Phoenix

Software V9.5

Programmer's Reference
for Hypertherm Touchscreen Shape Cutting Controls
806420 Revision 1

Hypertherm, Inc.
Etna Road, PO Box 5010
Hanover, NH 03755 USA
Phone: 603-643-3441
Fax: 603-643-5352

DISCLAIMER

The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be
construed as a commitment by Hypertherm, Inc. Hypertherm Inc. assumes no
responsibility for any errors that appear.

TRADEMARKS
Command, EDGE, HT 4400, HD3070 HyDefinition Plasma and HD4070 HyDefinition
Plasma, HyperCAD, HyperNet, HyperNest, Phoenix, and ShapeWizard are registered
trademarks of Hypertherm, Inc.
Align, APC, ArcGlide, CutPro, EDGE Pro, FASTLaser, Gemini, HPR130, HPR260
HyPerformance Plasma, HyPath, Mariner, Nester, Remote Help, Sensor, and Voyager
are trademarks of Hypertherm, Inc.
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Other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
COPYRIGHT
Printed in USA

2010 by Hypertherm, Inc. All rights Reserved

Contents
Editing Part Programs ............................................................................................... 1-1
Shape Library ......................................................................................................... 1-1
Text Editor .............................................................................................................. 1-2
Shape Wizard ......................................................................................................... 1-3
Teach Trace ............................................................................................................ 1-5
Remnant Trace Mode ........................................................................................ 1-5
Teach Trace Mode ............................................................................................ 1-6
HyperCAD ............................................................................................................. 1-10
Automatic Nesting ................................................................................................. 1-11
Nesting Screen Layout .................................................................................... 1-11
Automatic Nesting Setup ................................................................................. 1-12
Using Automatic Nesting ................................................................................. 1-13
Adding a Part ................................................................................................... 1-13
Deleting a Part ................................................................................................. 1-18
Nest Summary ................................................................................................. 1-20
ASCII Codes ................................................................................................................ 2-1
Control Codes ......................................................................................................... 2-1
All Codes ................................................................................................................ 2-3
EIA RS-274D Program Support ................................................................................. 3-1
Directly Supported EIA Codes ................................................................................ 3-1
Mapped EIA Codes ................................................................................................. 3-8
Unsupported EIA Codes ....................................................................................... 3-11
EIA Comments ...................................................................................................... 3-13
EIA Example: ................................................................................................... 3-13

ESSI Code Support .................................................................................................... 4-1

Mapped ESSI Codes .............................................................................................. 4-1
Unsupported ESSI Codes ....................................................................................... 4-5
ESSI Comments ..................................................................................................... 4-6
Advanced Feature Codes .......................................................................................... 5-1
Kerf Table Codes .................................................................................................... 5-1
Special Kerf and G59 Code Settings ...................................................................... 5-1
Kerf Override ..................................................................................................... 5-1
G59 Code Override ........................................................................................... 5-1
Parallel Kerf Enable for Hole Center Piercing .................................................... 5-1
Tilt / Rotator Part Codes ......................................................................................... 5-1
Automatic Torch Spacing Program Codes .............................................................. 5-2
Station Select Codes .............................................................................................. 5-3
Process Select Codes............................................................................................. 5-3
Station Configuration Variables .............................................................................. 5-3
Lifter .................................................................................................................. 5-3
Power Supplies.................................................................................................. 5-4
Marker ............................................................................................................... 5-5
Laser ................................................................................................................. 5-5
Automatic Torch Spacing ........................................................................................ 5-5
Automatic Torch Spacing Program Codes ........................................................ 5-7
Automatic Torch Spacing I/O ............................................................................. 5-7
Automatic Plate Alignment Codes ..................................................................... 5-7
Example Part Program............................................................................................ 5-8
Dual Transverse without Beveling........................................................................... 5-9
Beveling .................................................................................................................. 5-9
Contour Bevel Head for Oxy Fuel Cutting (CBH)............................................... 5-9
Tilt Rotator Plasma Bevel ................................................................................ 5-10
Dual Tilt Rotator Plasma Bevel ........................................................................ 5-10
Bevel Angle Change on the Fly (BACF) .......................................................... 5-11
M and G Codes Used for Beveling .................................................................. 5-12
Square Pipe Cutting .............................................................................................. 5-13

RACF - Rotate Angle Change on the Fly ......................................................... 5-13

All Possible Axis Assignments .............................................................................. 5-13
Special Passwords................................................................................................ 5-13
NRT No Rotate Tilt ....................................................................................... 5-13
RT Rotate Tilt ............................................................................................... 5-14
NSA No SERCOS Axes ............................................................................... 5-14
SA SERCOS Axes ........................................................................................ 5-14
Number of SERCOS Axes to Phase Up .......................................................... 5-14
PRO Partial Retract Only .............................................................................. 5-14
NOPRO No Partial Retract Only ................................................................... 5-14
SIMULATESERCOS ....................................................................................... 5-14
SIMULATESMCC ............................................................................................ 5-14
Subparts...................................................................................................................... 6-1
Marker Font Generator............................................................................................... 7-1
Internal Fonts .......................................................................................................... 7-3
External Fonts ......................................................................................................... 7-3
Custom Fonts ......................................................................................................... 7-3
Sensor THC Programming Support .......................................................................... 8-1
THC Index Code ..................................................................................................... 8-2
Plasma Supply Programming Support ..................................................................... 9-1
HPR and HD4070 Support ...................................................................................... 9-1
HD3070 Support ..................................................................................................... 9-6
FineLine Support..................................................................................................... 9-7
Serial Messaging ...................................................................................................... 10-1
Overview ............................................................................................................... 10-1
Options ................................................................................................................. 10-1
Programming Code ............................................................................................... 10-3
Message Command Type ..................................................................................... 10-4

Optional Format Value .......................................................................................... 10-5

