Hypernet plasma interface
board
Lifter Hypernet address: 2
Key:
Hypernet connection
Discrete connection
Hypernet connections and Ethernet connection to a LAN cannot be made through the same switch. If your cutting
machine is connected to a LAN over Ethernet, you must use a separate Ethernet switch for these connections.
Figure 26
To Ethernet switch power supply 1
+ - + -
6 5 4 3 2 1
+
PWR1 1A @24V PWR2
Power connections to the Ethernet switch Hypernet connections to the Ethernet switch
It is also possible to have a mixed Hypernet and discrete configuration in which the ArcGlide THC communicates with
only the CNC or plasma system over Hypernet and uses discrete communication for the alternate connection. See Mixed
communication on page 51.
Use the portions of the following instructions that apply to your configuration.
To the Ethernet
switch
To the Ethernet
switch
It is also possible to have a mixed Hypernet and discrete configuration in which the ArcGlide THC communicates with the
CNC or the plasma system over a discrete connection and uses Hypernet communication for the remaining connection.
In configurations where there is more than one connection of Hypernet, an industrial-grade Ethernet switch is required for
the Hypernet connections.
Use the portions of the following instructions that apply to your configuration.
Each port on the front of the control module is color-coded to match the connector on the interface cable that connects
to it, as shown in the illustrations for each cable later in this section.
the
To extract pins and sockets from the Amp style connectors used to create and troubleshoot discrete I/O cables, use
AMP pin extractor tool (008197).
See Recommended grounding and shielding practices on page 55 for more information on
system grounding.
2. Fit the ground wire terminal on the cable over the grounding post.
3. Replace the top nut and the washer on the ground post and finger-tighten it so the
terminal is in contact with the washer and bottom nut.
See Plasma interface I/O cable on page 110 for more information.
Discrete connection to the plasma
system
5. See Install the lifter on page 77 for more information on connecting the
ArcGlide lifter to the control module.
Cables
Power cable
An AC power cable is standard equipment for North America, and is shipped with the ArcGlide THC. For other regions,
use a power cable that has an IEC-60320-C13 end which meets the requirements of local code and power connections.
To make a power cable, use the power connector (108842) that ships with the ArcGlide THC and connect a 3-wire
cable for line, neutral, and ground signals according to local electrical codes. Figure 27 shows examples of how power
cables can be made.
Figure 27
Customer-supplied power 220 VAC
Red band
Diameter = 20.07 mm (0.79 inch)
Bend radius = 150.00 mm (6.00 inch)
In a Hypernet or mixed configuration where there is more than one Hypernet connection, use these cables to connect the
components of the system to the Ethernet switch.
If you use Ethernet cable from another supplier, make sure that the cable is a standard, shielded RJ-45 Cat5e or Cat6
cable.
Green band
Diameter = 7.36 mm (0.29 inch)
Bend radius = 152.40 mm (6.00 inch)
See Optional operator console I/O signals on page 103 for more information about discrete
operator console I/O signals.
7 White/black Common
The following discrete signals are used between the control module and the optional, customized operator console:
Manual Disable Switch: When this switch is active, its contact input signal indicates that the cutting station connected
to this THC is disabled and will not operate when an active Cut Control command is issued from the CNC.
If the plasma system is capable of turning OFF remotely, then it will be turned OFF whenever this disable
switch is active. When neither the Manual Disable nor Manual Select inputs are active, the CNC can select
the individual stations under program control.
Manual Select Switch: This switch’s contact input signal indicates that the connected station will be manually forced
into the active state and will operate when an active Cut Control command is issued from the CNC. When
the Manual Disable or Manual Select inputs are inactive, the CNC can select the individual stations under
part program control.
Torch UP Switch: This is a switch contact input signal that raises the torch. This input raises the torch manually if the
torch is not cutting. The manual motion starts as a 0.01-inch jog; after a 1/2 second, the motion remains at
the slow speed. After an additional second, the motion accelerates to the intermediate programmed speed.
If the torch is in the process of cutting, this input increases the voltage setpoint at a rate of 0.2 V every
1/4 second.
Torch DOWN Switch: This is a switch contact input signal that can be used to lower the connected torch. This input will
cause the torch to lower manually. The manual motion starts as a 0.01-inch jog; after 1/2 second, the motion
remains at the slow IHS speed. After an additional second, the motion accelerates to the intermediate
programmed speed. If the torch is in the process of cutting, this input decreases the voltage setpoint at a
rate of 0.2 V every 1/4 second.
As part of a motion control system, the ArcGlide has an interlock to enable and disable Z-axis motion. This interlock must
be wired correctly and according to the appropriate national and local codes to allow the quick stop of motion.
A closed circuit between pins 25 and 26 is required to satisfy the interlock circuit and enable
the Z-axis motion of the ArcGlide.
The interlock kit includes the connector, backshell, and pins that are necessary to build the interlock.
Yellow band
Diameter = 13.72 mm (0.54 inch)
Bend radius = 152.40 mm (6 inch)
See CNC discrete I/O on page 108 for more information about discrete CNC I/O signals.
All ArcGlide CNC inputs can be configured for dry contact closures or 12 – 24 V sourced inputs.
All ArcGlide CNC inputs can be configured for dry contact closures or 12 V – 24 V sourced inputs.
29 Blue Common
30 Green Common
31 Yellow Common
32 Green Common
36 Not connected
37 Not connected
* Pin numbers are the same on both ends of the cable.
** The circuit is closed if a jumper is used.
CNC inputs have two different modes that are selected using switches behind the calibration and setup door. The inputs
can be configured for dry contacts (no external voltage), or for positive voltage sourced inputs.
If the THC control module interface is configured with dry contacts, the operation of LEDs on the discrete plasma
interface board is reversed and the LEDs turn OFF when input is active. With sourced inputs, LEDs turn ON when an
input is active.
Ifsignals
the Hypernet interface to the CNC is used, only the interlock input signal must be wired on this connector. If discrete
are used, the required discrete signals on this connector must be connected.
Figure 28
This connector has a yellow ring. Calibration and setup door Dry or sourced CNC input switch
All the required discrete interface signals are described below. All other signals are optional for multiple torch operation,
improved performance, or reduction in cycle times.
Cut Control: This is a required output from the CNC and an input to the ArcGlide. The CNC should activate this signal
to begin a plasma cut. This signal begins the entire process of IHS, Plasma Start and Motion, and Automatic
Voltage Control (AVC) followed by a retract at the end of the cut when this signal is removed. This signal
must be maintained during the plasma cut.
Low Gain: This input automatically reduces the AVC gain for marking. This improves the stability of the height control
during marking.
Torch Height Disable: This is an optional signal input to the ArcGlide. When it is active, this signal temporarily disables
the automatic height control and forces the torch to hold its height position. It is primarily used to disable the
height control in corners or whenever the machine speed is not at the optimal cutting speed. This signal
improves cutting performance by disabling the height control when the machine slows down for corners.
This improves the corner cut quality and prevents the torch from diving into the workpiece.
Hold Ignition: This is an optional input to the ArcGlide to allow multiple torches to start synchronized. For a single torch
installation, this signal is optional but recommended. The CNC should activate this signal to delay plasma
torch ignition until all active torches in a multiple torch configuration have completed their IHS sequence and
are in position and ready to fire. At this point all active torches will return an active IHS Complete signal to
the CNC and the CNC should remove all Hold Ignition input signals and allow all active plasma torches to
ignite simultaneously.
Spare inputs 1 and 2: These inputs to the ArcGlide are reserved and should not be connected.
IHS Complete: This is an optional signal output from the ArcGlide to the CNC that is used only when the CNC has to
synchronize IHS for multiple ArcGlide systems. This signal is used to indicate that the initial height sensing
(IHS) is complete and that the torch is in position and ready to fire. For multiple torch installations, the CNC
should wait for all active torches to return an IHS Complete signal before simultaneously removing the Hold
Ignition signal and allowing all torches to ignite at the same time. For single torch installations this signal is
not used.
Retract Complete: This signal is an output from the ArcGlide that is active when a cut is completed and the torch has
been raised to the selected Retract Height. The CNC uses this signal to delay the move to the next cut and
to clear any tip-ups.
Cut Sense: This is a required output from the ArcGlide to the CNC. This signal is issued after plasma torch ignition and
the Pierce Delay (Pierce Time in Phoenix software) time has expired. This signal indicates that the CNC
should begin the cutting motion.
THC Error: This is an output from the ArcGlide to the CNC that indicates that the THC has encountered an error
condition. The HMI displays the actual error condition.
See ArcGlide errors on page 191 for more information about ArcGlide error messages.
Breakaway Error: This output from the ArcGlide indicates that the torch breakaway has separated. This output is reset
by replacing the torch breakaway.
Interlock input: This is a normally-closed contact closure that allows ArcGlide motion. If this contact is opened, the
ArcGlide lifter motor drive will lose power. This circuit must be wired according to national and local
regulations.
Interlock output: The Interlock output is an independent contact closure that is also normally-closed. The Interlock
output must have the same state as the Interlock input.
See Plasma discrete I/O on page 113 for more information about discrete plasma I/O signals.
1 Red RS-422 Rx +
2 Black RS-422 Rx -
3 White RS-422 Tx +
4 Black RS-422 Tx -
5 Green RS-422 common
6 Black Motion input + 3.9 K +24 V
3.9 K 3.9 K
7 Blue Motion input -
28 Green Common
29 Blue Common
30 Green Common
Plasma inputs have two different modes that are selected using switches behind the calibration and setup door. The
inputs can be configured for dry contacts (no external voltage), or for positive-voltage sourced inputs.
Ifinstalled
the THC control board is configured with dry contacts, LED operation on the discrete plasma interface board,
in the plasma system, is reversed and the LEDs will turn OFF when the input is active.
Ifsignals
the plasma system uses Hypernet communication with the ArcGlide, these discrete signals are not used. If discrete
are used, the required signals of this connector must be connected to the discrete plasma interface board.
Figure 29
This connector has a blue ring. Calibration and setup door Dry or sourced plasma input switch
The following discrete signals are used to connect the ArcGlide THC to the plasma system. All the required discrete
interface signals between the control module and the plasma system are described below. All other signals are optional
for multiple torch operation, improved performance, or reduction in cycle times.
Arc Transfer: This is a required input to the ArcGlide. This signal is input to the ArcGlide from the plasma system to
indicate that arc transfer has occurred.
Plasma Error: This is an optional signal that is output from the plasma system to indicate that an error has occurred.
Rampdown Error: This is an optional output from the plasma system that indicates the plasma torch lost arc transfer
before the controlled arc turns off. This condition indicates that the consumable life may be reduced. You
should make changes to the part programming to reduce or eliminate these types of errors to achieve
optimal consumable life.
Not Ready: This is an optional output from the plasma system that indicates that the plasma system is not ready to
receive a Plasma Start. The plasma system may be busy changing or purging gas flows or be involved in
some other time-consuming operation. To verify proper operation, the CNC should check this signal before
issuing a Plasma Start.
Corner: This is an optional output from the THC to the plasma system. This signal indicates that the plasma system
should reduce its output current to a pre-programmed level to improve the cutting performance in corners.
The default value is 50% of the normal cutting current. This signal is not available with Hypernet.
Serial Enable: This is an optional input that enables serial communication between the ArcGlide and the plasma
system.
Pierce: This is an optional output from the THC and input to HPR supplies. This signal informs the plasma system that
the unit is piercing and the plasma system should maintain the high shield gas preflow during the pierce. This
signal is used to improve the piercing capability of HPR plasma systems only.
Hold: This is an optional output from the THC and input to the plasma system. For a single torch installation, this signal is
optional but recommended. The CNC should activate this signal to delay plasma torch ignition until all active
torches in a multiple torch configuration have completed their IHS sequence and are in position and ready to
fire. At this point, all active torches will return an active IHS Complete signal to the CNC and the CNC
should remove all Hold Ignition input signals and allow all active plasma torches to ignite simultaneously. This
signal can also be used to save cycle time by performing gas preflow during the IHS sequence.
Start: This output from the THC is used to start the plasma system. This signal is a maintained signal. The plasma system
will continue to power the plasma cutting torch until this signal is removed. When the Start signal is removed
the plasma system begins to ramp down and turn off the torch power.
Remote On: This is an optional output signal from the ArcGlide THC that can be used to turn ON or OFF capable
plasma systems. On capable systems, such as the HPR plasma systems, deactivating this signal will remove
the high power input to the plasma system and will turn off the gas and torch cooling pump. See Hypernet
plasma interface board (141162) on page 228 for more information.
1/50th Arc Voltage: This analog input to the THC provides the arc voltage feedback used for automatic height control.
The signal is scaled so that 5 VDC equals an arc voltage of 250 VDC. The positive side of this voltage
should be connected to chassis ground. To provide high accuracy, this voltage should have an effective
output resistance of 2 KΩ or less.
This cable connects the ArcGlide plasma interface board and control board inside the plasma system. Use this cable only
when the CNC provides serial communication directly to the control board.
Red band
Diameter = 13.72 mm (0.54 inch)
Bend radius = 152.40 mm (6.00 inch)
This cable connects the ArcGlide plasma interface board and control board inside the plasma system. Use this cable
when the ArcGlide THC supplies serial communication to the plasma system.
Inputs
All inputs to the lifter interface and operator console interface are fixed in the dry contact mode.
Figure 30
+24 V Field
3.9 K
Switch 3.9 K
+24 V Field
3.9 K
Optoisolator 3.9 K
+24 V Field
3.9 K
3.9 K
Relay
Switch
12 VDC to 24 VDC
(external supply) 3.9 K
Relay outputs
Most of the ArcGlide THC outputs are relay contacts and can be used for either AC or DC loads. All relay outputs are
protected with thermal fuses that automatically reset and protect against currents above 100 mA. The 24 V supply is
limited to a total of 2 A for all outputs. Figure 31 shows a simplified schematic of the ArcGlide THC outputs.
Figure 31
A
LEDs
Relay PTC* 100 mA
B
Optoisolator
A
Relay PTC* 100 mA
B
A
Relay PTC* 100 mA Relay
B
2. On the Machine setup screen, shown in Figure 32, use the scroll box next to ArcGlide THCs Installed to specify the
number of ArcGlide THCs installed.
3. Choose Yes next to Use Hypernet to enable Hypernet communication. Choose No to configure the system for
discrete communication.
4. Choose Yes next to Message Plasma PS via Hypernet to enable command-based messaging with the plasma
system.
Figure 32
Use the setup parameters on the ArcGlide axes screens to verify that the THC operates successfully for your application.
1. Choose Setups > Password > Machine Setups > ArcGlide Axis. If you have installed more than one ArcGlide axis,
the screen displays a numbered soft key for each axis.
2. On the ArcGlide Axis screen, shown in Figure 33, choose the soft key for the ArcGlide axis you want to set up. Set
values for the parameters on the ArcGlide axes screens.
The default values for each parameter on the ArcGlide axes screens are optimized for the majority of applications.
However, you may need to adjust the following parameter values:
Stall Force
Pointer Offset Side
Pointer Offset Front
Voltage Calibration
Figure 33
Gains
Gains enable controlled speed and motion from a closed-loop servo system and reduce the effect of position errors in
these systems. Gains can correct following error that occurs as a result of mechanical delays, friction and load, or
uncontrolled speed.
Each gain value is a multiplier that modifies the output from the encoder and brings this output closer to the set point.
Motion tuning involves adjusting gains to reduce error as much as possible and to make sure cutting performance is
reliable.
Gains are often interrelated and the value for one gain parameter can have an influence on the performance of other
gains. Therefore, motion tuning is experimental and requires multiple tests to reach a set of appropriate values for your
system and application.
