USER MANUAL
System Description
When operating a CNC Plasma table, it is important to maintain a fixed cutting height of the
torch throughout the cutting process in order to achieve good cut quality. While the plasma torch
tip-to-plate distance can be automatically set at the start of a cut by the Initial Height Sensing
(IHS) switch, it is difficult to maintain this exact height throughout the cut. Remember that a
typical plasma cutting torch tip-to-plate distance is only 1.5 mm and that normal sheet metal and
plate stock are not perfectly flat. In addition, the heat generated during the cutting process can
cause warpage in the material which makes it even more difficult to maintain this stand-off
height. If the torch gets too close to the material during cutting it can cause premature wear to
the cutting nozzle and also result in more backside dross. Even worse, the torch can crash into
the material if the plate is warped enough over a longer cut which consumes some of the 1.5 mm
starting cut height. Conversely, if the torch pulls too far away from the material it can negatively
impact the cut quality and also cause the torch to lose the arc during cutting.
The THC module functions based on the principle that the amount of voltage in the plasma arc
between the torch and the material is directly proportional to the length of the plasma arc. In other
words, if the torch is closer to the plate the arc voltage will be less than if the torch is further away
from the plate assuming all other cutting parameters are equal.
The Neuron.THC torch height control system is the most technologically advanced arc
voltage control system in the plasma cutting industry. It is designed to offer arc voltage control
capabilities to any plasma cutting system. The Neuron.THC quickly and accurately sets the arc
transfer height of the torch using an “Ohmic” or/and “Float Head” plate sensing technique. The
Neuron.THC system uses advanced DSP (digital signal processing) software servo control loops to
control speed, position and arc voltage with unparalleled precision. The system is fully
programmable via 10/100 Base-T Ethernet communications.
The Neuron.THC can attain speeds in excess of 200 inches per minute in the arc voltage control
mode and speeds in excess of 500 inches per minute in the position control mode.
Safety
Installation, as well as repairs, made to the Neuron.THC System should only be performed by
qualified personnel. The Neuron.THC system use D.C. for operation. In addition, it will be necessary
to make connections to the D.C. output of the plasma power supply. These voltages can be in
excess of 300 volts. Fatal shock hazard does exist. Exercise extreme caution while working in these
areas. Please refer to the plasma power supply manufacturer’s operating manual for additional
information.
Various other safety hazards exist while operating a plasma arc cutting system. Please see the
plasma power supply manufacturer’s operating manual for information on eye, skin, and hearing
protection, as well as other information required to safely operate the equipment.
System Components
The Neuron.THC System consists of the following components:
• Control module
• Plasma interface module
• Operator’s control module
• UCCNC Plugin and Screen set for plasma cutting applications
Control module
The control module houses a microcontroller, and I/O interface. This unit provides arc voltage
control, and interfaces with the torch driver through the Pulse/Direction interface, the CNC UCCNC
machine through the Ethernet interface, and the plasma system through standard discrete I/O
interfaces.
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