Specialty Characters Supported ...................................................................... 10-5
Optional Format Character Assignments ......................................................... 10-5
Optional Delay Time/Time Out Value.................................................................... 10-6
Optional Port ......................................................................................................... 10-6
Message Text Content .......................................................................................... 10-6
Non-Printing Characters ....................................................................................... 10-7
Character Options ........................................................................................... 10-7
Exceptions / Additions ..................................................................................... 10-7
Non-Printing Character Table ............................................................................... 10-8
ASCII Codes Less Than Hexadecimal 20 ....................................................... 10-8
8 bit Character Codes Greater Than Hexadecimal 80 ..................................... 10-8
Importing Prepared DXF Files ................................................................................. 11-1
Drawing Format .................................................................................................... 11-1
Text Commands.................................................................................................... 11-1
Directional Commands .......................................................................................... 11-1

Editing Part Programs

Shape Library
The CNC contains a built-in Shape Library with more than 68 commonly used shapes.
These shapes are parametric. Parametric shapes are shapes whose size or geometry
you can edit. The shapes in the library are color-coded from easy (green) to difficult
(black).

To select a simple shape:

1. On the Main screen, press Shape Manager
2. Double click a shape.
or
Press a shape and press OK.
3. If the selection is incorrect, press Cancel and select the shape again.
Keypad operation:
1. Use the arrow keys to navigate to a shape.
2. Press Enter.
The shape is displayed with the default parameters or the parameters from the last
time this shape was edited. For more information on the available shapes, see Library
Shapes in the Operators Manual.
1-1

Programmers Reference

Text Editor
The text editor screen allows you to write or edit a part program in either ESSI or EIA
format. The current part that is in memory is displayed when this screen opens.
You can make changes by pressing on a line of code. An alphanumeric keyboard
displays to allow you to enter changes.

To edit code:
1. Select or press a line of code.
On the CNC, the alphanumeric keypad displays.
2. Enter changes to existing lines of code or add new lines.
3. Press OK to save your changes.
If you want to save the changes to the hard drive, select Files > Save to Disk.
4. Press Cancel to return to the previous screen without saving your changes.
Soft Key

Description

Show Original Text Allows you to view and edit the part program in its original format.
Delete Part

Deletes the current part from the Text Editor so that a new part
can be constructed.

1-2

Editing Part Programs

Shape Wizard
ShapeWizard is a proprietary graphical part editor that provides a user-friendly,
graphical interface for editing part programs.
You can view the segment that you edit and other changes that you make, as well.
There are a number of features on the Shape Wizard screen to facilitate editing part
programs:

The shape you select is displayed in the Preview Window and the corresponding
code is displayed in the EIA Text window.

As you edit lines of code, the changes are visible in the Preview Window.

You can add or modify EIA RS-274D codes in a part program in the EIA Text
window.

If you dont know EIA RS-274D codes, you can edit or create segments by making
entries and selections in the Segment Data fields below the EIA Text window.

Zoom keys decrease or increase the size of the part in the Preview Window.

To edit a part program in the EIA Text window:

1. Press or click on a line of code to highlight it.

1-3

Programmers Reference
2. Press or click Manual Line Edit.
The alphanumeric keypad is displayed for line edits.
3. Type over a line to replace the text.
The ASCII text that you enter must be a valid EIA RS-274D code or an error
message will display.
4. To view data about the segment of the part that you have highlighted, select the
View Segment Data Below checkbox.
5. You can use the Segment Type field and related fields to change the highlighted
segment type and add it to the program.

6. While a line is highlighted in blue, you can use soft keys to replace a segment or
add a new one:
Soft Key

Description

Replace
Segment

Replaces the segment highlighted in gray in the Text Editor

window with the segment selected from the Segment Type
window.

Insert Before
Segment

Inserts the segment selected from the Segment Type window to

be inserted before the segment highlighted in gray in the Text
Editor window.

Insert After
Segment

Inserts the segment selected from the Segment Type window

after the segment highlighted in gray in the Text Editor window.

Remove
Segment

Deletes the segment that is highlighted in gray or blue in the EIA

Text window from the part program.

7. As you edit a line of code, the picture of the part in the Preview window is updated.
The corresponding segment is highlighted in red if it is a cut segment or in blue if it
is a traverse.

1-4

Editing Part Programs

Teach Trace
The Teach Trace function of the CNC allows parts and remnants to be traced rather
than programmed. The position information from the traced part remains as a part
program that can be saved to disk.
The Teach Trace algorithms in the CNC can recognize both arcs and lines. This
reduces the overall memory required to store these parts and improves the
smoothness of the cut.
The traced part in memory is in EIA format and can be cut, saved or edited using any
of the part options.
Teach Trace has two modes, Remnant Trace and Teach Trace. The screen opens in
Remnant Trace mode. Press the Select Teach Trace Mode soft key to use Teach
Trace.

Remnant Trace Mode

In Remnant Trace mode, you can trace the outline of a plate remnant and save it as a
file so that it can be used later and nests of parts can be cut from the remnant.

To trace a remnant:
1. On the TeachTrace screen, press the Select Remnant Mode soft key.

1-5

Programmers Reference
2. Jog to the point on the Remnant window where you want the trace to begin. Use
the joystick or jog keys to move the torch over the plate.
3. Press or click First Point.
4. Jog to the next point and press or click Next Point.
Repeat this step until you have traced all but the final point.
5. When the pointer is over the last point you need to trace, press or click Last Point.
Trace Remnant draws a line between this point and the first point to close the
remnant.
6. Press or click OK to let TeachTrace create the remnant.
TeachTrace connects the last point to the first point automatically and returns to the
Preview Window.
7. Press or click Files then Save to Disk.
8. Select a folder for the new remnant file from the Save to dropdown list.
It is helpful to have a folder named Remnant to hold your remnant files.
9. Enter a file name in the File Name field.
10. Press or click OK.

