Hypertherm THC ArcGlide - Manual (Page 133)

ArcGlide THC Instruction Manual 806450 133
3 – Operation
Sample voltage is used for:
 Any cutting or marking conditions in which accurate IHS and arc voltage sample is possible
 Clean, flat, relatively level workpieces
 Parts with medium or long lead-ins
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.
Initial height sense
The ArcGlide THC uses a sequence called initial height sense, or IHS, to detect the workpiece. You perform a first initial
height sense after powering up the cutting machine and before each cutting job. A first IHS detects the height of the
workpiece so that the CNC can calculate the torch-to-work distance. The CNC uses the torch-to-work distance for all
subsequent IHSs which it can perform using much faster speeds since the height of the workpiece is known.
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.
Performing a first IHS on the ArcGlide
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.