Post processor Baileigh Plasma cutter - torch doesn't switch off

[anthonyTH6Z8]

I'm trying to simplify things by using Fusion for CAD and CAM output in G code to use on my CNC plasma, rather than having to add in a separate piece of software. I currently use hypertherm pro nest, and they generated the post processor  for me so I could output G code that has worked well on my Baileigh inc plasma table. I have downloaded the Baileigh PP for Fusion - but once the torch is on, it doesn't shut off until the end of the whole part cycle.

It appears from what I can see on the G code that the M08 code is there (I believe this is the command to shut off the torch) but it doesn't appear to do it. 

Any advice? I've attached the generated G code, and also a file that was generated by Pro Nest, which worked fine.

[kyle.kershaw]

Hi @anthonyTH6Z8 

My name is Kyle and I'm a post guy here at Autodesk. Why the torch doesn't turn off I don't know. I see the M07 and M08 as you mention.

I compared the two sample files (thank you!) and see a few differences that might have something to do with it and a few that just make "better" code

.

First thing I see is the Fusion code is linear G01 moves everywhere. The ProNest code shows G02/G03 arc moves. One arc move can potentially replace 100's of linear moves. Both methods move the torch to the right place, one is more elegant than the other. Fortunately, this is controlled in Fusion by a post property in the NC Programs dialog. Enable the Circular Interpolation (and deselect Absolute IJ) and arcs will come out and shorten the code and look similar to ProNest.

So far this doesn't address the torch on and off issue, just makes prettier NC code. 

Comparing Fusion code to ProNest code when the torch is turning off and on looks like this.

Note the Fusion G01 F2000 fast feed versus G00 rapid of ProNest. Could the G00 versus G01 move be the difference? Or could it be the F word on that line? Anyway the place to tell Fusion to use rapid moves is again in the NC Program Post Properties. Scroll back up to the Post Properties picture and notice the Built-in section has the High feedrate mapping property set to "Preserve rapid movement". This makes that move a rapid G00.

Downside is the F word comes through. This is fixed with a small post change. Edit the post and near line 367 you should see code like this.

Remove the feedOutput.format(highFeedrate) and un-comment the feedOutput.reset(). Save and post.

While we're in there let’s change the defaults state for Circular Interpolation and Absolute IJ, the two post properties changed to make arc output happen. This is up near the top around line 80.  

As a first step, I suggest setting the post properties to arc output (and absolute IJ unchecked) and High feedrate mapping set to Preserve rapid movement and run that code on the machine and see how it does. If the torch still doesn't turn off, THEN do the post edits. You may want to do the edits to set the defaults anyway.

 

Could the G00 between torch off and on be the root cause?