Description
Unlike competitors, there are no surprises or tricks to get you in the door. A pilot arc plasma cutter, your choice of down draft, water table or knife table, as well as a laptop/computer, is all you need to start cutting. That’s it! We offerupgrades such as an extended cutting area and accessories.
How many pieces does it come in, and can you ship?
Your BlueCarve Spark Plasma can be shipped or can be picked up assembled. We kindly request that you bring your laptop and/or plasma cutter with you when you visit. Together, we will install the Myplasm software, provide a comprehensive overview, demonstrate the CNC in motion, and ensure everything is working correctly. We won’t be able to test the plasma source as it is impractical to do so. We will help you load your CNC into your vehicle/trailer, and most new owners are cutting by that afternoon.
If you are interstate, the options are:
- We organise shipping
- Direct to door residential (except 1.5×3.0/3.3 models) Most expensive freight rate.
- Direct-to-door residential with a forklift (for 1.5×1.5 CNCs only)
- Direct-to-door business with a forklift. Best freight rate.
- Direct-to-door business without a forklift. Can be tailgated off (for 1.5×1.5 CNCs only)
- Pick up from the transport depot. You will need to organise your own transport from the depot
- Organise your own transport.
To reduce shipping costs, after assembly, testing, and calibration, we disassemble the product into five main parts. We pack your CNC into a (160-310)x50x60cm crate plus any additional accessories. Reassembly takes about 1 hour for the CNC and between 2 and 3 hours for the legs if purchased. Sometimes items may be damaged in transit (if the packaging looks damaged, please take photos), and I ask that you completely set up your machine and send me a message with what needs replacing.
What can I cut?
Spark Plasma is a very capable CNC that has proven capable of handling most things we have thrown at it; however, the limitation lies in the plasma cutter you choose. Just because you have a 100A plasma cutter doesn’t mean you should cut thin material at max. It is recommended that you turn the amps down to a minimum and aim to cut under 5,000mm/min.
The most common materials a plasma cutter can cut include:
- Mild steel
- Stainless steel
- Aluminium (precautions for fumes must be considered)
- Brass
- …anything conductive
Is a Plasma Cutter included in the price?
The base price of the BlueCarve Spark Plasma does not include the cost of a plasma source.
You may choose to purchase a Thermacut single- or three-phase plasma cutter, or supply your own power source. Consider a 3-phase system to pierce thicker material. These units work seamlessly with the BlueCarve Spark Plasma with a direct connection to a 50:1 voltage divider.
But if you want something else, that is fine! The considerations for the plasma you may consider buying include:
- Price – ranges from $400 to $8000, which dictates the following considerations:
- Your power supply – 240v single phase or 415v three phase with appropriate breaker size
- Amps – 40A as a minimum
- Duty Cycle – % of time over 10min that your plasma will operate at X amps
- Air flow/input – Needs to meet minimum plasma requirements
- Air flow quality – any moisture will degrade the cut quality
- Vertical torch
- 20:1 or 50:1 voltage divider connectivity (1:1 is advised to convert to a safer voltage with a voltage divider)
UNIMIG plasma sources have been known to damage the THC system. Due to being out of our control, we do not cover the cost of a new THC, but we can replace the unit at cost. To reduce the risk of your UNIMIG providing a higher than acceptable voltage of what the THC unit can handle, it is recommended that you seek advice from a UNIMIG representative to convert the voltage division from 20:1 to 50:1.
What plasma cutters have you used and can recommend?
We have a long-standing relationship with Thermacut (a Binzel company) that supplies European-made torches. We have integrated the range of Thermacut plasma with our CNCs to give you peace of mind. Be mindful that higher amps do not mean better!
As a comparison cutting 3mm 250GR mild steel with minimal taper:
Unimig 45 Razor – 1800mm/min
Thermacut 40SD – 2700mm/min
Thermacut 45HD 3800mm/min
What is so good about BlueCarve Spark Plasma?