Most gains affect the raising and lowering of the torch, and improve the accuracy of the initial height sense motion.
Voltage gain is the only gain that affects cutting.
The following definitions provide the default or recommended value for each parameter. These values are appropriate for
the majority of applications.
Speed: This gain value regulates the speed of the lifter. Set Speed Gain after you enter the value for Maximum Speed.
Optimize the Speed Gain value before attempting to change either the Position or Voltage gains. Manual
motion and approaching the workpiece during automatic IHS require regulated speeds. If this value is too
high, the lifter speed regulation will become unstable and prone to oscillation. If this value is too low, the
speed regulation can become slow and inaccurate. Test this value by repeatedly raising and lowering the
lifter in Manual mode. To optimize this gain, raise this value until there is a very slight oscillation during manual
operation and then reduce the setting by 1.
Position: This gain is a multiplier for closed-loop positioning. Adjust Position Gain after you find the appropriate value for
Speed Gain.
The THC uses position-based moves to move the torch to the IHS height and to the retract height at the end
of a cut.
If this value is too high, the lifter positioning will become unstable and prone to oscillation. If this value is too
low, the positioning can become slow and inaccurate.
Test this gain by repeatedly executing IHS TEST and checking that the lifter quickly and accurately reaches
the IHS and Retract Heights.
To optimize this gain, raise the value until there is a very slight oscillation when the torch settles into the IHS
or Retract positions and then reduce the setting by 1.
Voltage: This gain is used when the THC operates with a closed-loop arc voltage control. Adjust this value after you find
the appropriate value for Speed Gain.
If this value is set too high, the lifter position during closed-loop arc voltage control will become unstable and
prone to oscillation. If this value is too low, the arc voltage control can become slow and inaccurate. Test
voltage gain by repeatedly performing a test cut under closed-loop arc voltage control and verify that the
THC quickly and accurately reaches the set arc voltage.
To optimize this gain, raise this value until there is a very slight oscillation during a cut and then reduce the
setting by 1 or 2.
Speeds
Maximum: Sets the maximum linear speed that the THC can achieve. This value depends on the lifter motor speed at
45 VDC, the screw pitch, the weight of the lifter load, and the desired speed of operation.
This value is used as the 100% speed value when scaling the control equations. It is important that this value
is set correctly because it affects the scaling of all the other control loops.
Set this value to a speed that can be achieved easily. Use a conservative setting and assume a low, incoming
AC line voltage. If this speed is set too high, the maximum available motor drive voltage will be insufficient to
drive the motor to the desired maximum speed. This will make the top of the linear control range unavailable
and result in sub-optimal operation.
If the Maximum Speed is set too high, it may be difficult for the THC to operate precisely at slow speeds
when trying to control the arc voltage or to move to an accurate IHS distance. If this speed is set too low, the
linear control range will only cover the low portion of the available mechanics range and the result may not be
optimal.
For the Hypertherm 239 mm (9.40 inch) lifter, this value is 15240 mm/min (600 in/min). At the low input line
voltage limit, the motor drive is capable of supplying about 45 VDC. The motor used in the Hypertherm
239 mm (9.40 inch) lifter will produce full-rated torque at about 3,300 r/min at this voltage. The Hypertherm
239 mm (9.40 inch) lifter has a 5-mm pitch ball-screw which requires 25.4 in/mm / 5 mm = 5.08 revolutions
to travel one linear inch. This results in a value of 3,300 r/min / 5.08 revolutions/inch = 650 linear in/min of
travel speed. This value was rounded down to the nearest even hundreds to guarantee a 100% value under
all conditions.
Fast: This speed governs all automatic rapid moves such as the End-of-Cut-Retract or the Initial Approach to the
workpiece.
Set this parameter to the value of Maximum Speed. However, you can set it lower if there is a heavy load on
the lifter. With the Hypertherm 239 mm (9.40-inch) lifter, this value is set to 15,240 mm/min (600 in/min).
Slow: This speed is the Homing Speed and is the fastest speed for manual moves. It is also the maximum speed limit
during arc voltage control.
IHS: This parameter sets the slow speed for the final approach to the workpiece during an IHS operation. It is also the
slow speed for manual moves. To avoid poor regulation of speed, do not set this value below 10% of
Maximum Speed.
Mechanical
Encoder Counts: This value scales the position feedback from the encoder.
The value is based on the ball-screw pitch and the encoder resolution. It is equal to the number of encoder
counts per revolution, multiplied by the number of revolutions required to travel one inch. The encoder is
operated in 4X mode, so the number of counts per revolution is equal to the number of pulses per revolution
multiplied by four.
The Hypertherm 239 mm (9.40-inch) lifter has an encoder with 1,000 pulses per revolution which produces
4,000 counts per revolution in 4X mode. The lifter has a 5 mm pitch ball-screw which requires
25.4 (in/mm) / 5 (mm) = 5.08 revolutions to travel one linear inch. This results in a value of 5.08 (revolutions)
x 4,000 (counts/revolution) = 20,320 counts per linear inch of travel.
Slide Length: This value is the length of the lifter's usable travel. The ArcGlide lifter has 239 mm (9.40 inches) of usable
travel.
Current Limit: This is the maximum continuous motor current for which the lifter motor is rated.
This value is the normal, continuous operating current limit but motor current can periodically exceed this
value for a few seconds during extreme acceleration. The ArcGlide lifter uses a motor with a 3 A continuous
current limit.
The motor can be damaged if the value for this parameter is set above the continuous current operating limit
for the installed motor.
Range: 1 A to 6 A; Setting: 3 A
Stall Force: This value determines the amount of force for the Stall Force backup to the ohmic contact sensing. The
values are relative values and start at 1 for the minimum force and 10 for the maximum force. This value
should be set high enough to avoid false stall detection but not so high that the excess force causes a
deflection of the workpiece and inaccurate IHS operation.
With the Hypertherm 239 mm (9.40-inch) lifter, the value of 5 is appropriate. It may be necessary to reduce
this value if the THC is used with a thin workpiece. Use the Test IHS function to optimize this value.
Test this feature by disabling the ohmic contact by using the process menu or by removing the ohmic
contact wire. The Stall Force value is optimum when there are no false workpiece detections and the IHS
operation is accurate.
Miscellaneous
Pointer Offset Side: This value is the offset distance between the torch center and the laser pointer when looking from
the side of the cutting machine. Use the precise distance between the laser spot and the center of the torch
to fine-tune this value.
Pointer Offset Front: This value is the offset distance between the torch center and the laser pointer when looking from
the front of the cutting machine.
Use the precise distance between the laser spot and the center of the torch to fine-tune this value. To verify
the laser offset, pierce a hole in the workpiece. Perform a manual offset using the laser pointer offset in
Manual Options. If the offset is set correctly, the laser should be inside the pierce hole.
Voltage Calibration: This value is used to finely calibrate the measured arc voltage accuracy.
While this parameter is not normally required, it can be used when fine tuning multiple ArcGlide THCs on a
cutting machine.
The measured input value is multiplied by this constant before being used for either voltage control or
display.
This calibration affects all of the ArcGlide hardware connected to this station including the HMI display and
the HPR Hypernet interface. When an ArcGlide is shipped from the factory, the voltage has been calibrated
in hardware and this value is set to 1.000. This parameter is normally only used to adjust for the same arc
voltage displays on multiple ArcGlide installations.
Arc Voltage: This Arc Voltage value is for display only and cannot be edited. It is provided to check the results after
changing the Arc Voltage Calibration above.
Range: 0 to 400
Retry on Transfer Fail: When IHS completes, the torch attempts ignition, the CNC starts a 10 second timer, waits for
the Cut/Mark Sense input (or Cut Sense # input) to turn on, and displays the status message Waiting For
Arc On, If the input does not activate within 10 seconds, the ignition process stops, the torch retracts, and
the IHS starts again with another attempt to ignite the torch. The CNC repeats this sequence twice.
Options: Yes, No
The station number that you select in the Phoenix Station Configuration screen must match the address set in the
ArcGlide control module, HMI, and the address set on the Hypernet plasma interface board. Assigning the ArcGlide to a
station in Phoenix software also enables the ArcGlide Process screen (see page 156) and the ArcGlide manual on the
Help screen.
1. Verify that the ArcGlide setup fields are correct in the Machine Setup screen. See Set up ArcGlide and Hypernet on
page 119 for more information.
3. Choose Reset if ArcGlide THC does not appear in the Lifter dropdown list.
4. On the Station Configuration screen, shown in Figure 34, select ArcGlide THC for each station where an ArcGlide is
installed.
5. Choose OK when you have finished assigning ArcGlide lifters to the stations on the cutting machine.
Figure 34
Operator controls
Control module
3
1
Control Description
1 LEDs These LEDs show the status of system operations.
2 Display window This window displays status, error, and diagnostic messages.
3 Display select Push the UP or DOWN arrow to scroll up or down through the screens in the display
window.
Lifter
2
3
Control Description
1 Station status lamp This lamp is illuminated if the lifter is enabled. The lamp flashes slowly when there is an
error. It flashes rapidly in Align mode.
When the lamp is not illuminated, the brake is locked and the lifter is disabled.
2 Station Push this switch up to enable the lifter for operation. Push the switch down to disable
ENABLE/DISABLE the lifter for maintenance, to replace consumables, or to turn OFF the lifter.
switch If the plasma system allows the THC to turn it on and off and is wired appropriately,
this switch can turn ON and OFF the plasma system.
3 Lifter UP/DOWN Push this switch up or down to raise or lower the torch.
switch
HMI
1 9
3
4 5
6 8
7
Control Description
1 Parameter window Displays setup and operating parameters, error and status messages. If the system
does not have a CNC connected to Hypernet, the operator can also make changes to
parameter values.
2 LEDs These LEDs show the status of system operations.
3 Station Push this switch up to enable the lifter for operation. Push the switch down to disable
ENABLE/DISABLE the lifter for maintenance, to replace consumables, or to turn OFF the lifter. In HPR
switch and HPRXD systems in which Remote On is installed on the plasma interface, this
switch can be used to turn ON or OFF the plasma system.
4 Scroll and selection Allows the user to select, set, and view values for parameters in the parameter
knob window. Turn the knob to scroll; push it to make a selection.
5 Lifter UP/DOWN Push this switch up or down to raise or lower the torch.
switch
6 Auto or Manual mode Push this switch up or down to select Automatic or Manual mode.
selection switch
7 IHS test button Push this button to test the IHS function of the lifter. With each successive push, the
torch alternates between transfer and retract positions.
8 Tip-touch LED This LED illuminates when the torch makes ohmic contact with the workpiece. If this
LED does not illuminate during ohmic contact, see the description and solution for
Error 21 in ArcGlide errors on page 191.
9 Arc voltage window This window displays the actual arc voltage or OFF if the lifter is disabled.
Daily operations
Startup procedure
Turn ON the ArcGlide by connecting the power cord of the control module to the power source.
To turn ON an entire cutting machine, turn ON power to the units in the following order:
1. CNC
When the ArcGlide THC is turned ON, the control module automatically performs 3 tests to make sure that the system is
ready to operate. During these tests, the control module:
1. Verifies that the necessary Hypernet connections are operational. The minimum Hypernet requirement is the
connection between the HMI or CNC and the control module. In a Hypernet configuration, if the Hypernet
connection between the ArcGlide and the plasma system is not active, the plasma system will not turn ON.
3. Calibrates the baseline stall force and returns the torch to the home position.
If the system does not perform as expected in these tests, an error message displays on the HMI or the CNC. See Error
message troubleshooting on page 191 for more information.
Before you begin operations, verify that workpiece sensing is set up correctly for the type of cutting you intend to do.
When the lifter performs an IHS test, it senses the workpiece through one of two functions; ohmic IHS or stall force. The
system uses the ohmic wire to sense the workpiece if nozzle contact is selected for IHS. If the system does not sense the
workpiece through the ohmic wire, the system uses stall force as a backup method and reports Error 21, “OHMIC TIP
SENSE FAIL.” See Error message troubleshooting on page 191 for more information.
If you want to use stall force, verify that the value for stall force is set correctly. If this value is too high, the torch will bend
the workpiece during sensing.
If you are cutting or sensing the workpiece under water, you must use stall force.
Shutdown procedure
Turn OFF the ArcGlide by disconnecting the power cord of the control module from the power source.
If you disable the ArcGlide with the ENABLE/DISABLE switch on the lifter unit, the plasma system will also turn off.
IfArcGlide
you are using the HPR Remote On or Off feature with the ArcGlide THC, do not disconnect the power cord on the
control module to turn OFF the ArcGlide THC.
WARNING!
THE THC LIFTER CAN INJURE YOUR HAND
The down-force pressure of the lifter can cause injury. Verify that the system is in a safe condition
before accessing the lifter area.
Manual mode
The ArcGlide THC can be operated in Manual mode for special circumstances. In Manual mode, there is no THC motion
unless it is initiated by the manual UP/DOWN switch on the HMI or CNC. This mode is rarely used because the torch will
fire in the air if it is not close enough to the workpiece to transfer the arc.
Momentarily hold the switch in one direction for less than 0.5 second to move the torch 0.254 mm (0.01 inch).
Hold the switch in one direction for more than 0.5 second to move the torch continuously at the programmed IHS
Speed.
Hold the switch in one direction for more than 1 second to accelerate the torch to the programmed Slow Speed.
Automatic modes
Automatic modes are most commonly used in production cutting applications. These modes use the settings from the cut
chart, software, and part programs in the CNC to govern the height, speed, timing, position, and movement of the torch.
In Voltage Control Off (also called automatic voltage control disabled or AVC disabled mode), the ArcGlide automatically
performs IHS and then moves to the transfer height. When the torch reaches transfer height, it fires but delays X and Y
cutting motion until it has moved to the pierce height and the pierce is complete.
After the pierce is complete, the torch begins cutting and transitions to the cut height above the workpiece. The cutting is
performed at a fixed position with no adjustment for arc voltage feedback. At the end of the cut, the torch automatically
retracts to the programmed Retract Height.
This mode is commonly used for rip cuts, cutting remnants, or for cutting single, simple parts.
In this mode, the THC performs IHS and moves to the transfer height. After the torch fires, it immediately moves to the
pierce height. After the pierce, cutting motion begins and, after a programmed delay (AVC Delay and Torch Height
Disable), AVC begins. During cutting with AVC, the THC moves the torch up or down to maintain the arc voltage at the
programmed value for Set Arc Voltage in the cut chart or Process screen in the Phoenix software.
The Set Arc Voltage mode is used for special cutting or marking conditions in which obtaining an accurate arc voltage
sample is difficult. Some examples include:
Marking at low standoff torch heights
Cutting thin material at low torch heights
Cutting complex shapes where lead-ins are short
Cutting or marking under conditions where an accurate IHS is not possible. Some of these conditions include:
A dirty, rusty, oiled, or painted workpiece
Stall sensing with thin flexible material
Cutting with a bevel head
Sample Voltage mode is the most automatic mode of operation. It optimizes consumable life because it compensates for
the change in arc voltage as consumables wear down.
In Sample Voltage mode, the THC performs the same IHS, piercing, cutting, and retract sequences as the Set Arc
Voltage mode. However, after piercing, the THC samples the arc voltage under steady state operating conditions. The
THC uses sample voltage as the set arc voltage for the remainder of the cut.
This mode requires an accurate IHS and voltage sample. In addition, when Sample Voltage mode is on, the CNC does
not use the Set Arc Voltage from the cut chart.
To enable Sample Voltage mode for the ArcGlide, choose Automatic and set Sample Voltage to ON.
