Some other machines use servo motors, which rely on encoder position feedback to the computer to constantly correct positional error.  Stepper motors do not get out of position in the first place.  Further, they are lighter, reducing momentum, and cost far less to maintain or replace.  Don't believe vague claims about servo motors being superior.  The superiority of anything depends on the application.  Steppers are far better for our shape cutting application.
 
All units are shipped with 3rd axis circuitry.  This means that all you have to do is add our physical Z axis, and you can do CNC drilling, routing, engraving, etc.  The machine has been over-designed for applications where there is physical resistance against the cutting tool.
 
SOFTWARE:
 
Our Torchmate II software is Windows 95/98/2000, and NT compatible.  It is loaded with unique features.  Click on the above lap-top computer screen for full details.
 
Perhaps the most noteworthy advantage of the Torchmate software is that it uses industry standard G-code for operation.  It can generate its own G-code from imported dxf files, or can use G-code produced by popular CAD programs such as BobCad, Vector, etc.    No actual programming of code is needed.
 
This means you can create your shapes in virtually any drawing or CAD program capable of exporting dxf files.  You are not trapped in a simplistic proprietary CAD/CAM program, which may or may not do everything, but does nothing really well.
 
You can scan images and use CorelDraw (version 8 is available for just $135), to convert the shape(s) to a vector image.  CorelDraw can then scale, duplicate, rotate and nest, re-sequence, extrude, stretch, weld, align, and manipulate the shape(s) in dozens of other ways not possible with limited proprietary programs.  Save the finished shape as a dxf file and the Torchmate software will automatically generate the G-code to run the machine.
 
A common problem with scanned images is that they usually contain small line breaks.    This results in the torch going on and off unexpectedly, and makes the file useless unless you manually go through the code and take the breaks out.
 
Our Torchmate software has the unique capability of allowing you to specify how big gap must be before it is regarded as a line break.  This closes all the unwanted breaks for you automatically.
 
The Torchmate software is fully capable of running 3-D files requiring coordinated movement of 3 axes.  Simply add our optional physical Z axis, which comes with BobCad 3-D CAD software.  You can then perform CNC drilling, routing, engraving, etc.    This is not possible with competing CNC plasma cutting machines.

DETAILED FEATURES:
 
Our Windows based electronics include 135 oz. in. stepper motors as standard equipment.
 
Software can be run from a desktop or laptop computer.  With a laptop, you can create the file in your office, then carry the computer to the shop, connect the serial port to the controller box, and cut your parts.  A Pentium with at least 16 mb of ram is required, and 64 mb is preferable.
 
On-screen torch path simulation follows the actual progress of the torch on the metal.
 
Digital readouts at the upper right tell you the position of the torch in inches at all times.
 
The software can generate its own G-code from imported dxf files, and can run on G-code generated by BobCad, Vector, and similar programs.
 
Both the electronics and software are capable of full 3-D operation.  Simply add a 3-D CAD program (such as BobCad) and our optional physical Z axis and motor to do light routing, engraving, etc.
 
G-code is displayed at lower left, line by line as it is executed.  You can back up and re-start at any line you wish.
 
A feed rate override at the lower right lets you vary the speed while cutting.  A digital speedometer tells you how fast you are going.
 
The torch can be jogged via buttons on the screen, and relative moves can be made of specified distances on both axes.
 
The machine can be paused and re-started at any time with the same dwell as at the beginning of the file.
 
Files can be executed continuously, or one line at a time to help in de-bugging.
 
Files can be run off-line with torch path simulation operational.  You can see the piece being cut on the screen before actually cutting metal.  You don't have to turn off your plasma cutter to toggle from one mode to the other.