Plasma-Cut Resume
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:
- Plasma fails to ignite at the start of a cut.
- Starting the cut from a specific point in the G-code file.
- 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
- Press Cycle Start to resume.
- 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
- Press "Jump to Line" in the MASSO interface.
- Enter the line number where you want to start.
- Click "Start from Line" to process the G-code file.
- MASSO will automatically search backward for the last M3 (torch on) command and start from that point.
- Ensure that "Plasma-Cut Restart Assist" is NOT checked.
- 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.
- Once the correct start position is displayed, press Run.
- Press Cycle Start after each axis move to ensure accurate positioning.
- 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
- Move the plasma torch back to where the cut stopped:
- Use the F3 Jog screen and your pendant or touch screen jog keys.
- Adjust the Z-axis to the correct cutting height.
- This sets the resume point where the torch will reignite.
- Go to the F2-Program & MDI screen, then select Jump to Line.
- The system will automatically display the last cut line number.
- 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.
- Press the Run button, then Cycle Start to resume cutting.
- 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.
- 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
- Go to F6-Load File and click "Edit" to open the G-code program.
- Scroll or Page Down to locate the line where you want to resume.
- Place the cursor on the desired line.
- Click "Resume Machining from Line".
- MASSO will:
- Close the editor.
- Open the Jump to Line page with the line number pre-filled.
- Press "Start from Line", and MASSO will process the G-code file up to that point.
- The system will calculate machining parameters and display them on-screen.
- Carefully review the information and press Run.
- The machine will:
- Move the Z-axis to Home.
- Move the X-axis to the starting position.
- Press Cycle Start after each axis move to confirm the correct starting position.
- 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.