Figure 35 on page 134 shows the sequence of cut control operations that the parameters in the Phoenix software
control. If your CNC does not use Phoenix software, the operations can have different names but the actions of the torch
are likely to be the same.
The IHS begins at the Start IHS Height set in the Process screen in Phoenix, or in the ArcGlide HMI. When the torch
reaches this distance, the CNC monitors the Nozzle Contact Sense input. This input activates when the torch touches
the workpiece, so the CNC knows the height of the workpiece. The CNC also monitors the axis following error which the
CNC compares to the stall force. When the following error exceeds the stall force, the CNC knows the height of
workpiece.
Press the IHS test on the ArcGlide HMI to perform a first IHS. To perform a first IHS on a Hypertherm CNC, choose the
Test Lifter soft key.
The ArcGlide moves to the workpiece at the Slow IHS speed. On subsequent IHSs, the ArcGlide uses the Fast Speed
until it reaches the Start IHS height. Then it switches to Slow speed. After the torch contacts the workpiece, the ArcGlide
raises the torch to the Transfer Height.
A THC error, a manual move, an idle timeout of 30 seconds, or a power cycle all result in the next IHS occurring at the
Slow Speed to find the workpiece height again.
134
3 – Operation
23
24
25
1 27
26
16 19
2 17
18 20 22
3 21
4
5
6
10
11 12 13
8 9 14 15
7
ArcGlide THC Instruction Manual 806450
You cannot set parameters through the control module using Hypernet or discrete communication. However, if your
system includes a CNC that is not a Hypertherm CNC, you can set parameters on the control module with RS-422
communication and commands. See ArcGlide THC Serial Communication Protocol on page 249 for more information.
On the front of the ArcGlide control module, there is a set of LEDs and a display window. See Control module on
page 127 for more information.
The LEDs illuminate to indicate the status of the ArcGlide control module. The meaning of each LED is described in
Table 6.
Table 6
MOTION Transfer and Pierce Delay (Pierce Time in Phoenix software) have completed and motion can
begin for cutting.
AVC Arc Voltage Control is enabled and is within normal operating limits.
In addition to the LEDs, there is also a display window where 13 screens display, screens 0 – 12. These displays can be
used to view the parameters that have been set through the HMI or CNC and can be used to check the state of the
control module I/O. Push the UP or DOWN arrow to scroll up or down through the screens in the display window.
In the description of each entry on each screen, the default values are in bold.
0 IDLE PARK
Errors No Errors
Errors: Displays “No Errors” or the latest currently active error number and message. See Screen 11 – Last errors on
page 142 for more information.
CNC HypNet or CNC RS-422: Indicates whether the Hypernet connection to the CNC is active (On) or inactive (Off).
T On/Off
HMI HypNet: Indicates whether the Hypernet connection to the HMI is active (On) or inactive (Off). On/Off
PAC HypNet: Indicates whether the Hypernet connection to the plasma system is active (On) or inactive (Off). On/Off
0 - 10: The number of lost network packets sent by the control module to the CNC, HMI, and PAC. When it first powers
up and initializes the Hypernet network, the control module sends a packet to each component in the
network. A small number such as 1 may appear next to the component, but the number will disappear after
communication is established with the component. If the control modules counts 10 lost packets it displays
an error at the top of the screen.
The lost packet number will count upward within 100 ms so you may not see the actual
numbers increment on the display.
This screen displays the current ArcGlide control state. The heading of this screen changes during operation of the
ArcGlide to one of the following states:
1 IDLE PARK
Mode: Displays the operating mode of the ArcGlide THC (Auto or Manual) that was selected at the HMI or CNC.
Set Volts: Displays the voltage setting from the CNC or HMI if sample voltage mode is not enabled.
Unit address: Displays the unit address of the control module. This must be the same as the unit address of the plasma
system and HMI at the same station.
Motor Curr: Displays the current draw of the lifter motor during motion.
Screen 2 – Options
2 OPTIONS INPUTS
Retr Dly: Reflects an extension of Retract Delay for plasma systems that require it.
Dip Sw 2, 3, 4, 5: Reserved
Lift Cycl: Press the down arrow on the control module and turn ON power to perform mechanical tests of the lifter.
On/Off
Lift Fric: Press the up arrow on the control module and turn ON power to determine if there is binding or friction during
lifter operation. On/Off
Defaults: This option resets the stored operating parameters to their default values.
CNC Inputs: Shows the selected input type based on the settings of the input switches on the THC processor board
(141091). DRY/SOURCED
Cycle Start: Displays whether the CNC has initiated a plasma cut. On/Off
Low Gain: Reduced gain in voltage control loop. The value is On for stable height control during Marking. On/Off
Corner hold: Displays whether corner processing (Corner Current Percent) has been set at the CNC or HMI. On/Off
IHS Sync: Indicates whether the CNC is synchronizing IHS for more than one THC. On/Off
4 CNC OUTPUTS
Mach Motion: The THC is ready for the table to move and to begin cutting. On/Off
THC Error: Indicates that there is an error at the THC. See Screen 11 – Last errors on page 142 for more information.
On/Off
Torch Breakaway: The breakaway sensor has detected a torch collision. On/Off
Spare: Reserved
5 LIFTER INPUTS
Lower Limit: The lower limit of motion on the lifter has been reached. On/Off
Upper Limit: The upper limit of motion on the lifter has been reached. On/Off
Lifter Enable: Indicates that the lifter is enabled at the lifter. On/Off
6 LIFTER OUTPUTS
Encoder Error: Indicates that there is an error from the lifter motor. See Screen 11 – Last errors on page 142 for more
information. Yes/No
Encoder Dir: Displays the direction in which the lifter is moving. Up/Dwn.
Enc Count: Displays the distance from home that the lifter has traveled, in encoder counts.
Tip Sense: Indicates that the torch has touched the workpiece. This is active only for tip touch plate detection and the
value corresponds with the illumination of the TIP-TOUCH LED on the front of the control module. On/Off
7 OPCON INPUTS
Torch Up Off
Sta Disable: Indicates whether the station is enabled at the operator console. The displayed value should be the
opposite of the value for Sta Select. On/Off
Sta Select: Indicates that the station is selected at the optional HMI or at the operator console if the operator console is
designed to select a station. The displayed value should be the opposite of the value for Sta Disable. On/Off
Torch Up: Indicates that the torch is being commanded to move up at the operator console. On/Off
Torch Dwn: Indicates that the torch is being commanded to move down at the operator console. On/Off
Spare: Reserved
8 OPCON OUTPUTS
Torch enable On
Error Off
Spare Off
Torch Enable: Indicates that the torch is enabled at the lifter. On/Off
Error: Indicates that there is an ArcGlide error. See Screen 11 – Last errors on page 142 for more information. On/Off
Spare: Reserved
Plasma Inputs: Shows the selected input type based on the settings of the input switches on the THC processor board
(141091). DRY/SOURCED
Motion: Indicates that the torch has transferred to the workpiece and that cutting motion can begin. On/Off
Error: Indicates that there is a plasma system error. Look for plasma errors on the CNC or plasma system. On/Off
Rampdown Err: Indicates that there is an error during the plasma system rampdown. On/Off
Not Ready: Indicates that the plasma system is ready to fire the torch. This turns ON during a change in process while
the torch is purging and not ready to fire. On/Off
RS422 R and T: If CNC-RS422 is On, this value indicates whether the plasma system is receiving (R On/Off) or
transmitting (T On/Off) serial communication with the CNC.
10 PLASMA OUTPUTS
Hold Off
Corner: Indicates whether corner processing (Corner Current Percent) has been set at the CNC or HMI. This value
should be the same as the value for the CNC input Corner hold (Screen 3 – Inputs from the CNC on
page 138). This function does not work over Hypernet. On/Off
Pierce: Indicates that the plasma system is using the Pierce Control output. On/Off
Hold: Indicates that the Hold output is preventing the plasma system from firing the torch. On/Off
Start: Indicates that a Start signal is being sent to the plasma system. On/Off
1st No error
2nd No error
Last No error
Lists the most recent 3 changes in ArcGlide error conditions, including “No error.”
50 Hours
If your system includes a CNC connected to Hypernet, most control and diagnostic activities will take place on the CNC.
In this case, the HMI is optional and can be used to display messages and status.
Figure 36
There are four sets of information that display in the HMI parameter window:
The Main screen provides actual information about the ArcGlide.
The Setup screen provides information about the process setup of the ArcGlide.
The Diagnostics screen shows the latest error message and control state of the system.
The Installation Data screen provides access to lifter hardware specifications and the values of parameters that are
used by the control module.
The screen displays 4 lines at a time. The selection knob below the parameter window allows you to scroll up and down
through each display.
1. Turn the selection knob to scroll to the parameter and highlight it.
4. Push the knob when you have selected the appropriate option.
If you do not select a new value in 5 seconds, the value reverts to the original entry.
For more information about the LEDs, switches, and other controls, see Specifications on page 35.
Main screen
Error Message
Set Volts
Cut Height
Auto mode Pierce Height
Pierce Delay
AVC Enabled
<Setup parameters>
Error Message
Control State
Diagnostics
Hypernet Status
Switch Diagnostics
Slide Length
Max Servo Current
Encoder Counts/in
Max Speed/min
Fast Speed
Slow Speed
Installation Data IHS Speed
Relative Speed Gain
Relative Position Gain
Relative Arc Volts Gain
Arc Voltage Calibration
Display Units
Languages
Error Message
Manual mode Pierce Delay
<Setup parameters>
Error Message
Control State
Diagnostics
Hypernet Status
Switch Diagnostics
Slide Length
Max Servo Current
Encoder Counts/in
Max Speed/min
Fast Speed
Slow Speed
Installation Data IHS Speed
Relative Speed Gain
Relative Position Gain
Relative Arc Volts Gain
Arc Voltage Calibration
Display Units
Languages
Arc Starts
Disabled mode
Arc Minutes
Main screen
The Main screen is the primary display that the operator sees during normal operation.
Figure 37
Operation mode and the current THC state: Use the AUTO/MANUAL switch to select automatic or manual
operation:
Auto: Automatic mode (Set Arc Voltage or Sample Voltage). See Control States on page 150 for more
information.
Disabled: The torch retracts to Home position and parks. Use the ENABLE/DISABLE switch to enable or
disable the torch. In addition, if the THC is able to turn the plasma system ON and OFF, the plasma system
turns OFF.
Errors: The latest, and currently active error condition, sent from the control module.
Set Volts: 50 V – 300 V with 0.1 V resolution. This line displays only if Sample Voltage mode is not enabled.
Default = 140.0 V.
Cut Height: Inch or equivalent mm – 0.254 – 25.40 mm (0.01 – 1.0 inch) with 0.254 mm (0.01 inch) resolution.
Default = 0.15 inch.
Pierce Height: Inch or equivalent mm – 0.254 – 25.40 mm (0.01 – 1.0 inch) with 0.254 mm (0.01 inch) resolution.
Default = 0.25 inch.
Pierce Delay: 0 – 10 seconds with 0.01 second resolution. Pierce Delay is Pierce Time in Phoenix software.
Default = 0.20 second.
AVC Enabled: When AVC is enabled (ON), Automatic Height Control is active in Auto mode. When AVC is disabled
(OFF), the torch height sequences in Auto mode (IHS, Cut Height, Retract) but the torch height does not
change based on arc voltage and remains constant during the cut. Default = ON.
<Setup Parameters> Select this line to display the Setup Parameters menu.
Setup screen
Figure 38
Operational Data
<back>
Sampled V Mode ON
Thick Plate Cycle OFF
Sampled V Mode: When Sample Voltage mode is ON, the arc voltage is sampled at the beginning of the cut and this
value is averaged with previous samples to provide the setpoint for the AVC during the remainder of the cut.
When this mode is OFF, the Set Volts mode is used for AVC. Default = OFF.
Thick Plate Cycle: (For installations without Hypernet-enabled CNC) When this option is ON, the ArcGlide estimates
torch height set parameters to avoid contacting the pierce puddle that forms when cutting thicker
workpieces. In addition, Transfer Height will depend on Cut Height, Pierce Height, and Pierce Time settings.
Default = ON.
IHS Start Height: This is the height above the workpiece at which the torch speed slows to the IHS speed before
contacting the workpiece. 2.54 – 50.8 mm (0.1 – 2.0 inch) with 0.254 mm (0.01 inch) resolution.
Default = 0.75 inch.
Retract Height: This is the height above the workpiece to which the torch will retract at the end of the cut.
Default = 2.00 inch.
Preflow during IHS: When Preflow during IHS is ON, this saves cut-to-cut cycle time by allowing the plasma preflow
time to occur during the IHS process. The Plasma Start and Plasma Hold signals are applied early.
Default = YES.
Stall Force: This parameter sets a force threshold of 1 (low force limit) – 10 (high force limit). Default = 5.
Ohmic Plate Sense: When this parameter is ON, the ohmic contact sense is used. Default = ON.
Kerf Detect: When this parameter is ON, automatic kerf detection is active. When a kerf crossing is detected, AVC is
disabled and the torch position is fixed for a short period to avoid diving into the workpiece.
Default = ON.
Kerf Level: This parameter sets a sensitivity threshold to detect kerf. The range is 1 (more sensitive) – 10 (less sensitive).
Default = 5.
<Installation Data> Select this line to display the Installation Data screen.
Diagnostics screen
The Diagnostics display on the HMI provides information about errors that the HMI receives from the control module, the
control state of the cutting machine, as well as whether Hypernet is enabled and diagnostics for the switches on the front
panel of the HMI. The following table provides details for the parameters that can appear on the Diagnostics display.
Figure 39
Diagnostics
<back>
NO ERRORS
Control State 0
Errors: The latest and currently active error condition. Normal errors are cleared on the next start. Critical errors must be
corrected before the next start. See Error message troubleshooting on page 191 for more information.
Normal Errors
ERR 1 FLASH SETUPS – Checksum failed on stored setups in flash memory – the THC is using default
values.
ERR 2 MAX SPEED EXCEEDED – A speed regulation problem occurred – the value for Maximum Speed
was exceeded.
ERR 3 LIFTER HOME TIMEOUT – Lifter did not return to home position within 20 seconds.
ERR 4 PLATE CONTACT AT HOME – Ohmic contact with the workpiece at home position – an invalid
condition.
ERR 5 HOME LIM DURING OPR – The lifter reached the home (upper) limit during auto operation.
ERR 6 LOWER LIM DURING OPR – The lifter reached the lower limit during operation.
ERR 7 FAILED MOVE TO IHS START – The lifter failed to reach IHS Start Height.
ERR 8 FAILED TO CONTACT PLATE – The torch failed to contact the workpiece within 60 seconds.
ERR 9 FAILED TO CLEAR PLATE – The torch failed to retract and break ohmic contact within 10 seconds.
ERR 10 FAILED TO MOVE TO XFER HT – The torch failed to retract to Transfer Height within 10 seconds.
ERR 11 IHS SYNC TIMEOUT – The torch reached the IHS position but IHS SYNC was not released within
60 seconds.
ERR 12 TRANSFER TIMEOUT – The Transfer signal was not received from the plasma system within
60 seconds.
ERR 13 LOST TRANSFER – The plasma arc was lost during the cut.
ERR 14 FAILED MOVE TO PIERCE – The lifter failed to reach Pierce Start Height within 10 seconds.
ERR 15 FAILED MOVE CUTHEIGHT – The lifter failed to reach Cut Height during Accel Delay.
ERR 16 RAMPDOWN TIMEOUT – The Motion signal was not removed within 10 seconds.
ERR 17 RETRACT TIMEOUT – The lifter failed to retract within 20 seconds at the end of the cut.
ERR 18 ERR SAMPLED ARC VOLTS – During the sample arc voltage operation, there was an excessive
change in sample voltage.
