Entry / exit parameters for plasma cutting

Additional angle

Only available for linear entry / exit types (Perpendicular or Tangent). This adjusts the entry or exit path by a specified angle.

Arc radius

For arc style entry or exit paths, this is the radius of the arc. Use this to control the size of the entry or exit.

Arc sweep angle

For arc entry or exit paths, this is the distance to sweep the arc, from the intersecting point on the toolpath.

Line length

Used with linear entry or exit, defines length in mm of entry or exit motion. Negative values are not permitted.

Extend / shorten path

A positive value will extend the base toolpath by adding a line tangent to the path, at the intersection of the entry / exit. The effect would be to move the entry or exit past the intersection point, creating an overlap.

A negative value will move the entry / exit away from the intersection point, leaving undertravel or a gap in the base toolpath.

Note that on curved toolpaths, the extension follows a tangent line, it does not follow contour of the toolpath.

Normalize direction

When enabled, the tool axis control vector of approach will be perpendicular to the healed surface geometry, at the start of the entry. This will ensure that the pierce occurs with the plasma torch perpendicular to the workpiece. After piercing, the tool axis control vector gradually transitions to the cut path orientation, as defined in Fanning distance.

When disabled, the vector of approach will be parallel to the cut path vector.

Note that using Normalize direction requires that the Projection option (on the Path Parameters page for plasma cutting) is set to Automatic or one of the other options that will create “healed” CAD geometry in Robotmaster.

Fanning distance

When the Normalize direction option is enabled, Fanning distance controls the length of the transition from the initial pierce tool axis control vector orientation until the entry or exit vector is parallel to the cut path vector.

Set this to Automatic to transition gradually along the entire length of the entry or exit.