Plasma-Cut Resume

INFORMATION: This feature requires MASSO software version 5.09 or higher. Ensure your controller is updated to v5.09 or later to access this functionality.

 

MASSO G3 offers different ways to recover your cut when your plasma machine stops. It’s important to choose the correct method based on the situation:

  1. Plasma fails to ignite at the start of a cut.
  2. Starting the cut from a specific point in the G-code file.
  3. Resuming a partially completed cut after an unexpected stop.

 

 

 

 

Restart After Plasma Fails to Ignite

This is the easiest recovery method when the plasma fails to ignite at the start of a cut.

  • After probing, the plasma torch rises to the piercing height and attempts to ignite.
  • If ignition fails, a No Arc OK alarm is triggered, and the machine stops.

Retrying the Cut

  1. Press Cycle Start to resume.
  2. MASSO will probe the material and resume the cut automatically.

 

 

 

Starting Partway Through a G-Code File

There may be several reasons why you need to start partway through a G-code file, such as:

  • You paused a job and want to continue it the next day.
  • You need to restart from a specific point before cutting begins.

 

Jump to Line Method

  1. Press "Jump to Line" in the MASSO interface.
  2. Enter the line number where you want to start.
  3. Click "Start from Line" to process the G-code file.
  4. MASSO will automatically search backward for the last M3 (torch on) command and start from that point.
  5. Ensure that "Plasma-Cut Restart Assist" is NOT checked.
  6. The starting position will be displayed on the MASSO screen.
    • If the position is incorrect, enter a new line number and press "Start from Line" again.
  7. Once the correct start position is displayed, press Run.
  8. Press Cycle Start after each axis move to ensure accurate positioning.
  9. When the torch reaches the start position, press Cycle Start again, and the cut will resume as normal.

 

 

 

Resuming a Partially Completed Cut

If the machine stops mid-cut due to an issue (e.g., arc loss, the torch hitting tipped material, or the head breaking away from the mount), use MASSO Plasma-Cut Restart Assist to continue the cut.

MASSO Plasma-Cut Restart Assist Method

  1. Move the plasma torch back to where the cut stopped:
    • Use the F3 Jog screen and your pendant or touch screen jog keys.
  2. Adjust the Z-axis to the correct cutting height.
    • This sets the resume point where the torch will reignite.
  3. Go to the F2-Program & MDI screen, then select Jump to Line.
  4. The system will automatically display the last cut line number.
  5. Press "Start from Line" and check the starting position.
    • Ensure "Plasma-Cut Restart Assist" is checked.
    • If needed, enter a new line number and press "Start from Line" again.
  6. Press the Run button, then Cycle Start to resume cutting.
  7. MASSO will:
    • Move the torch to the start position.
    • Travel along the original cut path with the torch off.
    • Reignite the torch at the resume point and continue cutting.
  8. If using THC (Torch Height Control):
    • Press the THC button on the F2 screen to turn it on.
    • Alternatively, THC will automatically resume on the next THC command in the G-code file.

 

 

 

Resuming from the G-Code Editor

For MASSO G3 and MASSO Touch, you can also restart directly from the G-code editor.

How to Resume from the Edit Screen

  1. Go to F6-Load File and click "Edit" to open the G-code program.
  2. Scroll or Page Down to locate the line where you want to resume.
  3. Place the cursor on the desired line.
  4. Click "Resume Machining from Line".
  5. MASSO will:
    • Close the editor.
    • Open the Jump to Line page with the line number pre-filled.
  6. Press "Start from Line", and MASSO will process the G-code file up to that point.
  7. The system will calculate machining parameters and display them on-screen.
  8. Carefully review the information and press Run.
  9. The machine will:
    • Move the Z-axis to Home.
    • Move the X-axis to the starting position.
  10. Press Cycle Start after each axis move to confirm the correct starting position.
  11. The Z-axis is the last to move into position, after which the cut will resume.

 

 

Final Notes

  • Choose the correct method based on your situation to avoid errors.
  • Verify the start position visually before resuming the cut.
  • Using Plasma-Cut Restart Assist ensures a smooth cut recovery after interruptions.