The BlueCarve Spark Plasma has been designed to elevate your projects to the next level with speed, ease, and accuracy. By utilising helical rack-and-pinion and linear rails, the BlueCarve Spark Plasma competes with the big players at a fraction of the price.
What the BlueCarve Spark Plasma is not is a $20k-$60k industrial CNC. You will find that the MyPlasm software has approximately 90% of the functionality of industrial controllers, which we believe should not be a significant concern for most beginners. Notably missing is nesting functionality, which can be overcome by using either external software or a separate nesting software. In saying this, you will find that many CNC packages do not offer nesting software without a high additional cost. Additionally, if you use a higher-amp plasma cutter, you may find that you cannot achieve high-resolution cuts when cutting thinner material at faster speeds. We acknowledge these drawbacks, but for many customers, the BlueCarve Spark Plasma appears to cater to most of their needs.
What power supply and air supply set-up do I need?
Based on our testing, the limiting factor will likely be your plasma cutter and air supply.
Power supply considerations:
- To make full use of your duty cycle, ensure your breaker can safely handle the power requirements of your plasma cutter. For example, even though the UNIMIG Viper 30A has a 10A power supply plug, it will most likely trip your breaker before reaching the duty cycle. It is therefore recommended that you engage an electrician to determine if you need to upgrade GPOs and/or breakers. Additionally, it is recommended to operate the plasma on a separate circuit breaker from all other appliances, especially the computer. If the computer loses power, you will not be able to easily resume your work.
Air supply considerations:
- The next primary consideration is a clean, regular and minimum air supply. It is recommended that you read the requirements of your plasma cutter and purchase/have a compressor that meets the minimum required, with some capacity to spare. A great and relatively inexpensive addition, and a must for any CNC plasma cutter unit, is an M-30 or AT1000 air filter or equivalent to ensure that most of the moisture is collected. Even better is an air dryer.
What if I don’t have the right plasma cutter, power supply, or air supply?
The BlueCarve Spark Plasma, when combined with the proper hardware and technique, can produce a clean cut at any thickness. We stress this point because it is the number one question asked.
The issues that you might encounter if you do not have the proper technique or hardware include:
- Poor cut quality – serrations, jagged edges, bevelled cuts etc
- Dross – build-up of slag at the top or bottom of your material due to feed being too fast/ slow, too close/far, worn consumables, incorrect air pressure or suboptimal plasma cutter
- Incomplete cutting – your material will cut most of the way, but will miss certain spots due to dirty air, the feed rate is too fast, or the amps are not high enough
- Plasma cutter stops – this is where our plasma cutter turns off due to the duty cycle reached or the breaker tripped
Just so you know, the book values of Thermacut plasma sources can be achieved, provided you have a water table and an air dryer that feeds clean air to the plasma source. Without either a water table and/or an air dryer, you will expect a 20-30% reduction of feed rate from the book values.
The wearing of consumables, like nozzles and electrodes, will reduce your feed rate regardless of plasma source.
What software is included or recommended?
With the MyPlasm controller by Proma Elektronika, you will have access to MiniCAD and MyPlasm motion control. There are three key elements to the CNC cutting workflow: CAD (Computer-Aided Design), CAM (Computer-Aided Machining/Tool-pathing), and Motion Control. MiniCAD, together with MyPlasm, handles the CAD side adequately, albeit with limitations on features beyond basic geometry. MyPlasm does the CAM very well with intuitive and seamless. Just import your DXF file and let the software determine the cut path, lead-in, and lead-outs. If your file is clean of double lines or incomplete shapes, MyPlasm will allocate the correct cutting path. Motion control is where MyPlasm shines with one of the best GUIs available in its class.
