Videos
- 3-Axis
- Used in Cutting CNC machines
Introduction
One-line value prop: Three-axis plate cutting with arc-voltage Torch Height Control (THC) for consistent standoff on thin or uneven sheets—kerf-accurate paths, clean leads, and safe, guided operation.
Who uses it: Fabrication & job shops · HVAC/ducting · metal service centers · thin-sheet and long-cut production lines.
Works with: 3-axes Gantry tables with X-Y motion and Z lifter driven by stepper/servo.
Compatible controllers: PC-SMART 4A / PC-SMART 3AS / PC-PRO LAN 4A
Supported files: DXF and standard G-code (e.g., ArtCAM / PowerMill posts)
Important: This interface does include Torch Height Control (THC).
For live arc-voltage height control, use XYZ Cutter + THC.
Machine & Kinematics
I/O for Torch On/Off, gas Pre/Post-flow, alarms/beacons, guards/doors, pressure/flow OK.
THC loop drives Z (pulse/dir) to the TorchValue target using THCGain and Tolerance (deadband), with THCThreshold, StartAfter, and EndBefore to prevent dive.
Manual Z trim hotkeys, Speed % override, Pause/Resume, and safe recovery.
Inputs mapped for HomePin X/Y/Z, P-TorchSensorPin (ohmic/mech touch), P-AntiCollisionSensorPin, and Emergency.
Control & I/O
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I/O for Torch On/Off, gas Pre/Post-flow, alarms/beacons, guards/doors, pressure/flow OK.
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THC loop drives Z (pulse/dir) to the TorchValue target using THCGain and Tolerance (deadband), with THCThreshold, StartAfter, and EndBefore to prevent dive.
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Manual Z trim hotkeys, Speed % override, Pause/Resume, and safe recovery.
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Inputs mapped for HomePin X/Y/Z, P-TorchSensorPin (ohmic/mech touch), P-AntiCollisionSensorPin, and Emergency.
Z-Axis Options
1) XY Cutter — Z via DC Motor (Up/Down outputs)
Use when: You have a simple lift driven by a DC motor (no step/dir).
How it works: Digital outputs jog the lift: C-Zfree = +1 → Z Up, C-Zfree = −1 → Z Down (timed macros to reach pierce/cut heights).
Ideal for: Basic plasma/oxy tables with fixed standoff or occasional manual nudging.
Notes: No pulse/dir, no encoder/THC—operator or sequence toggles outputs.
2) XYZ Cutter — Z via Stepper/Servo (Manual mode)
Use when: You want precise Z positioning but prefer to trim height manually during the cut.
How it works: Pulse/Direction control on Z; operator adjusts Z from the screen/pendant while the toolpath runs (store pierce/cut height macros, home & soft limits).
Ideal for: Shops needing accuracy without arc-voltage automation.
3) XYZ Cutter + THC — Z via Stepper/Servo (Automatic mode)
Use when: You need automatic standoff on thin or uneven sheets.
How it works: The THC module reads arc voltage and closes the loop on Z to hold the target height (set target V, gain/deadband, anti-dive, sample/hold on corners).
Ideal for: High-precision plasma cutting, long cuts, warped material.
Software & Workflow
DXF/G-code import with grid preview and automatic kerf/offset.
Lead-in/lead-out (arc/radial/tangent), Pierce dwell, auto retract, micro-tabs, and corner slow-down.
Ordering rules (inner→outer), clamp keep-outs, and dry-run (torch off).
Per-job Plasma settings: CutVelocity, CutTime/PreCutTime (with TimeUnit = ms), optional SheetAlignBaseAxis.
Pipe work supported via PipeCut mode (uses Diameter).
Key Capabilities
(at a glance)
Key Capabilities(at a glance)
Closed-loop THC with Target V, Gain/Deadband, Anti-dive & Corner Hold
Kerf-accurate DXF/G-code, clean leads, micro-tabs, inner→outer sequencing
Manual Z trim while cutting, Speed % override, safe Pause/Resume
Touch-off with offset, auto retract to SafeZ, collision sensing
Job logging: time, cut length, pierces, pauses/alarms, notes
Standard Workflow
Home X/Y/Z, set X0/Y0; verify SafeZ and touch sensor.
Open DXF/G-code; confirm kerf, leads, pierce/cut heights.
Set THC: Enabled, TorchValue (or AutoTorchValue), THCGain, Tolerance, THCThreshold, StartAfter, EndBefore; set CutVelocity and pierce timing.
Dry-run (torch off), check clamps and inner→outer order.
Run—THC regulates standoff; trim Z manually if needed; Pause/Resume safely.
Review and save the run report.
Typical Specifications
| Area | Spec |
|---|---|
| Axes | X, Y, Z (stepper/servo) with THC |
| Files | DXF, standard G-code |
| THC | TorchValue, THCGain, Tolerance, THCThreshold, StartAfter, EndBefore, AlwaysTouch, TouchSensorOffset |
| Heights | Pierce / Cut / Retract: SafeZ & SafeZVelocity |
| Timing | CutTime, PreCutTime (TimeUnit = ms) |
| I/O | Torch/gases, arc-OK, touch sensor, anti-collision, guards/E-stop |
| Reports | Time, cut length, pierces, pauses/alarms, notes |
Key Features of Radonix CNC Software
🔹 Direct DXF Execution
Seamlessly load and execute DXF files without the need for G-code conversion — streamlining your workflow and reducing setup time.
🔹 Smart Component & Path Management
Select specific parts from complex drawings and customize cutting order with intuitive control over toolpath sequencing.
🔹 Interactive On-Screen Editing
Scale, rotate, and mirror parts directly within the interface — with live toolpath previews to ensure precision.
🔹 Flexible Part Placement
Manually drag and drop parts onto your material sheet to accommodate irregular shapes, pre-cut stock, or remnant reuse.
🔹 Advanced Pause Controls
Set up to three independent pause points — before the cut, during the cut, and after the cut — for manual checks or operational adjustments.
🔹 Reverse Cutting Mode
Execute toolpaths in reverse to minimize material warping or adjust final exit points based on design needs.
🔹 Simulation / Demo Run Mode
Perform a complete motion test without activating the torch. Ideal for verifying the toolpath before live cutting.
🔹 Cylindrical Cutting Capability
Project flat designs onto cylindrical surfaces for precision tube and pipe cutting operations.
🔹 Live Arc-Voltage Monitoring
Real-time arc-voltage feedback ensures dynamic Z-axis height control — maintaining optimal torch-to-material distance during operation.