Teach Trace Mode

1-6

Editing Part Programs

The Teach Trace function must be used with an optional stand-alone optical tracing
system.

1-7

Programmers Reference

To trace a part:
1. Press Select Auto Mode to trace the part automatically.
2. Press Select Manual Mode to trace the part manually.
This also enables the Change Move Speed button so you can change the speed at
which the sensor moves.
3. Select traverse or pierce.
You can switch between traverse and pierce during the tracing procedure.
4. Position the optical sensor near the part drawing.
5. Press Start.
Use the sensor positioning controls to direct the sensor towards the part.
6. After the sensor has located the part, the tracing system will follow the part outline
until completion.
7. If you are using manual mode, you can press the Change Move Speed button
repeatedly to select a speed for the optical sensor.
8. When the tracing system is finished tracing, press OK.
You can cut, save or edit the part.

1-8

Editing Part Programs

Parameter

Description

Start Corner

Allows you to select where the part you trace will begin for proper
viewing on the screen.

Tracing Pitch

Determines how precisely to learn a part. The Tracing Pitch can be

adjusted to favor the resolution or size of the taught part. This value
does not affect the actual position resolution of the part.
A good starting point for most tracing systems is 0.01.

Arc Radial
Error

Specifies the arc error tolerance to be used when checking the

current segment for dimensional accuracy. All ESSI or EIA programs
are comprised of lines, arcs, and circles. Arc Radial Error is used to
ensure that the starting and ending radial vectors are within
tolerance to describe a valid geometry.

Auto Closure
Detect

Allows the CNC to detect that it has returned to the starting point.
With this feature on, the CNC stops the motion of the tracer when
the part is complete and programs a lead-out.

Closure
Over/Under
Lap

By specifying a positive value for this parameter, the CNC does not
stop the tracer until it has gone past the start point by the value of
this parameter.
Specify a negative value to stop the tracer as soon as the tracing
head position is within this parameters distance of the starting point.
This is only available if the Auto Closure Detect is On.

Kerf Direction

Selects the kerf for cut segments.

Traverse/Pierce Switches between the traverse and cut segments of the part as it is
taught.
Select
Auto/Manual
Mode

Use this button to change trace modes.

Change Move
Speed

Press this button to change the trace speed in manual mode.

Select
Remnant Mode

Press this button to use remnant mode to create remnants.

If you select manual mode, you can also use the Change Move
Speed button to change the trace speed.

Refer to the instructions provided with your Optical tracing system for additional
details.
1-9

Programmers Reference

HyperCAD
HyperCAD is an easy to use 2D drawing application specifically designed for shape
cutting. The softwares powerful CAD utilities let users import DXF and CNC files or
draw from scratch. Files can be converted to graphical parts for editing and saving or
go directly to cutting.
HyperCAD is a simple CAD/CAM application that lets you move easily from drawing to
cutting. Its features include:

English or metric units

Part/sheet viewing capabilities
Scaling, mirroring or rotating of parts
Repeating and copying of shapes
Moving/modifying of lead-ins and lead-outs
Add-on of chamfers, fillets and notches
On-screen, full-part cutting simulation
Built in Help functions

This feature is offered as a limited use trial version. Contact your CNC vendor for
information on enabling unlimited use of this feature. This package may be used on the
CNC equipped with a mouse and PC keyboard, or offline on a PC.
1-10

Editing Part Programs

Automatic Nesting
Note: This software feature on the CNC is protected by a hardware key. If the
hardware key has been removed from the CNC, the following message appears when
the Nest Parts soft key is pressed.

Nesting Screen Layout

The preview window is located in the upper left corner of the Nester screen and is
used to preview manual nests. During an automatic nest, this area remains blank.
The plate size that is used during automatic nesting is based on plate information that
has been selected at the main setup screen.
The Files window in the upper right corner displays the list of part programs and
quantities of parts that have been selected for nesting. In the lower right, there are
fields to specify the location and name of the nest file.

1-11

Programmers Reference

Automatic Nesting Setup

To set up automatic nesting:
1. From the Main screen, select Shape Manager > Nesting > Setup.
2. Use the following setup parameters to configure the automatic nesting process.
Note: If the Setup soft key is not available (grayed out), the feature has not been
enabled on your CNC. Contact your CNC vendor for details on how to enable the
Automatic Nesting feature.

Parameter

Description

Nesting

Switching Automatic to enable automatic nesting.

Part Spacing

Sets the spacing between parts during automatic nesting

process.

Plate Edge
Spacing

Sets spacing around the edge of the plate.

Program Origin

Select the nest start location from the dropdown list.

Cut Direction

From the dropdown list, select the direction in which the parts will
be cut in the automatic nest.

1-12

Editing Part Programs

Nest Direction

Select the direction in which nests are arranged during the

automatic nesting process.

Return to Nest
Start

When enabled, the Return to Nest Start feature inserts a traverse

segment from the end of the nest back to the start point.

Use Remnant

If remnants are created and saved for future use, select On to

use one of these remnants for automatic nesting.

Generate and Cut

Offcut

Select On to generate offcuts for standard, rectangular nests.If

this feature is enabled, offcuts are created when 30% or more of
the sheet remains after nesting. The offcut is cut after a pause at
the end of the nest on the last nested rectangular sheet.

M65 Auto Reload

Select On to allow new sheets to be reloaded automatically.

When this feature is selected, there is a pause at the end of each
sheet until the operator presses Start to Resume. Then, a new
sheet automatically loads and runs.
Auto reload works with standard, rectangular nests only.

Using Automatic Nesting

To begin using Nesting:
1. On the Shape Manager screen, select Nester > Setups.
2. On the Setup screen, select Automatic for the Nesting option.
3. Configure the setup parameters.
4. Press OK to return to the Nesting screen and begin adding parts to the nest.