ERR 19 EXCESS PLATE CONTACT – During the cut, the torch made excessive contact with the
workpiece.
ERR 21 OHMIC TIP SENSE – Nozzle Contact Sense was enabled but not sensed.
Critical Errors
ERR 23 INPUT VOLTAGE LOW – The incoming AC line voltage is more than 20% low.
ERR 24 INPUT VOLTAGE HIGH – The incoming AC line voltage is more than 15% high.
ERR 25 OVER-TEMPERATURE – The temperature of the processor has exceeded the maximum value.
ERR 26 MOTOR DRIVE – The temperature for the motor drive has exceeded the maximum value.
ERR 29 FIELD SUPPLY FAILED – The +5 V, +12 V, or -12 V supply has failed.
ERR 30 STALL CALIBRATION – Stall Calibration down motion failed after power was turned ON.
ERR 31 NO HYPERNET CONNECTION – There is no Hypernet connection to either the HMI or CNC.
ERR 32 LOST CNC HYPERNET – The CNC Hypernet connection was lost after it was established.
ERR 33 LOST HMI HYPERNET – The HMI Hypernet connection was lost after it was established.
ERR 38 SOFTWARE LOOP TIME – The Ethernet cable is loose or damaged or there is electrical
interference if ArcGlide and drives are sharing power.
ERR 39 SOFTWARE UNDEF DISPLAY – The control board in the control module is not operating
correctly.
ERR 40 SOFTWARE ANALOG INPUT – Pins on a cable connector are not transmitting the expected
signal, examine all cable connections on the control module.
ERR 41 PROTOCOL MISMATCH – Verify that compatible software and firmware is installed on all the units
of the system that are connected to Hypernet. See Update ArcGlide firmware on page 180 for more
information.
ERR 42 LOST PAC HYPERNET – Examine all Hypernet connections between the control module, the
Ethernet switch, and the plasma system.
Control States
IDLE PARK – In this state, the plasma system is OFF, the servo motor has no power, and the lifter brake is
ON. This is the low power standby state. The lifter waits for the Cycle Start input signal and enters the IHS
Slow Approach state.
IDLE – In this state, the plasma system is OFF, the servo motor has power and is holding position, and the
lifter brake is OFF. The lifter waits for the Cycle Start input signal and enters either the IHS Fast Approach
state or the IHS Slow Approach state, depending on whether the workpiece position is known. If there is no
Cycle Start signal after a 30-second timeout, the lifter enters the Idle Park state.
GO HOME – The lifter moves the torch up at the programmed Slow Speed until the upper limit switch or a
stall is detected. Then the lifter enters the Upper Limit state.
LIFTER CALIBRATION – The control module calibrates the lifter immediately after it turns on.
LOWER LIMIT – The THC enters this state after it senses the lower limit switch or when the actual position
is the programmed Slide Length. The motor is stopped and the torch maintains its position. Only up motion
is allowed during this state. An error message displays if the THC enters this state during automatic
operation.
UPPER LIMIT – The THC enters this state when it senses the upper limit switch. The servo motor is
stopped and the torch maintains its position and the THC resets its actual position to 0 (Home). Only down
motion is allowed during this state. An error message displays if the THC enters this state during automatic
operation.
IHS FAST APPROACH – The torch moves down at the programmed Fast Speed to the Start IHS Height
then enters the IHS Slow Approach state.
IHS SLOW APPROACH – The lifter continues to move down at IHS Speed, using Stall Limit, until the lifter
receives the Tip Sense input signal or stalls. When the THC receives the Tip Sense input signal or detects a
stall, it enters the Workpiece Contact state.
WORKPIECE CONTACT – The torch lifter begins to move up slowly until ohmic sense contact is broken.
The lifter then sends the workpiece position to the control module and enters the IHS Retract state.
IHS RETRACT – The lifter moves up at the programmed Fast Speed to the Transfer Height and then enters
the IHS Complete state.
IHS COMPLETE – The lifter holds the IHS Transfer position and sends the IHS Complete output signal to
the CNC. If necessary, the THC waits for the IHS Sync input signal from the CNC to synchronize multiple
torches. Then the THC enters the Start Plasma state.
START PLASMA – The lifter holds the torch at the IHS Transfer position, waits for the Motion input signal
from the plasma system, and then enters the programmed Pierce Start state.
PIERCE START – The lifter moves the torch to Pierce Height. When the torch is in position, the lifter enters
the Piercing state.
PIERCING – The lifter holds the torch at the Pierce Height for the Pierce Delay (Pierce Time in Phoenix
software) interval. When Pierce Delay is complete, the lifter enters the Puddle Jump state.
PUDDLE JUMP – The lifter moves the torch to the Puddle Jump Height. It waits for Cut Height Delay, and
then enters the Cut Height Accel state.
CUT HT ACCEL – The lifter moves the torch to the Cut Height and sends the Machine Motion output signal
to the CNC to begin X/Y cutting motion. The THC waits for the AVC Delay and then enters either the
V Sample state or the Cutting state, depending on the operating mode.
SAMPLE – The lifter receives a new Arc Voltage sample for this cut. It modifies the operating Arc Voltage
Control setpoint and enters the Cutting state.
CUTTING – If Auto Mode is active and the Corner Hold input signal from the CNC is not active, the lifter
controls the torch height using arc voltage feedback. If ohmic contact sense is selected, the torch retracts if
it makes ohmic contact. When the cut is complete and the Cycle Start input signal from the CNC is
deactivated, the THC enters the Ramp Down state.
RAMP DOWN – The lifter holds the torch position and deactivates the Plasma Start output signal to shut
down the plasma system. The lifter waits for the plasma system to ramp down (when it loses the Motion input
signal from the plasma system). When the rampdown is complete, the lifter enters the End Cut Retract state.
MANUAL UP – The lifter initially jogs up 0.254 mm (0.01 inch). After 0.5 second, it begins continuous
upward motion at the IHS Speed. After 2 seconds, the lifter increases the speed to the programmed Slow
Speed. Outputs do not change; if the torch is already cutting, it continues to cut.
MANUAL DOWN – The lifter initially jogs down 0.254 mm (0.01 inch). After 0.5 second, it begins
continuous downward motion at the IHS Speed. After 2 seconds, the lifter increases the speed to the
programmed Slow Speed. The lifter does not change the output signals; if the torch is already cutting, it
continues to cut.
END CUT RETRACT – The lifter moves the torch up at Full Speed to the Retract Height. When the torch is
in position at the Retract Height, the lifter activates the Retract Complete output signal to the CNC and
enters the Idle state.
Hypernet Status: ON, OFF, or PM (protocol mismatch). See Error 41 in Critical Errors on page 149 for more
information.
Switch Diagnostics: Allows the operator to test the status of the switches on the front panel of the HMI. ON or OFF
displays as each switch is pushed or moved.
The Installation Data screen provides information on ArcGlide hardware and firmware settings that are used by the
control module.
The default for Display Units is inch. To view metric measurements, select mm.
Figure 40
Installation Data
<back>
Slide Length 9.4
Max Servo Current 3.0A
Slide Length: This value is the length of the lifter’s usable travel. Default = 9.50 inch.
Max Servo Current: This is the maximum continuous motor current for which the lifter motor is rated.
Default = 3.0 A.
Encoder Counts per inch: This value scales the position feedback. Default = 20320 per inch.
Maximum Speed (per minute): This parameter sets the maximum linear speed that the THC can achieve.
Default = 600 inch.
Fast Speed (per minute): This speed is used for all automatic rapid moves such as the End-of-Cut-Retract or the Initial
Approach to the workpiece. Default = 600 inch.
Slow Speed (per minute): This speed is the Homing Speed and is the fastest speed used for manual moves. It is also
the maximum speed limit used during arc voltage control. Default = 150 inch.
IHS Speed (per minute): This parameter sets the lowest speed for the final approach to the workpiece during an IHS
operation. It is also used as the low speed for manual moves. Default = 17 inch.
Relative Speed Gain: This gain value regulates the speed of the lifter. Default = 5.
Relative Position Gain: This gain is used for closed loop positioning. Default = 5
Relative ARC Volts Gain: This gain is used when the THC is operating closed-loop arc voltage control. Default = 5.
Arc Voltage Calibration: This value is used to finely calibrate the measured arc voltage accuracy. Default = 1.000.
Display Units: The unit of measurement, inch or millimeter, that are used in the display. Default = inch.
Language: The language selected for the display. Options are English, German, Portuguese, Spanish. Default = English.
Manual mode
Figure 41
Manual
NO ERRORS
Pierce Delay 1.00s
<Setup Parameters>
Pierce Delay: 0 – 10 seconds with 0.01 second resolution (Pierce Delay is Pierce Time in Phoenix software).
When the lifter is disabled, there are only two parameters that display.
Figure 42
Disabled
Arc Starts 72
Arc Minutes 146
Arc Starts: The number of times the arc has started since the last time consumables were changed and the counter was
restarted.
Arc Minutes: The number of minutes of active cutting since the last time consumables were changed and the counter
was restarted.
Figure 43
See the Phoenix Software Operator Manual (806400) for more information on these parameters in Phoenix.
THC mode
Height Control: In Manual mode, the torch only moves in response to manual UP/DOWN commands from the Raise
and Lower soft keys in Phoenix software, an operator console, the HMI, or the lifter. No other torch height
motion occurs. In Automatic mode, the torch moves through its programmed sequence, based on values set
on the Process screen.
Setting: Manual/Automatic
Voltage Control: The THC must be in Automatic mode. If Voltage Control is ON, the torch height is controlled by the
measured arc voltage. If Voltage Control is OFF, the torch maintains a constant position during the cut that is
independent of the arc voltage.
Setting: Off/On
Sample Voltage: The THC must be in Automatic mode and Voltage Control must be ON. When Sample Voltage is ON,
the THC measures the voltage at the end of the AVC Delay and uses it as a setpoint for the remainder of the
cut. When Sample Voltage is OFF, Set Arc Voltage is used as the setpoint for torch height control.
Setting: Off/On
These fields display the values in the cut chart that is active for the process. These values can be changed here, for this
job, and the values for the automatically-set parameters will be recalculated and displayed. However, these changes are
not saved in the cut chart.
Set Arc Voltage: The ArcGlide THC must be in Automatic mode, Voltage Control must be ON, and Sample Voltage
must be OFF.
When Sample Voltage is OFF, Set Arc Voltage is used as the setpoint for torch height control.
Set Arc Current: This is the value for the plasma arc current. Enter the amperage needed to cut the material. This
parameter can be used only with plasma systems that communicate with the CNC.
Setting: 5 A to 1000 A
Cut Height: Determines the height at which the torch cuts the workpiece.
Pierce Height: Determines the height at which the torch pierces the workpiece. The torch moves to this height after
Transfer Height.
Pierce Time: This is the value for the Pierce Delay. During this time, the X/Y cutting motion is delayed to allow the
plasma to fully pierce the workpiece.
Options
Nozzle Contact IHS: To set this parameter, the Height Control must be in Automatic mode. When Nozzle Contact IHS
is ON, the THC uses electrical ohmic contact to sense the workpiece. When this parameter is OFF, the THC
uses stall force to sense the workpiece. This setting is normally disabled on water tables or painted
workpieces due to the unreliability of the electrical contact.
Setting: Off/On
Auto Kerf Detect: To set this parameter, the THC must be in Automatic mode. When Auto Kerf Detect is active, the
THC looks for a rapid rise in the measured arc voltage that indicates that the torch is cutting across a
previously-cut kerf. This parameter temporarily disables the AVC and prevents the torch from diving into the
workpiece.
Setting: Off/On
Auto Kerf Detect Voltage: This parameter is active if Auto Kerf Detect is turned ON. The lower the voltage, the higher
the detection sensitivity. This value should be set high enough to detect normal kerf crossings but low
enough to prevent false kerf detection.
Setting: 1 V to 10 V
Automatically-set parameters
The CNC can automatically estimate these values for the current plasma process. On the Process screen in Phoenix
software, choose the Default All Parameters soft key to load the estimated values. Under most conditions, these
estimated values yield good results. However, you can override any of these values for special conditions. To override an
estimated value, clear the check box for that parameter and enter a new value. The CNC displays your entered value in
blue.
If a part program reloads the cut chart, the Transfer Height, Creep Time, and Cut Height
Delay values will replaced with the cut chart values for these parameters.
Preflow During IHS: This parameter is used for Rapid Part cutting. When this parameter is active (On), the CNC issues
the Start and Hold Ignition signals to the plasma system early to allow the gas preflow to occur while the
THC is performing an IHS operation. This reduces the time required to move to the next part and start
cutting.
Setting: Off/On
IHS Start Height: This is the height above the workpiece where the THC starts the initial height sense process. When
the torch reaches this distance above the workpiece, the following actions occur on Hypertherm CNCs:
Speed slows from Maximum THC Speed to Fast IHS Speed.
THC Torque Limit and Nozzle Contact Enable outputs turn ON.
The CNC monitors the Nozzle Contact Sense input. This input activates when the torch
touches the workpiece, so the CNC knows the height of the workpiece.
The CNC monitors the axis following error which the CNC compares to the stall force. When
the following error exceeds the stall force, the CNC knows the height of workpiece.
Skip IHS Within: This parameter optimizes production by reducing the time between cuts. If the next starting point is
within this distance of the end of the previous cut, the THC skips the IHS. When this happens, the torch
goes directly to the Transfer Height and skips contact with the workpiece. This setting can improve the
overall machine production rate. Set this parameter to 0 to disable this feature. Skip IHS will be ignored if:
The ArcGlide is not connected to a CNC with Hypernet
An M07 HS command is in the part program for that pierce (see the Phoenix Software Version
9 Series Programmer’s Reference (806420) for more information)
Sample Voltage mode is active and an IHS is needed for arc voltage sampling (six arc voltage
samples are required before IHS can be skipped)
The THC is locked out by the M50 (Height Sensor Disable) command
The THC is not in Automatic mode
Transfer Height: When the arc transfers to the workpiece, it can be “stretched” to the pierce height. The transfer height
is lower than the pierce height because initiating arc transfer at a high pierce height may result in the arc not
transferring to the workpiece at all. Enter the Transfer Height as a percentage of the cut height or as an
actual transfer height distance.
Puddle Jump Height: This value determines the height above the workpiece where the torch is raised after pierce and
before lowering to Cut Height so that the torch clears the dross puddle that can form during the pierce.
Enter a percentage of the Cut Height. The torch remains at this height until the Cut Height Delay has
elapsed. If you are not using Puddle Jump Height, set this parameter to 100%.
Creep Time: Specifies the amount of time after piercing the workpiece that the torch travels at Creep Speed. (See
Setups > Machine Setups > Speeds for the Creep Speed.) The torch accelerates to cut speed after the
Creep Time elapses. Creep Speed can help stabilize the arc during the transition to Cut Speed.
Cut Height Delay: This value sets the number of seconds to hold the torch at the Puddle Jump Height before
transitioning to the Cut Height so that the torch clears the dross puddle that can form during a pierce. If you
are not using Puddle Jump Height, set this parameter to 0.
AVC Delay: This value sets a number of seconds to allow the plasma system to achieve steady-state operation at the cut
height before AVC begins. After this delay, the AVC is enabled for the remainder of the cut. If the THC is in
Sample Voltage mode, the arc voltage sample is taken after this delay.
Cut Off Time: This value turns off the plasma arc before or after the end of the programmed cut to improve edge quality.
If the value is negative, the torch turns off before the end of the cutting machine motion. With positive values,
the plasma arc turns off after motion stops. This parameter minimizes notches in part edges that can occur
when motion stops with the arc on.
