Hi there,
I need to apply the same path rule but with different numeric values to different tools in my plasma cutting setup.
Do I need to create a new path rule for each tool, or can I use the sme one all the time and just edit the specs?
Is there an edit option, I couldn’t spot one?
Thankyou
Path Rules don’t use variables, code snippets don’t either.
You may be better off using a pp function named DefineCustomToolParams()
See the pp doc in menu Options / Machine / ‘Post Processor’ then click button for Doc at bottom of window.
Sorry, what i meant was the variables that can be set in the dropdown window when selecting add rule. I want to use the same code snippet but applied differently with these variables for different tools.
Specifically, I want to apply a H0/M5 snippet before the end of cut, and the variables will differ with each tool based on the cut speed and material thickness.
I was just wondering if there was a faster way of doing this rather than creating a new rule for each tool with different variables, especially since the variables will be determined by experimentation.
Most (if not all) CNC controllers will consume M5 (cutter off) as a command synchronized to the preceding XY motion destination, meaning XY will decelerate to a stop before M5 is consumed. Is this what you want ? Conversely, I believe H0 (Langmuir THC off) is consumed without causing XY deceleration or stopping, provided the subsequent gcode is an XY motion command.
The pattern you are attempting to implement is classic in plasma CNC to eliminate the divot caused at the end of a cut when XY decelerates to a stop and the torch is extinguished. However, it can only be accomplished with a controller that can consume a digital output command immediately and while maintaining continuous XY motion. Usually this means having a second relay, controlled by the digital output under immediate command control, in series with the torch fire relay controlled by M3/M5. Sheetcam also provides for an ‘Overcut’ distance in the Operation to further facilitate this pattern so it doesn’t have to be exactly timed with the exact end of cut position.