Adding a Part
To add a part to a nest part list:
1. On the Nesting screen, press the Add Part soft key.

1-13

Programmers Reference

2. On the Add Part screen, use the soft keys at the bottom to select the source of a
part file; Shape Library, disk, or host.

1-14

Editing Part Programs

3. Select the part you want to add:

In the Shape Library, double-click or press a shape.

On the Load from Disk screen, select the source of the file from the Load from
dropdown list and then select the file from the Files list.

On the Download from Host screen, select the source of the file from the
Download dropdown list and then select the file from the Files list.

1-15

Programmers Reference

4. To narrow down the list of files in the Files list, click or press the Show Certain Files
soft key.
5. On the keyboard that displays, enter wildcard characters and a portion of the file
name you are looking for. For example, if you enter *Rect, you will see the following
list of files:

6. To return to the complete list of files, click or press Show All Files.
7. Select the Preview checkbox to view the part you selected in the Preview window.
8. Click or press Cancel to return to the Add a Part screen without adding the part.
9. Click or press OK to add the part to the nest.
10. On the Part Setup screen, enter values in the setup parameters, as necessary for
the part you selected.

1-16

Editing Part Programs

11. Click or press OK.
12. In the Part Configuration popup, enter the number of parts to include in the nest
and indicate whether the part will be mirrored in the nest, for greater efficiency, or
used as a wildcard part.
Wildcard parts fill in a sheet on which the nest occupies at least 75% of the sheet.

13. As you add new parts to the nest, file names and quantity are listed in the Files
window on the Nesting screen.

14. Save the nest of parts:

a. Select the file location from the Save to dropdown list.
b. Enter name for the nest file in the File name field.
c. Click or press OK to begin the automatic nesting process.
A window displays the progress of the nesting process.
1-17

Programmers Reference

Note: The nest process progresses quickly and all shapes may not be visible on the
screen. Other drawing anomalies may be noted during the nesting process.
If more parts are selected than can fit on one plate, multiple plates or sheets (nested
program) files are generated and saved in the selected folder with the selected file
name, but a numeric suffix is added. For example, if you saved the part file as Nest,
the nesting process may generate multiple part files named NEST1.txt, NEST2.txt,
NEST3.txt, and so on. The numbers in the file names indicate the number of individual
sheets that are needed for the nest selection, based on the sheet size parameter.

Deleting a Part
To delete a part from the part files list:
1. Select the part name in the files list.
2. Press the Remove Part soft key before you begin the nesting.

1-18

Editing Part Programs

When you have finished nesting your parts, you can view the entire nest in the Preview
Window of the Main screen:

Note: Parts with open loops or other invalid geometries may not be able to be
automatically nested. It may be possible to manually nest parts which have been
rejected by the Automatic Nesting function.

1-19

Programmers Reference

Nest Summary
After a nest is completed, the software provides a summary of the Automatic Nesting
process.

Statistical analysis of the process is provided for the number of sheets, time to execute
nest, total nest utilization and total number of shapes nested.
Note: Sheets that are generated with the same part configuration are listed as Sheet
No. # (total #).

1-20

Editing Part Programs

To view the summary:

1. Scroll down to view an analysis of the parts, the individual sheets produced, and a
listing of the net utilization for the specific sheet.

2. Press OK to accept the nest and have the first sheet become the current part.
1-21

Programmers Reference
3. Press Cancel to reject the nest and return to the main nesting screen to add or
remove parts from the nest.

1-22

ASCII Codes
This appendix provides the 128 ASCII codes (American Standard Code for Information
Interchange) as defined by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Standard
X3.4-1977.

Control Codes
Hex

Dec

Character

Name

Description

00

^@

NUL

Null

01

^A

SOH

Start of Header

02

^B

STX

Start of Text

03

^C

ETX

End of Text

04

^D

EOT

End of Transmission

05

^E

ENQ

Enquiry

06

^F

ACK

Acknowledge

07

^G

BEL

Bell

08

^H

BS

Backspace

09

^I

HT

Horizontal Tab

0A

10

^J

LF

Line Feed

0B

11

^K

VT

Vertical Tab

0C

12

^L

FF

Form Feed

0D

13

^M

CR

Carriage Return

0E

14

^N

SO

Shift Out

0F

15

^O

SI

Shift In

10

16

^P

DLE

Data Link Escape

11

17

^Q

DCI

Device Control 1

12

18

^R

DC2

Device Control 2

13

19

^S

DC3

Device Control 3

14

20

^T

DC4

Device Control 4

15

21

^U

NAK

Negative Acknowledge

16

22

^V

SYN

Synchronous Idle

17

23

^W

ETB

End Transmission Block

18

24

^X

CAN

Cancel

19

25

^Y

EM

End of Medium

2-1

Programmers Reference
1A

26

^Z

Sub

Substitute

1B

27

^[

ESC

Escape

1C

28

^\

FS

File Separator

1D

29

^]

GS

Group Separator

1E

30

^^

RS

Record Separator

1F

31

^_

US

Unit Separator

20

32

SP

Space

2-2

ASCII Codes

All Codes
Hex

Dec

Symbol

Hex

Dec

Symbol

Hex

Dec

Symbol

00

^@

2B

43

56

86

01

^A

2C

44

57

87

02

^B

2D

45

58

88

03

^C

2E

46

59

89

04

^D

2F

47

5A

90

05

^E

30

48

5B

91

06

^F

31

49

5C

92

07

^G

32

50

5D

93

08

^H

33

51

5E

94

09

^I

34

52

5F

95

0A

10

^J

35

53

60

96

0B

11

^K

36

54

61

97

0C

12

^L

37

55

62

98

0D

13

^M

38

56

63

99

0E

14

^N

39

57

64

100

0F

15

^O

3A

58

65

101

10

16

^P

3B

59

66

102

11

17

^Q

3C

60

<

67

103

12

18

^R

3D

61

68

104

13

19

^S

3E

62

>

69

105

14

20

^T

3F

63

6A

106

15

21

^U

40

64

6B

107

16

22

^V

41

65

6C

108

17

23

^W

42

66

6D

109

18

24

^X

43

67

6E

110

19

25

^Y

44

68

6D

111

1A

26

^Z

45

69

70

112

1B

27

^[

46

70

71

113

2-3

Programmers Reference
1C

28

^\

47

71

72

114

1D

29

^]