Arc Off Time: This value defines the number of seconds to wait before sending a lost arc signal. This setting allows arc
loss during the remainder of the part to be ignored so the CNC can move to the next pierce point.
Stop Time: This parameter allows a pause at the end of a cut and delays X/Y motion to the next pierce point. This delay
can be used to retract the torch to avoid tip-ups.
Retract Height: This parameter specifies the height above the workpiece to which the torch retracts at the end of a cut.
Angularity
Positive cut angle: More material is removed from the top of the cut surface than from the bottom.
Negative cut angle: More material is removed from the bottom of the cut surface than from the top.
Top edge rounding: There is a slight rounding along the top edge of the cut surface.
Dross
High-speed dross: A small, linear bead of molten material attaches and hardens along the bottom edge of the cut. In
addition, S-shaped lag lines are present; dross is difficult to remove and requires grinding.
Low-speed dross: A bubbly or globular accumulation of molten material attaches and hardens along the bottom edge of
the cut. In addition, vertical lag lines may be present; dross is easy to remove and flakes off in large chunks.
Top spatter: A light spatter of molten material collects on the top edges of the cut. Usually, this spatter is
inconsequential and is most common with air plasma.
Surface finish
Roughness: Depending on the type of metal being cut, some roughness should be expected; “roughness” describes
the texture of the cut face (the cut is not smooth).
Aluminum
Top: Air/Air
Best for thin material under 3 mm (1/8 inch)
Bottom: H35/N2
Excellent edge quality
Weldable edge
Mild steel
Top: Air/Air
Clean cut
Nitrided edge
Increased surface hardness
Bottom: O2
Exceptional edge quality
Weldable edge
Color
Color results from a chemical reaction between a metal and the plasma gas that is used to cut it. Color changes are to be
expected and vary most dramatically with stainless steel.
Top: N2/N2
Middle: H35/N2
Bottom: Air/Air
Contour
The torch travels clockwise.
The good side of the cut is to the right side of the torch, as it travels forward.
End point
Start point
Step 2: Was the correct process selected for the material and thickness being cut?
Refer to the cut charts in the Operation section of the Hypertherm Instruction Manual. On the CNC, choose the Cut
Chart soft key on the Main Screen to view the cut chart for the selected torch type, material and thickness.
Generally, lower amperage processes offer better angularity and surface finish. However, cutting speeds are slower
and dross levels are higher.
Inspect the material to see if it is bent or warped. In extreme cases this limitation cannot be corrected.
Step 5: Is the cut height set at the proper height?
Adjust the cut height to the correct setting.
If you are using arc voltage control, adjust the voltage.
As consumable parts wear, arc voltage settings need continual adjustment to maintain cut height.
Cut height can impact angularity.
Square cut
A slight variation in cut angles may be normal if the variation is within tolerance.
Step 6: Is the cutting speed set too fast or too slow?
Adjust cutting speed as needed.
Inup,addition to speed, both material chemistry and surface finish can impact dross levels. When the workpiece heats
more dross may form on subsequent cuts.
Introduction
Hypertherm assumes that the service personnel who perform the troubleshooting testing are high-level electronic service
technicians who have worked with high-voltage electro-mechanical systems. Knowledge of final isolation troubleshooting
techniques is also assumed.
In addition to being technically qualified, maintenance personnel must perform all testing with safety in mind. See Safety
on page 13 for more safety precautions.
On the lifter, the bearings of the ball screw have permanent lubrication and do not require in-service lubrication under
normal operating conditions.
Carriage
The carriage on the slide within the ArcGlide lifter requires lubrication at regular intervals that are based on the number of
hours of operation or the distance that the slide travels.
Under normal operating conditions, the slide should be lubricated every 500 hours of operation. You can find the Total
Lifter Operation Hours parameter on Screen 12 on the ArcGlide control module.
1. Remove the side shields and side panels to access the carriage.
2. Locate the funnel-type lubrication nipples (DIN 3405-D3) on either side of the carriage, as shown in Figure 44.
Figure 44
Lubrication nipples
3. Load a small grease gun with a needle-type adapter with lithium base grease. (Castrol Longtime® PD2 or equivalent
is recommended.) To lubricate with a hand press, weigh out the quantity of grease in each stroke.
4. Inject 0.7 g (0.025 oz) of grease into one of the lubrication nipples. If you are using the Hypertherm grease gun
(428259), one pump of the gun is equivalent to 0.7 g (0.025 oz). You do not need to lubricate the carriage on both
sides.
Sealing strip
Apply oil to the sealing strip behind the carriage at every lubrication interval.
1. Remove the front panel to access the carriage and sealing strip.
2. Apply a few drops of ISO Grade 100 heavy hydraulic fluid (Shell Tellus™ 100 heavy hydraulic fluid is recommended)
to the sealing strip.
4. Use the UP/DOWN switch to move the carriage along length of the sealing strip and distribute the oil.
Figure 45
Cable connections
Examine all cables regularly for chafing or unusual wear. If the outside insulation has been cut or otherwise damaged,
replace the cable. In particular, examine the ohmic contact wire.
WARNING!
ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN KILL
System grounding
Verify that all components of the system are individually grounded to a driven earth ground. See Recommended
grounding and shielding practices on page 55. Examine the work lead (+) connection, particularly where the
work lead (+) connects to the cutting machine. This must be a good, clean connection because a poor connection can
interfere with arc transfer.
This calibration affects all of the ArcGlide hardware connected to this station, including the HMI display and the HPR
Hypernet plasma interface board.
WARNING!
ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN KILL
1. Mount a test workpiece that can be used for arc voltage calibration.
4. Load the cut process that is recommended for the test workpiece.
5. Position the torch to the cut height that is specified for the selected cut process.
6. Start a 2-foot (0.6 m) rip cut, using the recommended cut speed for the process.
7. After the pierce completes and the torch is cutting, use a voltmeter to measure the raw arc voltage between the work
and electrode terminals on the plasma interface board (141094 or 141162) in the plasma system.
8. Compare the measured voltage with the voltage that displays in the red LED display on the HMI or on Screen 1 on
the ArcGlide control module.
9. If the 2 values do not match, divide the raw arc voltage by the value in the display and enter the result as the value for
the Voltage Calibration parameter.
For example, if the raw arc voltage is 120 and the value in the display is 125, divide 120 by 125. The result, 0.96 is
the value for the Voltage Calibration parameter. The range of values for the Voltage Calibration parameter is 0.900 to
1.100.
10. If you cannot bring the arc voltage in the display within the range of 0.900 to 1.100, adjust the arc voltage calibration
potentiometer on the THC processor board (141091):
a. Remove the calibration and setup door on the top right front of the control module.
b. Use a small straight screwdriver to turn the slotted screw on the arc voltage potentiometer clockwise, to increase
the voltage, or counterclockwise, to decrease the voltage.
DS DS
CNC PLASMA
11. Repeat the parameter and potentiometer calibration until the measured arc voltage and the displayed arc voltage are
the same.
Read stored setup parameters Setups were saved the last time the THC was
from Flash. shut down.
Immediately after the THC Both up and down Restore default setup parameters.
turns ON, hold the display display arrows?
Yes
select arrows on the front of
the control module to restore No
the defaults or to enter Up display arrow? Lifter friction test. Turn power OFF
built-in test modes. then ON to end
Yes
test mode.
No
Down display arrow? Lifter cycle test. Turn power OFF
then ON to end
Yes
test mode.
No
Initialize Hypernet links. The ArcGlide THC control module looks for
Hypernet devices on the network (CNC,
HMI, and plasma system). If it doesn’t
Initialize watchdog timer. discover the devices, the control module
assumes that the device is either not
present or has a discrete connection, and it
Main loop displays OFF as the status. If Hypernet
communications fail to initialize, cycle power
to the control module.
Service active Hypernet links. Data is automatically copied into the operating
parameters and the status is automatically transmitted.
I/O is updated and control 10 ms interval? Service RS-422 and check Tip Touch or
loops execute at 10 ms Tip Sense (on Screen 6 of the
No
intervals. Excess time in this control module).
loop is spent servicing the Yes
RS-422 connection.
Service watchdog timer.
Check for critical errors. Critical errors must be corrected before the power is
turned ON again. See Table 8 – Critical Errors on
page 204 for more information.
Operating states
No
Main loop
Yes
Update motor drive and lifter
brake outputs.
The workpiece is not completely pierced, and there is excessive sparking on top of the workpiece.
The metal being cut is too thick for the selected amperage.
The Pierce Delay (Pierce Time in Phoenix software) is set too low.
The workpiece surface is not clean of rust or paint.
The consumables are worn and need to be replaced.
The work lead is not making good contact with the cutting machine, or the cutting machine is not making good
contact with the workpiece.
The current (amperage) is set too low. (Review the cut chart information.)
The cut speed is too high. (Review the cut chart information.)
Starting a pierce with an incorrect torch height. Refer to the cut charts for the specific initial pierce height.
The pierce time is incorrect.
The swirl ring or retaining cap is worn and needs to be replaced.
To download firmware updates for the ArcGlide system using Phoenix software, the ArcGlide must be turned ON and
connected to a Hypertherm CNC by Hypernet.
To avoid a protocol mismatch error, make sure each ArcGlide unit and Hypernet-enabled
plasma system is turned ON before updating the firmware.
1. Download the most current version of Phoenix software from www.hypertherm.com. Follow the instructions on the
web page or in Updating Phoenix Software in the Phoenix Software Operator Manual (806400).
3. Insert the USB memory stick into the USB port in the CNC.
4. From the Main screen in Phoenix software, choose Setups > Password and enter the UPDATESOFTWARE
password.
The CNC updates the Phoenix software and sends ArcGlide firmware updates to each ArcGlide unit and
Hypernet-enabled plasma system.
If your configuration does not include a Hypertherm CNC, you can download the ArcGlide THC Firmware Update.zip file
from the Hypertherm Downloads Library. This file contains the program and script files necessary to update the ArcGlide
components.
If your cutting machine does not have a Hypertherm CNC, before you upgrade your ArcGlide
firmware, contact your table manufacturer to ask if you should update your CNC at the same
time.
1. After you download the ArcGlide THC Firmware Update.zip file, unpack it in a directory on the laptop hard drive or on
a USB memory stick. One of the files included is EthernetSetup.vbs. There are also some program image .bin files
and Update.exe files to load the images.
5. Enter the number of the adapter that you want to use to update the ArcGlide unit.
Operator tests
The operator can perform several diagnostic tests on the lifter mechanics and initial
height sense (IHS). To test lifter mechanics:
To test the lifter friction, push the UP arrow button on the front of the control module
when the system turns ON.
To test the up and down cycling of the lifter, push the DOWN arrow button on the
front of the control module when the system turns ON.
The IHS test makes sure that the IHS process is operating correctly. Perform this test
when lifter parameter values need to be adjusted or verified.
To test IHS:
On the front of the HMI, push the IHS Test button. Each successive push of the
button moves the torch between the transfer and retract heights.
On a Hypertherm CNC, the IHS Test soft key on the Process screen performs the
same function.
The torch does not approach the workpiece at programmed IHS speed and Stall Force.
Verify that the THC is in Automatic Mode. If not, change the mode to Automatic.
Verify that Stall Force is not set too low.
Verify that IHS Speed is not set too high.
Look for cable and hose obstructions that may stop movement.
Arc extinguishes immediately after transfer or creates an excessively large pierce hole.
Verify that Pierce Time is set correctly. The delay is set too long so that the torch dwells in the piercing position too
long before machine motion.
Verify that Machine Motion Out is active after Pierce Delay ends.
The station is not enabled or the laser is damaged and needs to be replaced.
Torch dives below cutting height immediately after pierce delay and before AVC begins.
Increase Set Cut Height on Automatic Operating Screen and decrease Pierce Height Factor.
Increase Machine Accel Delay.
Failure to retract.
Decrease the THC Homing Speed.
Look for obstructions in the torch path and torch lead set.
For True Hole applications, verify that these HPRXD features are installed:
Troubleshooting routines
Do you need to update Load the updated firmware. (First, make sure all
the firmware? Yes units are wired and turned ON.)
No
On the ArcGlide control
module, go to Screen 9 and
look for activity on RS-422.
Contact Hypertherm
Technical Support.
The Nozzle Contact Sense input, while cutting, was turning ON and OFF numerous times in succession or was ON
continuously for a period of time.
Turn ON Arc Voltage Yes Is Arc Voltage Is there slag Yes Check the
Control Control OFF? between shield and consumables for
nozzle? damage.
No No
Verify that the Arc No Is the Arc Voltage Is the ohmic contact Yes Verify ohmic contact
Voltage setpoint set correctly? wire shorted to wire is not damaged.
matches the value ground?
the plasma cut chart.
Yes No
Verify that IHS is Yes Is Sample Arc Is the cutting table a Yes Verify that the torch
working correctly. Voltage ON? water table? is not cutting at or
below the surface of
the water and that
water is not
splashing up onto
the torch shield.
No No
Verify the cut speed Yes Is travel speed too Is the workpiece Yes Verify that the
in the cut chart slow? warping? workpiece is not
equals the set bowing while
program speed. cutting.
Verify the speed Turn off Nozzle
control on the Contact Cutting.
operator console is
set to 100%.
No
Nozzle Contact Sense input does not turn ON during initial height sense. The ArcGlide uses stall force to sense the
workpiece.
Examine the workpiece Yes Is something on the Is the Stall Force set Yes Verify that the settings
for an oil or plastic workpiece too low? that affect the motor
coating, or too much preventing nozzle and lifter are correct
rust or dirt. contact sense? (gains for speed and
position, encoder
counts, slide length,
current limit, and stall
force).
Perform an IHS test. If
the torch is not reaching
the workpiece. Increase
the Stall Force setting
by 1. Repeat the IHS
test after each setting
change. If the problem
continues, contact
Hypertherm Technical
Service.
No No
Examine the cutting No Does the workpiece Is a mechanical bind Yes Monitor the lifter for
machine slats for have an electrical preventing the torch smooth motion.
damage or slag connection to the from reaching the Examine the lifter
build-up. cutting machine? workpiece? motion for obstructions.
Continued on
next page
Yes
Continued on
next page
No
On the ArcGlide THC, error messages are displayed on both the HMI and the control module. In addition, on Hypertherm
CNCs, a system error message window can be set up in the Watch Window. This window displays the last 5 system
error messages. See Watch Window Setup in the Phoenix Software Operator Manual (806400).
In addition, there is an error log feature in the Phoenix software that captures error messages. See Diagnostics and
Troubleshooting in the Phoenix Software Operator Manual (806400) for more information.
ArcGlide errors
The following tables provide the text that appears in both the HMI and control module displays when an error occurs. The
tables also describe the reason for the message and the steps that you can take to correct it. See Troubleshooting
routines on page 185 for more information.
page
Normal errors (See Table 7 on page 192) are cleared with the next Cycle Start signal. Critical errors (See Table 8 on
204) must be corrected before you can continue operation.
Figure 46
Control module Lifter
Hypernet interface
Industrial Ethernet
Key:
switch
Hypernet connection ––––––
Discrete connection ——————
HMI (optional)
Figure 47
Lifter
CNC
HMI
Plasma system
ArcGlide PCBs
Default settings = 1 1
J4 LCD character module
1
J3 Display ribbon cable TP10
1
SW6 Unit address switch,
default setting = 1 1 J7 RJ45
1
TP 33 J8 Operator console
LEDs
TP 37 TP 38
1 1
1 1
J9 Display J10 IHS test J12 Power input J11 Rotary encoder input
pushbutton
In a Hypernet configuration, the Unit address switch (SW6) on the HMI processor board
must have the same address as the Unit address switch on the THC processor and the
Hypernet plasma interface boards. The default setting is 1.
