Plasma Cutter Instructions

Training Videos

1. Open the EnRoute Software
2. Click File-New.  Select width and height of your project.  Click “OK”.  
3. Click File-Import.  Select a graphics file and click Open.  
4. To resize the image, select the entire image.  Drag the handles on the border of the selected image to resize it.  
5. Portions of the image outlined in red will drop out of the cut.  Colors outlined in blue will remain attached.  
6. Click Toolpath-Engraving.  From the pulldown Strategy menu, select the gauge and material to be cut.  Click OK.
7. Inspect your cut paths

1. Green dots represent the entry and exit points for the torch.  Each cut line should only include only one green dot.  

1. If there are multiple entry points on the same cut line, return to a graphics program like Adobe Illustrator or Vectric Aspire and clean up your image.  
2. To adjust the location of entry points, click Toolpath-Edit Entry/Exit Points.  Click and drag to move the entry points.
3. (Edit bridges?)

2. Small arrows represent the cut direction.  Check the cut lines to ensure that each line cuts only in one direction.  

1. If there are multiple cuts on the same cut line, return to a graphics program like Adobe Illustrator or Vectric Aspire and clean up your image.  

8. Click Machining-Output.  Click on “To File.”  Name your file and click “Save” to create your GCode.  
9. Close the EnRoute Software  
10. Place your material on the bed of the plasma cutter.  BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO BUMP THE TORCH HEAD.  
11. If necessary, adjust the spacing of the support fins to ensure that the material is stable.  
12. Check the water basin to ensure it is full and reasonably clean.  
13. Clamp the ground clamp and the torch height clamp to the material.  Ensure that they are secure.  
14.  Push the green button on the Velocity CNC box to turn on the plasma cutter.  
15. Turn the black switch on the Hypertherm box to turn on the plasma torch.  
16. Ensure that the vent over the plasma cutter is turned on and has a minimum of 80 psi of pressure.  
17. Open the Velocity CNC software.  
18. Click the icon of two plugs to connect the computer and plasma cutter.  
19. Press the Z+ button to raise the cutter head above the material.  
20. Use the X and Y buttons to move the torch to the lower left corner of your cut site.  

1. Place your cut to minimize material waste.  
2. Draw a dot at your lower left corner with a marker.  Use a tape measure to ensure that your piece will fit in the available clear space.  

21. Use the Z buttons to move the torch between ¼” and 1” of the surface.  
22. Click the Set button.  Choose “Zero all.”  
23. Click the Load GCode File button (folder icon).  Select your file and choose “Open.”
24. Click “Play.”  
25. To stop a cut during a run, click Escape or push the stop button (red square).