48

72

73

115

1E

30

^^

49

73

74

116

1F

31

^_

4A

74

75

117

20

32

4B

75

76

118

21

33

4C

76

77

119

22

34

4D

77

78

120

23

35

4E

78

79

121

24

36

4F

79

7A

122

25

37

50

80

7B

123

26

38

&

51

81

7C

124

27

39

52

82

7D

125

28

40

53

83

7E

126

29

41

54

84

7F

127

2A

42

55

85

2-4

EIA RS-274D Program Support

1B

The CNC supports EIA RS-274D part programs. An EIA RS-274D program lists the
sequence of lines, arcs, speeds, kerf and I/O functions that are used to create a part.
While the user is free to program in EIA using the standard text editor, it is
recommended that the ShapeWizard Graphical Programming environment be used
instead.
The following list defines the EIA codes that are directly supported, mapped, or
currently unsupported by the CNC. Mapped EIA codes are automatically converted
into directly supported EIA codes when the program is loaded. Unsupported EIA codes
are ignored. All other EIA codes generate an error.

Directly Supported EIA Codes

10B

EIA Code

Description

Fvalue

Machine Speed (if Speed Override enabled)

Nvalue

Line Number

(text)

Comments

Xvalue

X Axis Endpoint or other Data

Yvalue

Y Axis Endpoint or other Data

Ivalue

I Axis Integrand or Part Option Data

Jvalue

J Axis Integrand or Part Option Data

Ovalue Svalue

Output (1-64), State (0-Off or 1-On)

Wvalue Svalue

Wait for Input (1-64), State (0-Off or 1-On)

G00

Rapid Traverse Linear Interpolation

G00 Avalue

Sets Tilt angle A is the angle value in degrees

G00 XYval Aval Performs Linear Interpolation of Tilt angle along line segment.
G01 Avalue
Fvalue

Sets Tilt angle value in degrees with a speed command in RPM

G00 Xn Yn

Traverse command where n = value to move the desired axes a

distance.

G00 Zx.xx Tx

Index THC height Z distance for torch T. Manual mode only.

3-1

Programmers Reference
G00 Cxx

Move to rotate C position

G01 Cxx Fxx

Move to rotate C position with Speed F command in RPM

G00 C180-

Rotate Axis offset 180 degrees will continue to rotate in the proper
direction

G00 C-180-

Rotate Axis offset -180 degrees will continue to rotate in the proper
direction

G01 C180- Fxx

Rotate Axis offset 180 degrees with speed

G01 C-180Fxx

Rotate Axis offset -180 degrees with speed

G01

Linear Interpolation (at Cut Speed)

G02

Clockwise Circular Interpolation

G03

Counterclockwise Circular Interpolation

G04

Preset Dwell (uses Setup Dwell Time)

G04 Xvalue

Program Dwell in Seconds

G08 Xvalue

Repeat Subroutine X Times

G20

Select English Units (inches)

G21

Select Metric Units (mm)

G40

Disable Kerf Compensation

G41

Enable Left Kerf Compensation

G42

Enable Right Kerf Compensation

G43 Xvalue

Kerf Value

G41 D1-200

Enables Left Kerf using a Kerf Table variable

G42 D1-200

Enables Right Kerf using a Kerf Table variable

G43 D1-200

Sets the current Kerf value via the Kerf Table using prior set Left /
Right Kerf

G59 D1200Xvalue

Sets Kerf table variable from 1-200

3-2

EIA RS_274D Code Support

G59 Vvalue
Fvalue

Sets the Plasma Supply current through Outputs or Serial Link for
Vprocess (504,514,524,534) at Fcurrent value
V504 Current Setting Plasma 1
V514 Current Setting Plasma 2
V524 Current Setting Marker 1
V534 Current Setting Marker 2

G66 Dval Bval

Cval

Auto Align 3 Point Method with Long Offset Distance, Fast Speed,
Slow Speed values respectively

G82

Oxy-Fuel Cut Mode

G83

Oxy-Fuel Cut Mode Contour Bevel Head

G84

Plasma Cut Mode

G85

Plasma Cut Mode Contour Bevel Head

G90

Absolute Programming Mode

G91

Incremental Programming Mode

G92

Set Axis Presets

G97

Program Repeat Pointer

G97 Tvalue

Program Repeat Pointer. Executes the repeat T times

G98

Repeat at G97, or start of program if no G97

G99

Part Options

M00

Program Stop

M01

Optional Program Stop (uses Setup Parameter)

M02

End of Program

M07

Cutting Device On

M08 Txx.xx

Cutting Device Off (Temporary Optional Time Delay from 1 to 99.99

seconds)

M09

Enable Marker 1

M10

Disable Marker 1

3-3

Programmers Reference
M11

Marker Offset 1 On

M12

Marker Offset 1 Off

M13

Enable Marker 2

M14

Disable Marker 2

M15

Cut On

M16

Cut Off

M17

Oxy Gas On

M18

Oxy Gas Off

M19

Cancel All Stations

M26

Station Select On

M27

Station Select Off

M28

CBH / Rotator(s) Disable

M29

CBH / Rotator(s) Enable

M30

End of Program (same as M02)

M31

Reset Functions (Cut Off, Marker Off, Kerf Off)