Test points
Test point No. Signal
TP10 +2.5 VDC
TP33 +3.3 VDC
TP37 +5 VDC
TP38 Ground
J7 RJ45
Pin No. Signal Pin No. Signal
1 Tx + (transmit data +) 2 Tx - (transmit data -)
3 Rx + (receive data +) 4 Not connected
5 Not connected 6 Rx - (receive data -)
7 Not connected 8 Not connected
J9 Display
Pin No. Signal
1 +5 V
2 Ground
3 Not connected
2 34
1 33
J3 to transformer 1
Servo Pack
Back view
(428081)
J1 Board interconnects
100 52
99 51
50 2
49 1
J5 J7
Plasma I/O (female) Operator console I/O
Front view (female)
J6 J4
CNC I/O (male) Lifter I/O (male)
J3 To transformer
Pin No. Signal
1 115 V input 1
2 115 V input 2
3 115 V input 3
4 115 V input 4
5 45 V output line 1
6 45 V output line 2
7 22 V output line 1
8 22 V output line2
J1 Board interconnects
Pin No. Signal Pin No. Signal
1 CNC Cycle Start input 2 CNC IHS Complete output
3 CNC IHS Disable input 4 CNC Retract Complete output
5 CNC AVC Disable input 6 CNC Machine Motion output
7 CNC IHS Sync input 8 CNC Error output
9 +5 VDC 10 Ground
11 CNC spare 1 input (Do not use) 12 CNC Breakaway output
13 CNC spare 2 input (Do not use) 14 CNC spare output
15 Interlock 16 CNC Dry Inputs 24 V
17 Not connected 18 Not connected
19 +5 VDC 20 Ground
21 Plasma Motion input 22 Plasma Corner output
23 Plasma Error input 24 Plasma Pierce output
25 Plasma Ramp Error input 26 Plasma Hold output
27 Plasma Not Ready input 28 Plasma Start output
29 +5 VDC 30 Ground
31 Plasma spare input 32 Plasma spare output
33 Plasma RS-422 RX 34 Plasma RS-422 Tx
35 Not connected 36 Plasma Dry Inputs 24 V
37 Lifter Station Enable 38 Plasma Remote On output
39 +5 VDC 40 Ground
41 Lifter Lower Limit input 42 Lifter Brake output
43 Lifter Upper Limit input 44 Not connected
45 Lifter Breakaway input 46 Not connected
47 Lifter Manual Up input 48 Not connected
49 +5 VDC 50 Ground
51 Lifter Manual Down input 52 Operator console Enabled output
53 Lifter Change Consumable 54 Operator console Error output
55 Encoder A 56 Operator console spare output
57 Encoder B 58 Not connected
59 +5 VDC 60 Ground
61 Operator console Disable input 62 1/50 Arc V -
63 Operator console Select input 64 1/50 Arc V +
65 Operator console Torch Up input 66 Ohmic contact sense -
67 Operator console Torch Down input 68 Ohmic contact sense common
69 +5 VDC 70 Ground
71 Operator console spare input 72 Power good low active
73 Not connected 74 Line Volts
75 Not connected 76 Actual current
77 Not connected 78 Not connected
79 +5 VDC 80 Ground
J4 Lifter interface
Pin No. Signal Pin No. Signal
1 Motor + 2 Motor -
3 Brake - 4 Common -
5 Power +24 VDC 6 Ohmic contact sense common
7 Ohmic contact sense 8 Ohmic contact sense bias +12 VDC
9 Encoder common 10 Lifter station active
11 Encoder input B - 12 Encoder input B +
13 Encoder input A - 14 Encoder input A +
15 Common - 16 Change consumables switch +
17 Lifter down switch + 18 Lifter up switch +
19 Breakaway switch + 20 Upper limit switch +
21 Lower limit switch + 22 Not connected
23 Common - 24 Not connected
J5 Plasma interface
Pin No. Signal Pin No. Signal
1 RS-422 Rx + 2 RS-422 Rx -
3 RS-422 Tx + 4 RS-422 Tx -
5 RS-422 common 6 Motion input +
7 Motion input - 8 Error input +
9 Error input - 10 Rampdown error input +
11 Rampdown error input - 12 Not ready input +
13 Not ready input - 14 Spare input +
15 Spare input - 16 Corner output A
17 Corner output B 18 Pierce output A
19 Pierce output B 20 Hold output A
J6 CNC interface
Pin No. Signal Pin No. Signal
1 Cycle Start input + 2 Cycle Start input -
3 Low gain input + 4 Low gain input -
5 AVC Disable input + 6 AVC Disable input -
7 IHS Sync input + 8 IHS Sync input -
9 Spare input 1 + (Do not use) 10 Spare input 1 - (Do not use)
11 Spare input 2 + (Do not use) 12 Spare input 2 - (Do not use)
13 IHS Complete output A 14 IHS Complete output B
15 Retract complete output A 16 Retract complete output B
17 Machine Motion output A 18 Machine Motion output B
19 THC Error output A 20 THC Error output B
21 Torch Breakaway output A 22 Torch Breakaway output B
23 CNC spare output A 24 CNC spare output B
25 Interlock input + 26 Interlock input -
27 Interlock output A 28 Interlock output B
29 Common 30 Common
31 Common 32 Common
33 +24 VDC output 34 +24 VDC output
35 +24 VDC output 36 Not connected
37 Not connected
J4
LCD power SW3 Unit address switch,
default setting = 1
J2 J5
Operator console LCD character module
LEDs
1
J11 +5 V power
J8 Hypernet
1
1
Auxiliary DIP switch
In a Hypernet configuration, the Unit address switch (SW3) on the THC processor board
must have the same address as the Unit address switch on the HMI processor and the
Hypernet plasma interface boards. The default setting is 1.
J3 Board interconnects
Pin No. Signal Pin No. Signal
1 CNC Cycle Start input 2 CNC IHS Complete output
3 CNC IHS Disable input 4 CNC Retract Complete output
5 CNC AVC Disable input 6 CNC Machine Motion output
7 CNC IHS Sync input 8 CNC Error output
9 +5 VDC 10 Ground
11 CNC spare 1 input 12 CNC Breakaway output
13 CNC spare 2 input 14 CNC spare output
15 Interlock 16 CNC Dry Inputs 24 V
17 Not connected 18 Not connected
19 +5 VDC 20 Ground
21 Plasma Motion input 22 Plasma Corner output
23 Plasma Error input 24 Plasma Pierce output
25 Plasma Ramp Error input 26 Plasma Hold output
27 Plasma Not Ready input 28 Plasma Start output
29 +5 VDC 30 Ground
31 Plasma spare input 32 Plasma spare output
33 Plasma RS-422 RX 34 Plasma RS-422 Tx
35 Not connected 36 Plasma Dry Inputs 24 V
37 Lifter Station Enable 38 Plasma Remote On output
39 +5 VDC 40 Ground
41 Lifter Lower Limit input 42 Lifter Brake output
43 Lifter Upper Limit input 44 Not connected
45 Lifter Breakaway input 46 Not connected
47 Lifter Manual Up input 48 Not connected
49 +5 VDC 50 Ground
51 Lifter Manual Down input 52 Operator console enabled output
53 Lifter Change Consumable 54 Operator console error output
55 Encoder A 56 Operator console spare output
57 Encoder B 58 Not connected
59 +5 VDC 60 Ground
61 Operator console Disable input 62 1/50 Arc V -
63 Operator console Select input 64 1/50 Arc V +
65 Operator console Torch Up input 66 Ohmic contact sense -
67 Operator console Torch Down input 68 Ohmic contact sense common
69 +5 VDC 70 Ground
71 Operator console spare input 72 Power good low active
73 Not connected 74 Line volts
75 Not connected 76 Actual current
77 Not connected 78 Not connected
79 +5 VDC 80 Ground
J4 LCD power
Pin No. Signal
1 +5 V
2 Ground
3 Not connected
J8 Hypernet
Pin No. Signal
1 Tx + (transmit data +)
2 Tx - (transmit data -)
3 Rx + (receive data +)
4 Not connected
5 Not connected
6 Rx - (receive data -)
7 Not connected
8 Not connected
J11 +5 V power
Pin No. Signal
1 +5 VDC
2 Ground
3 Common
4 Not connected
34
18
Front view
1
J5 THC discrete
cable connector
17
33
50
J1 HPR interface
Back view J2 J3
16 16
1 1
Electrode -
J4 Arc voltage
Work +
LEDs*
LED No. Color Signal
D1 Green Plasma on
D2 Green Plasma start
D3 Green Arc transfer
D4 Green THC on
* If the THC control board is configured with dry contacts, LED operation on the discrete plasma interface board is reversed and
the LEDs will turn OFF when input is active. See THC processor board (228578) on page 220 for the location of this switch.
J1 Plasma interface
Pin No. Signal Pin No. Signal
1 HPR Rx - 2 HPR Tx -
3 RS-422 communication 4 Ground
5 Ground 6 Ground
7 Ground 8 Not connected
9 Not connected 10 Not connected
11 Not connected 12 Corner A
13 Pierce A 14 Hold A
15 Plasma start relay A 16 Rem on A
17 Not connected 18 Ground
19 Optional 24 V from HPR 20 HPR Rx +
21 HPR Tx + 22 HPR turned ON
23 Motion 24 Error
25 Ramp-down error 26 HPR NR
27 Not connected 28 Not connected
29 Not connected 30 Not connected
31 Corner B 32 Pierce B
33 Hold B 34 Plasma start relay B
35 Rem on B 36 Ground
37 Optional 24 V from HPR 38 Ground
J2 (+24 V or contact closure inputs to the THC from a generic plasma system)
Pin No. Signal Pin No. Signal
1 Motion 2 Common
3 Error 4 Common
5 Ramp error 6 Common
7 Not ready 8 Common
9 Spare input 10 Common
11 Common 12 Common
13 Common 14 Common
15 Plasma system 24 VAC line* 16 Plasma system 24 VAC neutral**
* Pin 15 can be changed to +24 VDC.
** Pin 16 can be changed to -24 VDC.
Pins 11 and 12 on connector J3 must be connected to locations 1 and 3 on terminal block 2 in an HPR plasma system.
J4 Arc voltage
Pin No. Signal
1 Electrode -
2 Work +
The arc voltage terminals on connector J4 must be connected to the I/O board in an HPR plasma system.
Connect pins 11 and 12
to locations 1 and 3 on
terminal block 2 in an
HPR plasma system
J2 J3
J4
There are multiple kits for the Hypernet plasma interface board. Order the kit that corresponds to your plasma system:
Kit number Description
228604 Hypernet upgrade kit for HPR400XD and HPR800XD
228611 Hypernet upgrade kit for HPR130XD and HPR260XD
428276 Hypernet upgrade kit for MAXPRO200
Connect the arc voltage terminals to the I/O board in the HPR plasma system.
J4 Arc voltage
J6 Remote ON or OFF
1
Connect pins 1 and 2 to locations 1 and 3 on terminal block 2 in
2 the plasma system.
SW1
Unit address
J7
LED 1
LED 2
24 VAC input
LED 3
J3
Hypernet
J5 CNC interface
In a Hypernet configuration, the Unit address switch (SW1) on the Hypernet interface board
must have the same address as the Unit address switch on the HMI processor and the THC
processor boards. The default setting is 1.
LEDs
LED No. Color Signal
1 Red Plasma system error
2 Slow blinking red HPR Hypernet is ready
3 Rapid blinking red Serial transmission
J3 Discrete interface
Pin No. Signal Pin No. Signal
1 Start + 2 Start -
3 Hold + 4 Hold -
5 Pierce + 6 Pierce -
7 Corner + 8 Corner -
9 Not ready C 10 Not ready E
11 Ramp down error C 12 Ramp down error E
13 HPR error C 14 HPR error E
15 Transfer (Motion) C 16 Transfer (Motion) C
J4 Arc voltage*
Pin No. Signal
1 Work +
2 Electrode -
* The arc voltage terminals on connector J4 must be connected to the I/O board in the plasma system.
J5 CNC interface
Pin No. Signal Pin No. Signal
1 HPR Rx - 2 HPR Tx -
3 RS-422 Common 4 Motion
5 Error 6 Rampdown error
7 HPR not ready 8 Not connected
9 Not connected 10 Not connected
11 Not connected 12 Spare
13 Pierce A 14 Hold A
15 Start A 16 Not connected
17 Not connected 18 Ground
19 Not connected 20 HPR Rx +
21 HPR Tx + 22 Not connected
23 Motion 24 Error
25 Rampdown error 26 HPR not ready
J6 Remote ON/OFF
Pin No. Signal
1 ON/OFF out +
2 ON/OFF out -
J7 24 VAC
Pin No. Signal
1 Ground
2 24 VAC
Top view
Bottom view
1 J8 Enable/disable switch
J9 Up/down switch
J7 Laser pointer
1 1
J4 Breakaway
J6 Motor brake encoder 1
J5
Torch tip (ohmic wire) J3 Lower limit switch
1
J4 Breakaway switch
Pin No. Signal
1 +12 VDC
2 Breakaway switch
3 Common
J7 Laser pointer
Pin No. Signal
1 +5 VDC
2 Common
J8 ENABLE/DISABLE switch
Pin No. Signal
1 Station enable
2 Common
J9 UP/DOWN switch
Pin No. Signal
1 Up switch
2 Common
3 Down switch
4 Not connected
Lifter parts
2
3
Breakaway parts
11 5 12 6 8 7
9 10
9 228939 35.7 kgf (78.7 lbf) replacement magnets for 11.34 kg (25 lb) 4
magnetic breakaway
104473 35.7 kgf (78.7 lbf) replacement magnet for 11.34 kg (25 lb) 1
magnetic breakaway
10 228938 20 kgf (45 lbf) replacement magnets for 4.54 kg (10 lb) magnetic 5
breakaway
104513 20 kgf (45 lbf) replacement magnet for 4.54 kg (10 lb) magnetic 1
breakaway
7
1
6
8
9
4
10
2
3
HMI parts
This section contains the wiring diagrams for the system. When you trace a signal path, or reference the Parts List or
Troubleshooting sections, the following conventions will help you understand the organization of the wiring diagrams:
• Sheet numbers are located in the lower, right-hand corner of each page.
• References to other pages use the following connection symbol:
Sheet
C
4-D3
Use the sheet number to find the reference sheet. Line up the coordinates A–D on the Y axis and numbers 1–4 on the
X axis of each sheet to find the reference blocks (similar to a road map).
Switch, temperature,
Transformer, air core
normally closed
Switch, temperature,
Transformer, coil
normally open
Torch symbols
Electrode
Nozzle
Shield
Torch
Torch, HyDefinition™
Black
229280
Brown Fe
229281
229282
D D
J1 Black
Black
Brown +12 Vdc
Red
1
LED
Brown Fe
Breakaway Sw (+)
Field Power (+24)
Encoder Common
Lifter Up Sw (+)
Chassis Shield
Brown 1 +12 Vdc tip wire can
LLMT
Tip Sense
Reserved
Blue Common inserted into
Motor +
3
Motor -
Brake -
either pin.