Some notable functions include:
- Torch height control – adjusts cut height automatically via your compatible plasma cutter
- Floating head – allows for initial height correction before cutting commences
- Dual Y-axis homing switches – corrects both left and right motors to ensure perfect squareness
- Easy DXF upload and toolpath generation – no need to assign lead-in and lead-out, cut-in/outside
- Restart from the point or shape even after loss of communication or power
- Graphical representation of the position of your torch
- Live cutting and positioning on screen
- Live voltage reading from your plasma cutter
- Outer parameter framing
- Soft limits
- Optional game controller
- Progress bar with skip to next or previous part
- Save parameter function
You can download MyPlasm now and start exploring its functions at https://proma-elektronika.com/to-download/. The software takes a bit to get used to, but it is specifically designed for plasma cutting and does that very well.
Does it come with THC (Torch Height Control)?
Yes! The Myplasma controller will connect to any plasma cutter equipped with a 50:1 voltage divider and a CNC port, enabling seamless torch height control. Stick a panel of corrugated iron, a drum or a steel keg and watch the torch move up and down. There are some limitations to the THCs ability to perform rapid height adjustment when cutting material like corrugated iron. It is best not to perform your first cut on the most challenging material until you have mastered your CNC.
Customer who choose to use a UNIMIG power source will want to inquire with UNIMIG on how to change their voltage division to 50:1.
How long before I get it?
We typically have a 3- to 5-week lead time from deposit. Your BlueCarve Spark Plasma is made to order, with each unit taking about a week to build and test. If we have standard-size orders and parts on hand, we can manage to get two out per week. If there are any delays in production or a backlog, I will let you know. Do not start taking orders for your plasma before you receive your CNC and have started cutting!
Is there a warranty period?
At BlueCarve, we take pride in offering one of the best customer service experiences in the industry. Issues sometimes happen, but we are here to help! You may need to help diagnose and replace parts if necessary. This is a condition of sale that you can provide this assistance. We do not have the means to travel to you for diagnosis or repairs. Alternatively, you can bring your CNC in for a free look. If you do not feel comfortable assisting or have no means to visit us at Laverton North, VIC 3026, I will be honest: the BlueCarve series of CNCs might not meet your needs, and this is a condition of sale. Also, it would be beneficial for you to become familiar with your BlueCarve CNC and to be confident before accepting customer orders. We will do our best to assist you as soon as possible, and we appreciate your patience.
We provide a 12-month warranty on all mechanical and controller parts. Support includes both technical and general questions, ranging from issues with your BlueCarve Spark Plasma to limited support for undesired cutting results. We are happy to provide you with replacement parts within the warranty period, with shipping back to Laverton North, 3026, at your cost for parts requiring repair or diagnostics. The best way to get in contact is via adam@bluecarve.com.au for warranty matters.
It doesn’t happen often, but the THC can fail. Luckily, it is a separate unit in the controller, making replacement simple. We kindly request that you return the controller box to Laverton North, 3026, so we can inspect it and determine the cause of the failure. We can only warrant the failure where the cause cannot be determined or is due to a faulty THC unit. The cost to replace the THC is what it costs us to replace it.
What tolerances can I achieve?
Your Spark Plasma is “factory set” with nominal settings and can achieve an inaccuracy of up to 0.3mm. One area where greater inaccuracies can occur is due to the wear of plasma source consumables and kerf.
What safety measures do I need to keep in mind?
The operation of any CNC is relatively safe, but you need to adhere to the following precautions
During the operation of your BlueCarve Spark Plasma CNC you must:
- Never leave your CNC unattended
- Wear safety glasses/masks suited to your plasma cutter
- Only allow other people also wearing safety goggles in the room when the plasma cutter is powered on.
- Restrict access to the room where your plasma cutter is operating
- Keep body parts a clear distance from the CNC
- Allow free-flowing air to the CNC controller
- Ensure adequate ventilation of your work area especially when cutting aluminium
- Never cut aluminium-lithium alloys in the presence of water, which can burst into flames when they hit the water
- Take care when handling material before and after a cutting