M32

Unclamp / Unlock All Stations

M32 Tvalue

Unclamp / Unlock T Station, where T = 1 through 19

M33

Unclamp / Lock All Stations

M34

Clamp / Unlock All Stations

M34 Tvalue

Clamp / Unlock T Station, where T = 1 through 19

M35

Clamp / Unlock All Stations Mirror

M35 Tvalue

Clamp / Unlock Mirror T Station, where T = 1 through 19

M36 Tvalue

Process Select T where T value selects the process

1 Plasma 1
2 Plasma 2

3-4

EIA RS_274D Code Support

3 Marker 1
4 Marker 2
5 Laser
M37 Tvalue
(1-20)

Select Station T where T = 1 through 20

M38 Tvalue
(1-20)

Deselect Station T where T = 1 through 20

M40

Start of Subroutine

M40 Xvalue

Start of Subroutine. Executes the repeat X times

M41

End of Subroutine

M48

Speed Override Enable

M49

Speed Override Disable

M50

Height Sensor Disable

M51 Txx.xx

Height Sensor Enable (Temporary Optional Time Delay in seconds

before Enable)

M52

Height Sensor Disable and Raise Torch

M53

Height Sensor Enable and Lower Torch

M63

User Defined 1 On

M64

User Defined 1 Off

M54

User Defined 2 On

M55

User Defined 2 Off

M56

User Defined 3 On

M57

User Defined 3 Off

M58

User Defined 4 On

M59

User Defined 4 Off

M65

End of Program (same as M02) or Auto Reload

3-5

Programmers Reference
M72

Marker Offset 2 Off

M73

Marker Offset 2 On

M75

A Axis/Tilt Go to Home Command - Rapid Index

M76

C Axis/Rotate Go to Home Command - Rapid Index

M77

Go to Home position Y Axis

M78

Go to Home position X Axis

M79 Tvalue
(1-4)

Go To Home Position (1-4)

M90

Aligns CBH / Rotator to Tangent angle of next cut segment

M90-

Align rotator negative, when not using shortest path motion

M274

Marker Offset 3 Off

M275

Marker Offset 3 On

M276

Marker Offset 4 Off

M277

Marker Offset 4 On

M278

Marker Offset 5 Off

M279

Marker Offset 5 On

M280

Marker Offset 6 Off

M281

Marker Offset 6 On

M282

Marker Offset 7 Off

M283

Marker Offset 7 On

M284

Marker Offset 8 Off

M285

Marker Offset 8 On

M286

Marker Offset 9 Off

M287

Marker Offset 9 On

M288

Marker Offset 10 Off

3-6

EIA RS_274D Code Support

M289

Marker Offset 10 On

M290

Marker Offset 11 Off

M291

Marker Offset 11 On

M292

Marker Offset 12 On

M293

Marker Offset 12 On

M301

Assigns the current X/Y position to Home Position 1

M302

Assigns the current X/Y position to Home Position 2

M303

Assigns the current X/Y position to Home Position 3

M304

Assigns the current X/Y position to Home Position 4

M305

Assigns the current X/Y position to Home Position 5

M306

Assigns the current X/Y position to Home Position 6

M307

Assigns the current X/Y position to Home Position 7

M308

Assigns the current X/Y position to Home Position 8

M309

Assigns the current X/Y position to Home Position 9

M310

Assigns the current X/Y position to Home Position 10

M311

Assigns the current X/Y position to Home Position 11

M312

Assigns the current X/Y position to Home Position 12

3-7

Programmers Reference

Mapped EIA Codes

EIA Code

Description

Mapped to

G04 Fvalue

Program Dwell

G04 Xvalue

G05

Set Axis Presets

G92

G21

Linear Interpolation

G01 (at cut speed)

G22

CW Circular Interpolation

G02

G23

CCW Circular Interpolation

G03

G41 Kvalue

Left Kerf with Value

G41 with Kerf Value

G42 Kvalue

Right Kerf with Value

G42 with Kerf Value

G97 TValue

Subroutine Loop

G08 Xvalue and M40

G45

Lead In to Kerfed Part

G01, G02, or G03

G70

Select English Units

G20

G71

Select Metric Units

G21

G98

End of Subroutine Loop

M41

M03

Cutting Device On/Off

M07 (Oxy Fuel) or M08 as

appropriate

M04

Cutting Device On

M07

M05

Cutting Device Off

M08 (Oxy Fuel)

M06

Cutting Device Off

M08

M06

Enable Marker 2

M13

M07

Disable Marker 1 or 2

M10 or M14 as appropriate

M08

Enable Marker 1

M09

M09

Disable Marker 1 or 2

M10 or M14 as appropriate

M10

Enable Marker 2

M13

M14

Height Sensor Disable

M50

3-8

EIA RS_274D Code Support

M15

Height Sensor Enable

M51

M20

Cutting Device On/Off

M07 or M08 as appropriate

(Plasma)

M21

Cutting Device On/Off

M07 or M08 as appropriate

(Plasma)