J4 J6
+12 Vdc Brake Sw Return Common J5
BRKWAY
Brown 1 6 12 J10
Black 2 Breakaway Sw Brake +24Vdc 5 11 Phase B- LIFTER INTERFACE TORCH
MOTOR
Blue 3 Common Chassis Gnd 4 10 Phase B+ TIP Red
Chassis Gnd 3 9 Phase A-
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
2
Motor - 2 8 Phase A+
Green/Yellow
J7 Black
Red +5 Vdc
Brown
1
Green
LSR PNT
White
White
White
Black
Black
C C
Blue
Red
Red
Black 2 Common
J9
Common
047241
SW
UP/DOWN
Common 2 4
Enable
E/D J8
Red
2
1
Black
Red
229284
223007
LIFTER INTERFACE
031148
229285
Drain Wire
Black
White
Red
B B
Brown
Blue
Green
Red
Red
UP / DOWN SWITCH
Black
COM
/A Black
A
+ - White
Black
SHIELD M White
DC
DC MOTOR
+5V
B
White
/B
223031
1 Green/Yellow
EARTH GND
A 229283 A
Red
Black BRAKE
223007
LIFTER INTERFACE
223006
OP-CON INTERFACE
ArcGlide Motor Controller
223004
Interface PCB PLASMA INTERFACE
D 141088 223005
CNC INTERFACE
D
J4 J5 J6
Red 1 Motor + Red 1 RS422 Rx- Red 1 Cycle Start Input (+)
Black 2 Motor - Black 2 RS422 Rx+ Black 2 Cycle Start Input (-)
Black 3 Brake + White 3 RS422 Tx- White 3 Low Gain Input (+)
Brown 4 Common (-) Black 4 RS422 Tx+ Black 4 Low Gain Input (-)
Brown 5 Power +24 VDC Green 5 RS422 Common Green 5 AVC Disable Input (+)
Gray 6 Ohmic Contact Sense Common Black 6 Motion Input (+) Black 6 AVC Disable Input (-)
White 7 Ohmic Contact Sense Blue 7 Input Common (-) Blue 7 IHS Sync Input (+)
Violet 8 Ohmic Contact Sense Bias +12 VDC Black 8 Error Input (+) Black 8 IHS Sync Input (-)
Black 9 Encoder Common Yellow 9 Input Common (-) Yellow 9 Spare Input 1 (+)
Red 10 Lifter Station Active Black 10 Rampdown Error Input (+) Black 10 Spare Input 1 (-)
White/Blue 11 Encoder Input B (-) Brown 11 Input Common (-) Brown 11 Spare Input 2 (+)
Blue 12 Encoder Input B (+) Black 12 Not Ready Input (+) Black 12 Spare Input 2 (-)
C C
White/Yellow13 Encoder Input A (-) Orange 13 Input Common (-) Orange 13 IHS Complete Output A
Yellow 14 Encoder Input A (+) Black 14 Spare Input (+) Black 14 IHS Complete Output B
White/Black 15 Common (-) White 15 Input Common (-) White 15 Retract Complete Output A
White/Red 16 Change Consumables Sw (+) Red 16 Corner Output A Red 16 Retract Complete Output B
Green 17 Lifter Dwn Sw (+) Green 17 Corner Output B Green 17 Machine Motion Output A
Orange 18 Lifter Up Sw (+) Red 18 Pierce Output A Red 18 Machine Motion Output B
White/Violet 19 Breakaway Sw (+) Blue 19 Pierce Output B Blue 19 THC Error Output A
White/Orange 20 Upper Limit Sw (+) Red 20 Hold Output A Red 20 THC Error Output B
White/Green21 Lower Limit Sw (+) Yellow 21 Hold Output B Yellow 21 Torch Breakaway Output A
White/Gray 22 NC (THC test) Red 22 Start Output A Red 22 Torch Breakaway Output B
White/Brown23 Field Common (-) J7 Brown 23 Start Output B Brown 23 CNC Spare Output A
24 NC Black 1 NC Red 24 Spare Output A Red 24 CNC Spare Output B
White 2 Manual Disable SwItch (+) Orange 25 Spare Output B Orange 25 Interlock Input (+)
LIFTER INTERFACE Red 3 Manual Select Switch (+) Red 26 Remote On Output A Red 26 Interlock Input (-)
Green 4 Torch Up Switch (+) White 27 Remote On Output B White 27 Interlock Output A
Orange 5 Torch Down Switch (+) Green 28 Common Green 28 Interlock Output B
Blue 6 Spare Input Switch (+) Blue 29 Common Blue 29 Common
White/Black 7 Common Green 30 Common Green 30 Common
Red/Black 8 Torch Enabled Output A Yellow 31 +24 VDC OUTPUT Yellow 31 Common
Green/Black 9 Torch Enabled Output B Green 32 +24 VDC OUTPUT Green 32 Common
Orange/Black10 Error Output A Brown 33 +24 VDC OUTPUT Brown 33 +24 VDC Fused Output
J3 Blue/Black 11 Error Output B Green 34 1/50 Arc Voltage (+) Green 34 +24 VDC Output
4 8 Gray Black/White 12 Spare Output A Orange 35 1/50 Arc Voltage (-) Orange 35 +24 VDC Output
B 3 7 Gray Red/White 13 Spare Output B Green 36 Reserved 36 NC B
2 6 Yellow Green/White 14 Power +24 VDC Output 37 NC 37 NC
1 5 Orange
OP-CON INTERFACE PLASMA INTERFACE CNC INTERFACE
223003
+5 VDC POWER
Black 4 4
Blue/White 3 3
White 2 2
White/Black 1 1
White
White
Black
Black
C
D
B
A
014343
A 223001 A
AC Entry
J1 J2
1
Surge Board White 1 2 Black
2
1
3
2
1
J2 J5 1 Red
2 Black
3
LED LCD
J8
C C
RESERVED RESERVED
HYPERNET
OPTIONS J11
SWITCH 1 3
RESERVED RESERVED 2 4
POWER
Red
Black
123998 ETHERNET CABLE
223003
+5 VDC POWER
A A
Sheet 3 of 4
5 4 3 2 1
HYPERNET
J8
2Black
1Red
J10
J12
3
IHS SWITCH
4 2 J11
LCD BACKLIGHT 3 1 ROTARY INPUT
J9
2
1
POWER LED
Red
Black
C C
B B
223003
White
Black
Green/Yellow 1
EARTH GND
J1 J17
1
Surge Board White 1 2 Black
2
1
3
2
1
Sheet 4 of 4
5 4 3 2 1
Overview
The Hypertherm ArcGlide THC can communicate with a CNC using RS-422 serial communications. It uses a serial
protocol which contains commands for setting parameters within the ArcGlide THC and for setting and switching
operating modes. This section provides the command IDs, data format, and example messages and responses.
This Appendix is intended for the development of RS-422 serial protocol for ArcGlide
THC communications. If you are replacing a Command® THC with the ArcGlide THC, no
additional coding should be required, and neither the hardware installer or machine
operator needs the information contained in this section.
Serial Protocol
The ArcGlide THC supports RS-422 serial communications with the CNC. If you are familiar with the Command THC,
the ArcGlide supports the same protocol, format, and commands as the Command THC. The ArcGlide also supports an
extended message set to be used to access the additional functionality that the ArcGlide provides.
The protocol uses ASCII characters. Each message is formatted as shown below.
In the table below, and in other examples in this section, 0x is the designation for
hexadecimal. Any value preceded by 0x designates the next values as hexadecimal values.
The CNC sends this command to put the ArcGlide into Remote mode which enables serial communications:
>RM1D0<
The ArcGlide THC response to an accepted command is ^ (0x5E). The response to an invalid command is # (0x23). For
all accepted commands, the ArcGlide THC response echoes the command ID.
The CNC can also query the ArcGlide by sending a question mark (?). For example, to query the actual arc voltage, the
CNC sends the message >AV?D6<. The ArcGlide would send the response >AV100058< which represents an actual
arc voltage of 100.0 V with a checksum of 0x58.
Truncate the hex value of the sum 158 to an unsigned 8-bit limit, 58. Append the ASCII 5 and 8 to the end of the
message followed by the end framing character <. The checksum is always the last two digits of the message before the
end framing character.
The tables on the following pages show sample command strings that could be sent from the CNC and include the
default values for each setting. The ArcGlide is ready to accept commands when it finishes its reset after turning ON.
Important! For best results, use the default values for the ArcGlide commands. The
defaults provide a starting point and testing will indicate if you need to adjust the
command values from the defaults.
Setup Commands
Use the commands in the following tables to enter setup parameters for the ArcGlide. These settings rarely need to be
changed.
Pierce Height
PH 50 – 400 (50% – 400%) >PH1502E< Pierce Height set to 150% of cut height.
>PH?D7< Query from the CNC.
Sets the height above the workpiece for piercing as a percentage of the cut height.
Default: Previous setting
Preflow during Initial Height Sense (IHS) saves cut-to-cut cycle time by allowing the plasma preflow time to occur
during the IHS process. The Plasma Start signal is applied early. The Plasma Hold signal must be connected for this
feature to operate properly.
Default: Previous setting
This value determines the amount of force used for the stall force plate sensing which is secondary to the ohmic plate
sensing. This parameter sets a force threshold of 1 (low force limit) to 10 (high force limit).
Default: 5
IHS Speed
IHS Speed sets the speed for the final approach to the workpiece during an IHS operation as a relative value between
1 (slow) and 10 (fast). These values represent 5 to 25% of the maximum speed of the lifter (15,240 mm/min or
600 in/min).
Default: 2
IHS Speed command IV sets the speed on a scale of 1 – 10 to maintain compatibility with the Command THC. To
set IHS Speed in mm/min or in/min, use the IHS Speed command IS described later in this document.
Homing Speed
Homing speed is the maximum speed for manual moves. It also sets the maximum speed used by the ArcGlide for
Arc Voltage Control. As the ArcGlide moves up and down when maintaining the set arc voltage, it does not exceed the
homing speed.
Default: 5 (5 is 60% of maximum speed)
Homing Speed command HS sets the speed on a scale of 1 – 10 to maintain compatibility with the Command THC.
To set Homing Speed in mm/min or in/min, use the Slow Speed command SS described later in this document.
Nozzle Contact
When Nozzle Contact is on, the ArcGlide uses ohmic contact to sense the plate. Disable Nozzle Contact to use stall
force sensing (for example, with a water table or painted workpieces where electrical contact is unreliable).
Default: Previous setting
Delays the activation of the Automatic Voltage Control so the cutting machine can reach a steady cutting speed. The
time delay begins at arc transfer. It allows the machine enough time to get up to steady state speed when motion first
initiates within a cut.
Default: Previous setting
When Auto Kerf Detect is active, the THC looks for a rapid rise in the measured arc voltage that indicates that the torch
is cutting across a previously cut kerf. This parameter temporarily disables the Automatic Voltage Control and prevents
the torch from diving into the workpiece.
This feature has limited ability when cutting thick metal with a large kerf crossing.
Default: Previous setting
Display Units
Sets the units displayed on the ArcGlide control module and HMI to English or metric units.
Default: Previous setting
Operating Commands
The ArcGlide provides both Manual and Automatic modes of operation. For Manual mode operation, the ArcGlide HMI or
an operator console on the CNC is required.
Manual mode: The ArcGlide HMI or an operator console on the CNC controls the ArcGlide motion. To enter manual
mode, use the Remote Mode command (RM) set to 0 and the Height Control command (AA) set to 0.
Automatic Voltage Control (AVC): In AVC, also called Auto mode, the CNC controls the ArcGlide motion. To enable
Automatic Voltage Control, use the Remote Mode command (RM) set to 1 and Height Control command (AA) set to 1.
The Set Arc Voltage command (VS) provides the voltage setpoint for Automatic Voltage Control.
Sample Voltage: When Set Arc Voltage is set to 0, sample arc voltage control is enabled. After piercing, the ArcGlide
reads the arc voltage and uses the reading as the arc voltage setting. By sampling the arc voltage, the ArcGlide can
automatically compensate for consumable wear or torch lead length.
Voltage control off (AVC disabled): A discrete signal that is part of Auto mode, AVC disabled causes the ArcGlide to
position at the cut height and remain at that height regardless of the arc voltage.
Use the commands in the following tables to change ArcGlide settings for operational mode, cut settings, and error
recovery.
Height Control
Selects operating mode for the ArcGlide: Automatic or Manual. You will also need to use the Set Arc Voltage command
(VS) to set the voltage for Automatic Voltage Control, or to select Sample Voltage (VS = 0 for sampled arc voltage).
Default: Previous setting
Remote Mode
Set to On to allow serial communication with the ArcGlide. Set to Off to allow parameter entry from the ArcGlide HMI.
Default: OFF
Maintenance Mode
MT No data. Toggle on and off. >MTA1< Disables the station and homes the torch.
>MTA1< Enables the station.
Maintenance mode homes the torch and disables the station. This command prevents THC motion or cutting and is
used to change consumables.
Default: None
IHS Test
Set to 1 to perform a Test IHS (Initial Height Sensing). Set to 0 to exit the test and place the ArcGlide THC in Run
mode.
Default: None
Retract
Selects a full or partial retract of the torch at the end of every cut. In the Full retract mode, the torch retracts to the
Home position. In the Partial retract mode, the torch retracts to the set retract distance.
Default: Previous setting
Retract Height
Specifies height above the workpiece to which the torch retracts at the end of a cut.
Default: Previous setting
Cut Height
Sets the initial cut height before Automatic Voltage Control is activated. The torch moves to the set cut height after the
Pierce Delay (Pierce Time in Phoenix software) has elapsed.
Default: Previous setting
Sets the voltage for Automatic Voltage Control. The ArcGlide adjusts its height along a cut to maintain the set arc
voltage. Use the Set Arc Voltage command (VS) to set the voltage for Automatic Voltage Control, or to select sampled
arc voltage (VS = 0 for sampled arc voltage).
Default: Previous setting
Pierce Delay
Pierce Delay inserts a time delay before motion output to allow extra time for piercing the workpiece. Use a longer
Pierce Delay for thicker workpieces. Pierce Delay is the same as Pierce Time in Phoenix software.
Default: Previous setting
Flush Buffers
Resets the serial transmit and receive buffers. Use this command immediately after the system turns ON or resets. You
can also use it when recovering from communications errors such as when the message is rejected because the
checksum does not match.
Error Code
Returns a Command THC error code. See Table 9 – ArcGlide errors and equivalent Command THC errors on
page 266.
Clear Error
CL No data >CL8F<
RR Query only
The RI and RR commands are unique to the Command THC and are used to return the firmware revision levels. The
Command THC has two internal microprocessors the “I/O” processor and the Real-Time processor. These commands
originally returned the I/O processor revision level (RI) and the Real-Time Processor revision level (RR).
When the ArcGlide THC replaces the Command THC, these will both return a string representing the current ArcGlide
firmware revision level. For example the ArcGlide would return the string “1.7” to represent firmware revision 1.7.
Step Up
In Manual mode, this command moves the torch up 0.254 mm (0.01 inch). In Auto mode, each command increases the
arc voltage setpoint by 0.5 V. When using sampled arc voltage, each command increases both the voltage and the IHS
start height.
Default: None
Step Down
In Manual mode, moves the torch down 0.254 mm (0.01 inch). In Auto mode, each command decreases the arc voltage
setpoint by 0.5 V. When using sampled arc voltage, each command decreases both the voltage and the IHS start
height.
Default: None
Jog Up
In Manual Mode, moves the torch up continuously. In Auto mode, each command increases the arc voltage setpoint by
0.5 V. When using sampled arc voltage, each command increases both the voltage and the IHS start height. This
command must be repeated within the 50 ms motion time out.
Default: None
Jog Down
In Manual mode, moves the torch down continuously. In Auto mode, each command decreases the arc voltage setpoint
by 0.5 volts. When using sampled arc voltage, each command decreases both the voltage and the IHS start height.
The command must be repeated within the 50 ms motion time out.
Default: None
Important! For best results, use the default values for the ArcGlide extended commands.
Slide Length
SL 10 – 480 (1.00 – 48.00 inch) >SL950D< Sets Slide Length to 9.0 inch.
