I just purchased a new TM 2x4 table with height control a few months ago. I am running a Hypertherm 65 plasma cutter. I'm currently cutting 16 gauge hot rolled with 45a fine cut shield and consumables. I have had a lot of issues with the machine from software to the machine itself. I have worked thru a lot of the problems thru trial and air. Once I switched to the fine cut 45a consumables things seemed to be looking up. I ran the line test, voltage test, and off that based my feed rate and voltage. I was running 73 volts, 200ipm, 35 amps, .06 cut height, .200 p delay, and .150 p height. I cut three full sheets of parts no problems. I was so happy after weeks of problems, wasting money on material, and consumables that I thought everything would be fine. A few days later I tried running the same set-up and program and it went back to failing. In the dry run cycle it would sometimes run fine and sense the material. Other times I would get the IHS error during dry run. I changed out consumables and the swirl ring many times and still the same result. I've tried running the program in active run both manually and in auto mode and still no luck. It will cut for a while and then it will either rise or dive into the material and then get the IHS or OHMIC sensor alarm. I do have the relay box. I also just started getting an alarm on my Hypertherm the first time it senses the material. I get the 30 consumables stuck alarm. I just loosen everything up and then do not get the alarm again when I restart. I'm running a earth ground to the table and a star ground to everything else. I really like this machine when it works but I spend more time working on it then it actually runs. I have 20 years experience as a Tool Maker running CNC machines daily as well as building special machines for a living. This machine has a lot of good features and potential but is very inconsistent. Inconsistency cost time and money! There are a lot of bugs to work out unfortunately at our expense. I spent extra money for the height control hoping I would have a better performing machine. All the elements are there for this machine but a lot of the issues need to be clarified more by TM. I'm only stating my opinion and have not given up on this machine I just would like some results soon to get up and running! Like I said this machine has a lot of potential. I would definitely appreciate any feedback to help my problems and hopefully help other people in the same situation. Thanks
We appreciate the feedback and rest assure we are here to ensure the table runs to your satisfaction. What version of the software are you on, go to Machine Settings and select Get Version Info, if you are on .17 or earlier you will want to download the latest version off of our website, www.torchmate.com. Go to Support > Drivers > Downloads, you will want to uninstall your current version as well as delete the folder c:\torchmate controller data, if you have Jobs saved in this folder back them up to a different location. Note: The new software is only compatible with 64 bit operating systems at this time, you can find this out by clicking on Windows Start bar then right click on Computer and select Properties. If 64 bit, install the new software and load the correct configuration, it will prompt you to update the firmware, follow instructions on the screen. We also have video of firmware update here:
I have downloaded the latest version of vmd designer. but now once I try to select a job and import it the whole thing shuts down it's like I close out of the vmd software all together. Very frustrating! I wish this thing would actually work there's nothing easy about this machine.