M20

Output 9 On

O9 S1

M21

Output 9 Off

O9 S0

M22

Output 12 On

O12 S1

M23

Output 12 Off

O12 S0

M24

Wait for Input 7 On

W7 S1

M25

Wait for Input 8 On

W8 S1

M25

CBH Enable

M29

M26

Wait for Input 7 Off

W7 S0

M26

CBH Disable

M28

M27

Wait for Input 8 Off

W8 S0

M67, M02

Kerf Left

G41

M68, M03

Kerf Right

G42

M69, M04

Kerf Off

G40

M65, M70

Cutting Device On

M07

M66, M71, M73

Cutting Device Off

M08

M70

Marker Offset 1 Off

M12

M71

Marker Offset 1 On

M11

M70T01

Marker Offset 1 Off

M12

M71T01

Marker Offset 1 On

M11

M70T02

Marker Offset 2 Off

M72

3-9

Programmers Reference
M71T02

Marker Offset 2 On

M73

M70T03

Marker Offset 3 Off

M274

M71T03

Marker Offset 3 On

M275

M70T04

Marker Offset 4 Off

M276

M71T04

Marker Offset 4 On

M277

M70T05

Marker Offset 5 Off

M278

M71T05

Marker Offset 5 On

M279

M70T06

Marker Offset 6 Off

M280

M71T06

Marker Offset 6 On

M281

M70T07

Marker Offset 7 Off

M282

M71T07

Marker Offset 7 On

M283

M70T08

Marker Offset 8 Off

M284

M71T08

Marker Offset 8 On

M285

M98

End Comment

M99

Start Comment

M221

No Mirror, No Rotate

G99 X1 Y0 I0 J0

M222

Mirror Y, No Rotate

G99 X1 Y0 I0 J1

M223

Mirror X and Y

G99 X1 Y0 I1 J1

M224

Mirror X, No Rotate

G99 X1 Y0 I1 J0

M225

Mirror X/Y on -45 Deg

G99 X1 Y270 I1 J0

M226

Rotate 90 Deg CCW

G99 X1 Y90 I0 J0

M227

Mirror X/Y on +45 Deg

G99 X1 Y270 I0 J1

M228

Rotate 90 Deg CW

G99 X1 Y270 I0 J0

M245

Output 1 On

O1 S1

3-10

EIA RS_274D Code Support

M246

Output 1 Off

O1 S0

M247

Output 2 On

O2 S1

M248

Output 2 Off

O2 S0

M249

Output 3 On

O3 S1

M250

Output 3 Off

O3 S0

M251

Output 4 On

O4 S1

M252

Output 4 Off

O4 S0

M253

Wait for Input 1 On

W1 S1

M254

Wait for Input 1 Off

W1 S0

M255

Wait for Input 2 On

W2 S1

M256

Wait for Input 2 Off

W2 S0

M257

Wait for Input 3 On

W3 S1

M258

Wait for Input 3 Off

W3 S0

M259

Wait for Input 4 On

W4 S1

M260

Wait for Input 4 Off

W4 S0

Unsupported EIA Codes

EIA Code

Description

G30

Mirror Off

G46

Table 0 Select

G94

Feed per minute

G95

Feed per rev

G99

Freestanding G99

G103 Qname

Stop Current Program/ Load New Program

G201

Incremental Line In2

3-11

Programmers Reference
G202

Incremental CW Arc In2

G203

Incremental CCW Arc In2

G211

Incremental Line In3

G212

Incremental CW Arc In3

G213

Incremental CCW Arc In3

G221

Absolute Line In2

G222

Absolute CW Arc In2

G223

Absolute CCW Arc In2

G231

Absolute Line In3

G232

Absolute CW Arc In3

G233

Absolute CCW Arc In3

G240

Programmable Kerf

G247

Table 1 Select

G248

Table 2 Select

G249

Table 3 Select

G250

Table 4 Select

G276

Internal Variable Load

G277

External Variable Load

G278

X Axis Home

G279

Y Axis Home

G280

X Home Return

G281

Y Home Return

M66

PLC Control Code

M75

Ignored if not using CBH, Tilt Rotator(s)

3-12

EIA RS_274D Code Support

M76

Ignored if not using CBH, Tilt Rotator(s)

M210

X Sign Toggle

M211

Y Sign Toggle

M212

X and Y Swap and Toggle

M231

Aux. State Reset

M261

Aux. Torch Master On

M262

Aux. Torch Master Off

The unsupported EIA codes previously noted are ignored when read. Some of these
codes may be supported in the future. Any EIA codes that are not listed above will
result in a translator error upon loading the EIA program. Known EIA codes that will not
be accepted include, but are not limited to:
Pvalue

Program Number

Dvalue

Indexed Kerf Operations

Vvalue

Internal Variable Load

EIA Comments
13B

Comments may be placed into the part program to be displayed on screen and viewed
by the operator. The comment line must first be preceded by a program stop command
(EIA M00 code or ESSI 0 code).
EIA Example:
M00 Pauses Program
(Comment) Text to be displayed

3-13

Programmers Reference

3-14

ESSI Code Support

The CNC supports ESSI part programs as defined by the International Standards
Organization in ISO 6582. An ESSI program lists the sequence of lines, arcs, speeds,
kerf and I/O functions used to create a part. While the user is free to program in ESSI
using a standard text editor, it is recommended that the ShapeWizard Graphical
Programming environment be used instead.
While the user is free to download ESSI programs to the control, it is important to note
that all Part Programs will be internally converted to EIA for execution in the control.
Following is a list of the ESSI codes that are mapped into the control, or currently
unsupported by the control. Mapped ESSI codes are automatically converted upon
program load into directly supported EIA codes. Unsupported ESSI codes are ignored.
All other ESSI codes will generate an error.

Mapped ESSI Codes

ESSI Code

Description

Mapped to EIA

Start of Program

Not Used-Automatic

+/-value

Line or Arc

G00, G01, G02 or G03 as

appropriate

End Program or Stop

M02 or M00 (if 64 is End Program)