25.00 – 1,219.00 mm >SL24136< Sets Slide Length to 241.30 mm.
>SL?DE< Query from the CNC.
This is the maximum continuous motor current for which the lifter motor is rated, to the tenth of an amp. You can
exceed the maximum motor current to provide rapid acceleration, but only for 0.5 seconds.
Default: 30 (3.0 A)
Use the default when using the Hypertherm lifter with the ArcGlide.
Encoder Counts
Sets encoder 4X counts-per-inch linear motion. This value scales the position feedback.
Default: 20,320 counts/inch or 800 counts/mm
Use the default when using the Hypertherm lifter with the ArcGlide.
Maximum Speed
Sets the maximum linear speed that the ArcGlide THC can achieve. It is also the 100% scale for servo loop
calculations.
Default: 600 inches/min or 15,240 mm/min
Use the default when using the Hypertherm lifter with the ArcGlide.
Fast Speed
Sets the speed used for all automatic rapid moves such as the end-of-cut-retract or the initial approach to the
workpiece.
Default: 600 in/min or 15,240 mm/min
Use the default when using the Hypertherm lifter with the ArcGlide.
Slow Speed
Sets the homing speed and the fastest speed used for manual moves. It is also the maximum speed limit used
during arc voltage control.
Default: 150 in/min or 3,810 mm/min
Use the default when using the Hypertherm lifter with the ArcGlide.
IHS Speed
Sets the slow speed for the final approach to the workpiece during an IHS operation and the slow speed for
manual moves.
Default: 1,524 mm/min or 60 in/min
Use the default when using the Hypertherm lifter with the ArcGlide.
Speed Gain
Use the default when using the Hypertherm lifter with the ArcGlide.
Position Gain
Use the default when using the Hypertherm lifter with the ArcGlide.
Voltage Gain
Use the default when using the Hypertherm lifter with the ArcGlide.
Voltage Calibration
This value calibrates the arc voltage measurement accuracy. It is the software equivalent of adjusting the
voltage divider board to correct for small unit-to-unit tolerances. The measured arc voltage is multiplied by this
correction value before it is displayed or used for voltage control.
Default: 1.000
Language
Sets the language displayed on the ArcGlide HMI. The ArcGlide control module always displays messages in
English.
Default: 0 (English)
Sample Voltage
Samples voltage at cut height. Height control must be in Automatic mode and the Voltage Control must be on.
When Sample Voltage is on, the ArcGlide THC measures the voltage at the end of the Accel Delay and uses it
as a setpoint for the remainder of the cut. When Sample Voltage is off, the Set Arc Voltage is used as the
setpoint for the torch height control.
Default: Off
SH 0 – 2,000 (0 – 2.000 inch) >SH10005C< IHS Start Height set to 1.00 inch.
0 – 5,080 (0 – 50/80 mm) >SH254066< IHS Start Height set to 15.40 mm.
>SH?DA< Inch or metric query.
This is the height above the last known workpiece position where the ArcGlide switches from fast speed to the
slower IHS speed. This height should be set high enough to avoid contacting the workpiece.
Default: 1000 (1 inch above plate)
This parameter sets a sensitivity threshold to detect kerf. The range is 1 (more sensitive) to 10 (less sensitive).
Default: 5
When Thick Plate mode is On, the ArcGlide estimates torch heights for piercing thick plate.
Default: Off
Returns the ArcGlide Error code. Error codes appear on the HMI and the Control Module and can be displayed
on the CNC. See ArcGlide errors on page 191.
Default: None
When you are using the ArcGlide THC in a new installation and using the ArcGlide extended command set:
ArcGlide errors can be returned using the AE command.
The actual ArcGlide errors will always be displayed on the ArcGlide control module and HMI displays.
These errors are for reference. See ArcGlide errors on page 191 for a definition of each error and suggestions
for corrective action.
Introduction
This appendix describes the features of an ArcGlide THC that are unique to systems in which ArcGlide communication
uses the RS-422 serial protocol and in which the ArcGlide:
Replaces a Command THC
Is installed in new system using Command THC serial communication
For more information on the ArcGlide serial protocol, see ArcGlide THC Serial Communication Protocol on page 249.
Refer to the manufacturers’ instruction manuals for specific information about making serial, I/O, and power connections
to the CNC and plasma system in your plasma cutting machine.
Specifications
An ArcGlide THC that uses RS-422 serial communication supports the following features:
Built-in jumpers on the adapter cables that connect to the ArcGlide control module enable serial communication and
allow the rest of the system to interact with the ArcGlide THC as if it were a Command THC
Only single-torch configurations are allowed
The HMI is optional. However, the switches on the HMI are active and allow it to be used as an operator console to
perform the following functions:
Enable or disable the lifter
Raise or lower the torch
Select Automatic or Manual mode
Perform an IHS test
The HMI only displays status and error messages from the control module. To allow the HMI to modify parameters in
a system that uses serial communication, you must remove the jumper between pins 14 and 15 in Connector A on
the Plasma I/O split cable (Z) (223253). For more information, see ArcGlide discrete interface signal examples on
page 117. Communication between the HMI and the ArcGlide control module is carried over a Hypernet connection.
This is the only Hypernet connection in the RS-422 serial configuration.
Plasma I/O is carried on a discrete cable. The RS-422 signals that are sent from the plasma board on the control
module are diverted to the CNC.
Limitations
An ArcGlide THC that uses RS-422 serial communication has the following configuration limitations:
Real-time signals are not supported over serial RS-422 connections. Therefore, True Hole™ technology and other
interactive cutting commands and signals are not always supported. However, it is possible to implement True Hole
technology in some Command THC installations by using the discrete I/O signals in addition to the RS-422
connection.
It cannot be configured with an HPR plasma system that uses Hypernet for communication.
When the system is turned ON, only ArcGlide default values are used:
ArcGlide THC standard lifter setup (9.40-inch, 25-pound breakaway)
Loop gains for speed, position, and voltage
Puddle Jump and Transfer Height features are not available
There are no Automatic mode settings
The HMI can only be used for monitoring and manual control functions unless you have removed the jumper between
pins 14 and 15 in Connector A on the Plasma I/O split cable (Z) (223253). For more information, see Adjusting
ArcGlide parameters with the HMI on page 283.
The serial protocol supports the 19,200 baud, 8 data, 1 stop, no parity format. It does not support the older Command
THC 9600 baud format. This basic protocol supports all Command THC instructions with the exception of the following:
Real Time revision (RR) returns the ArcGlide firmware revision number.
I/O revision (RI) returns the ArcGlide firmware revision number.
Error code (EC) returns the nearest equivalent Command THC error code.
Lifter test (LT) is not supported.
When the ArcGlide THC replaces a Command THC, the CNC receives error and status messages as Command THC
messages.
If the ArcGlide THC is installed in a new system, extensions to the serial protocol are available to allow programmers to
edit the parameter settings for the following:
Lifter setup: length, motor current, encoder counts
Speed setup: maximum, fast, slow, IHS
Loop gains: speed, position, voltage
Height settings: Crossover, Transfer, Cut, Pierce, Puddle Jump
Sample Voltage mode
HMI language
Relative kerf detect level
When the extended command set is used, both the CNC and the ArcGlide control module display ArcGlide error
messages. See ArcGlide THC Serial Communication Protocol on page 249 for the ArcGlide serial protocol command
set.
When the ArcGlide THC replaces a Command THC in a system with a Hypertherm CNC, adapter cables (223253 and
223260 in kit number 228846) connect the CNC I/O and plasma I/O cables to the ArcGlide control module and the
plasma system. Both the plasma I/O and combined CNC I/O and serial cables can be the same cables that were used
for the Command THC or the table manufacturer can create them. For more information, see Cables on page 97.
In new systems, an adapter cable (223262 in kit number 228851) connects the plasma board on the ArcGlide control
module to the plasma I/O cable. This adapter cable separates the serial transmit and receive signals and sends them to
the CNC over a serial cable that is supplied by the table manufacturer.
The HMI communicates with the ArcGlide control module using the Hypernet protocol over a shielded, Ethernet Cat5e or
Cat6 cable. In a serial configuration, the HMI is optional and performs many of the same functions that the pendant
performs for the Command THC.
Figure 48
Lifter
Key:
Hypernet connection
Discrete connection
Serial connection
The Command THC and ArcGlide THC have many of the same types of components. Therefore, replacing the Command
THC hardware with ArcGlide THC hardware is relatively straightforward. Use the corresponding descriptions that follow
for a comparison of how the 2 THCs are configured in a plasma cutting machine.
1. The optional HMI of the ArcGlide THC corresponds to the optional pendant for the Command THC with a few
differences, depending on the style of system communication:
a. Hypernet configurations – the HMI only allows the operator to monitor operations of the THC and to perform
manual control functions with the lifter.
b. Discrete configurations – the HMI communicates directly with the ArcGlide control module and can perform
diagnostic functions in addition to monitoring and manual functions.
c. Serial configurations – the HMI performs monitoring and manual control functions only. Serial communication is
enabled by a jumper inside connector A of the Plasma I/O split cable (Z) (223253). You can disable serial
communication by removing this jumper and allowing full use of the HMI for diagnostic purposes. For more
information, see ArcGlide discrete interface signal examples on page 117.
2. Both models of THC send discrete I/O and serial signals to the CNC. When an ArcGlide THC replaces a Command
THC, the Z adapter cable (223253) connects the existing Command THC CNC I/O cable to the control module.
3. Both models of THC send discrete I/O signals to the plasma interface board in the plasma system. When an
ArcGlide THC replaces a Command THC, the Z adapter cable (223253) connects the existing Command THC
plasma I/O cable to the control module.
4. The plasma interface board adapter (223260) connects the plasma I/O cable and the ArcGlide plasma interface
board within the plasma system.
5. The ArcGlide THC uses its own lifter I/O cable between the control module and the lifter and comes with the system.
6. Both models of THC have a control module that provides arc voltage control and a motor drive. Cables to the
optional pendant or HMI, CNC, plasma system, and lifter all connect to the control module.
For more details about connecting serial, I/O, and adapter cables, see Connecting cables for a Command THC
replacement on page 276.
To allow the ArcGlide HMI to make adjustments to parameters in a system that uses serial communication, you must
remove the jumper between pins 14 and 15 in Connector A on the Plasma I/O split cable (Z) (223253). For more
information, see ArcGlide discrete interface signal examples on page 117.
Figure 49 shows an ArcGlide THC that has replaced a Command THC. In this configuration, the ArcGlide operates and
communicates with the rest of the system using the serial protocol, as if it were a Command THC, as described in
ArcGlide THC Serial Communication Installation on page 269. For more information, refer to the illustration in
Connecting cables for a Command THC replacement on page 276.
Figure 49
Key:
Hypernet connection –––––––
Discrete connection ———————–
Serial connection -----------
CNC
Plasma system
ArcGlide lifter
Figure 50 shows an ArcGlide THC in a new installation with a third-party CNC. In this configuration, the extended set of
ArcGlide THC features are available to third-party CNCs with the ArcGlide extensions to the basic Command THC serial
protocol.
New configurations with a Hypertherm CNC must use Hypernet for communication. For more information, refer to the
illustration in Connecting cables in a new serial system on page 278.
Figure 50
Key:
Hypernet connection – – – – – ––
Discrete connection ———————
Serial connection ----------
HMI (optional)
Customer-supplied operator
CNC I/O cable, for discrete signals console (optional):
- Station on/off/program switch
- Station active lamp
- Lifter UP/DOWN switch
CNC
Before you install your ArcGlide THC, see Placement of system components on page 54 for information about placing
ArcGlide THC components and how to connect power. See also Figure 51 on page 277.
3. Connect the CNC I/O cable to the I/O port on the CNC.
For more information, see Plasma I/O split cable (Z) (223253) on page 280.
Figure 51
CNC
1b 1a
Z adapter cable
Customer-supplied connector
(223253)
3
Plasma system
Command THC
plasma I/O cable or
customer-supplied
plasma I/O cable
J5
Customer-supplied
serial cable DB37 (female) Plasma I/O adapter
4b cable (223260)
DB50 male
2. Connect the Y adapter (223262) to the control module by inserting the round connector with the blue band into the
plasma I/O port on the front of the control module.
5. Secure the ground wires between the plasma I/O cable and the Y adapter:
a. Cut the ring terminal from the ground wire on the plasma I/O cable.
b. Strip the insulation from the cut end.
c. Crimp the male quick-disconnect terminal (074016) onto the stripped end of the ground wire.
d. Wind the ground wires in opposite directions around the joined connectors of the plasma I/O cable and the Y
adapter cable.
e. Connect the quick-disconnect terminals on the ground wires.
See Plasma I/O split cable (Y) (223262) on page 285 for more information.
Figure 52
ArcGlide control module
CNC
1a 2
Customer-supplied connector
1b
Command THC CNC I/O cable or
customer-supplied CNC I/O cable Plasma I/O
Y adapter cable
(223262)
RS-422 ports DB9 male
3b DB9 female
Plasma I/O
cable supplied
by customer
J5
DB37F
Customer-supplied serial
DB37 female
cable 4b
DB50 male
Cables
Yellow Black
Connects the CNC I/O board to the CNC cable.
Connector B Length = 476.25 mm (18.75 inch)
Diameter = 12.70 mm (0.50 inch) Connector D
Bend radius = 152.40 mm (6.00 inch)
Connector A
1 1 19
4 Connector C
5 9
15 20 37
10
16 22
23 28
29 33 1 19
34 37 Connector D
20 37
Connector A Connector C
Wire color Signal
Pin No. Pin No.
Connector A Connector C
Wire color Signal
Pin No. Pin No.
Connector A Connector D
Wire color Signal
Pin No. Pin No.
1 Red RS-422 RX + 20
2 Black RS-422 RX - 1
3 White RS-422 TX + 21
4 Black RS-422 TX - 2
Connector B
4 1
9 5
15 10
22 16
28 23
33 29
37 34 19
1
Connector D
20 37
Connector B Connector D
Wire color Signal
Pin No. Pin No.
Connector B Connector D
Wire color Signal
Pin No. Pin No.
The jumper on pins 14 and 15 in Connector A limit the HMI to monitoring ArcGlide functions. To enable the HMI to adjust
ArcGlide parameters, you must remove pins 14 and 15 and the jumper wire from Connector A, using a contact extraction
tool (008197).
14 Serial enable +
15 Input common -
7. Replace the cable clamp around the connector and fasten the 2 screws.
19 1
1 17
18 33
34 50
Connector A Connector B
37 20
6 White Motion + 28
7 Black Input common - 9
Connector A Connector B
Routes serial signals from the plasma I/O board to the CNC.
Length = 508.00 mm (20.00 inch) Connector C
Diameter = 6.60 mm (0.26 inch)
Bend radius = 152.40 mm (6.00 inch)
1 4
5 9
10 15 1 5
16 22
23 28 6 9
29 33
34 37
Connector C
Connector A
Connector A Connector C
Wire color Signal
Pin No. Pin No.
1 Red RS-422 TX + 4
2 Black RS-422 TX - 2
3 White RS-422 RX + 7
4 Black RS-422 RX - 3
1 4 4 1
5 9 9 5
10 15 15 10
16 22 22 16
23 28
28 23
29 33
34 37 33 29
37 34
Connector A
Connector B
Connector A Connector B
Wire color Signal
Pin No. Pin No.
1 Not connected 1
2 Not connected 2
3 Not connected 3
4 Not connected 4
5 Not connected 5
Connector A Connector B
Wire color Signal
Pin No. Pin No.
31 Yellow Field 24 V 31
32 Green Field 24 V 32
33 Brown Field 24 V 33
34 Green 1/50 Arc Voltage + 34