Start Comment

End Comment

Enable Rapid Traverse

Not Used-Automatic

Disable Rapid Traverse

Not Used-Automatic

Cutting Device On

M07

Cutting Device Off

M08

Enable Marker 1

M09

10

Disable Marker 1

M10

11

Marker Offset 1 On

M11

12

Marker Offset 1 Off

M12

11+1

Marker Offset 1 On

M11

4-1

Programmers Reference
12+1

Marker Offset 1 Off

M12

11+2

Marker Offset 2 On

M73

12+2

Marker Offset 2 Off

M72

11+3

Marker Offset 3 On

M275

12+3

Marker Offset 3 Off

M274

11+4

Marker Offset 4 On

M277

12+4

Marker Offset 4 Off

M276

11+5

Marker Offset 5 On

M279

12+5

Marker Offset 5 Off

M278

11+6

Marker Offset 6 On

M281

12+6

Marker Offset 6 Off

M280

11+7

Marker Offset 7 On

M283

12+7

Marker Offset 7 Off

M282

11+8

Marker Offset 8 On

M285

12+8

Marker Offset 8 Off

M284

13

Enable Marker 2

M13

14

Disable Marker 2

M14

15

Marker Offset 2 On

M73

16

Marker Offset 2 Off

M72

21

No Mirror, No Rotate

G99 X1 Y0 I0 J0

22

Mirror Y, No Rotate

G99 X1 Y0 I0 J1

23

Mirror X and Y

G99 X1 Y0 I1 J1

24

Mirror X, No Rotate

G99 X1 Y0 I1 J0

25

Mirror X/Y on -45 Deg

G99 X1 Y270 I1 J0

4-2

ESSI Code Support

26

Rotate 90 Deg CCW

G99 X1 Y90 I0 J0

27

Mirror X/Y on +45 Deg

G99 X1 Y270 I0 J1

28

Rotate 90 Deg CW

G99 X1 Y270 I0 J0

29

Enable Left Kerf Comp

G41

30

Enable Right Kerf Comp

G42

38

Disable Kerf

G40

39+value

Machine Speed

Fvalue

40+value

Programmable Kerf

G43 Xvalue

41

Preset Dwell

G04

41+value

Program Dwell in mSec

G04 Xvalue

45

Ht Sensor Enable/Lower

M53

46

Ht Sensor Disable/Raise

M52

47

Ht Sensor Enable

M51

48

Ht Sensor Disable

M50

51

CBH Enable

M29

52

CBH Disable

M28

53

Cutting Device On

M07

54

Cutting Device Off

M08

63

Reset Functions

M31

64

End Program

M02

65

End of Program/ Reload

M65

67

Ht Sensor Disable

M50

68

Ht Sensor Enable

M51

70

Select English Units (in)

G20

4-3

Programmers Reference
71

Select Metric Units (mm)

G21

79+1

Go To Home Position 1

M79 T1

79+2

Go To Home Position 2

M79 T2

79+3

Go To Home Position 3

M79 T3

79+4

Go To Home Position 4

M79 T4

81

Incremental Mode

G91

82

Absolute Mode

G90

83

Set Axis Presets

G92

90

End of Program

M02

97

Program Repeat Pointer

G97

97+value

Subroutine Loop

M40 Xvalue

98

Repeat at 97, Subroutine loop

G97, G98 or M41 as appropriate

or start of program if no 97

99

End of Program

M02

245

Output 1 On

O1 S1

246

Output 1 Off

O1 S0

247

Output 2 On

O2 S1

248

Output 2 Off

O2 S0

249

Output 3 On

O3 S1

250

Output 3 Off

O3 S0

251

Output 4 On

O4 S1

252

Output 4 Off

O4 S0

253

Wait for Input 1 On

W1 S1

254

Wait for Input 1 Off

W1 S0

255

Wait for Input 2 On

W2 S1

4-4

ESSI Code Support

256

Wait for Input 2 Off

W2 S0

257

Wait for Input 3 On

W3 S1

258

Wait for Input 3 Off

W3 S0

259

Wait for Input 4 On

W4 S1

260

Wait for Input 4 Off

W4 S0

282

Marker Offset 3 On

M275

283

Marker Offset 3 Off

M274

284

Marker Offset 4 On

M277

285

Marker Offset 4 Off

M276

286

Marker Offset 5 On

M279

287

Marker Offset 5 Off

M278

288

Marker Offset 6 On

M281

289

Marker Offset 6 Off

M280

290

Marker Offset 7 On

M283

291

Marker Offset 7 Off

M282

292

Marker Offset 8 On

M285

293

Marker Offset 8 Off

M284

Unsupported ESSI Codes

ESSI Code

Description

103+Name

Stop Current Program/ Load New Program

237

X Sign Toggle

238

Y Sign Toggle

239

X and Y Swap and Toggle

266

Table 1 Select

4-5

Programmers Reference
267

Table 2 Select

268

Table 3 Select

269

Table 4 Select

276

Internal Variable Load

277

External Variable Load

278

X Axis Home

279

Y Axis Home

280

X Home Return

281

Y Home Return

The unsupported ESSI codes above are ignored when read. Some of these codes may
be supported in the future. Any ESSI codes that are not listed above will result in a
translator error upon loading the ESSI program.

ESSI Comments
Comments may be placed in to the part program to be displayed on screen and viewed
by the operator. The comment line must first be preceded by a program stop command
(EIA M00 code or ESSI 0 code).
ESSI Example:
0 Pauses Program
3 Start Comment
Comment Text to be displayed
4 End Comment

4-6

Advanced Feature Codes

Kerf Table Codes
Code

Description

G59 D1200Xvalue

Sets kerf table variable from 1-200

G41 D1-200

Enables Left Kerf using a Kerf Table variable

G42 D1-200

Enables Right Kerf using a Kerf Table variable

G43 D1-200

Changes current kerf value via Kerf Table using previously set left or right
kerf

Special Kerf and G59 Code Settings

Kerf Override
By default, this option is enabled. If the parameter is disabled, all kerf value codes (G41
X, G42 X, G43 X, etc.) are ignored. The Load Kerf Table variable is also ignored. This
parameter cannot be changed while the part program is paused.

G59 Code Override

By default, this option is enabled. If the parameter is disabled, all G59 codes are
ignored. The parameter cannot be changed while the part program is paused.

Parallel Kerf Enable for Hole Center Piercing

This parameter allows the kerf to be enabled in parallel with the first segment of cut
motion that follows the Enable Kerf command. Kerf location is interpolated in parallel
with the first cut segment so that the kerf offset is reached by the end of the first cut
segment. The overall effect on a radial lead-in is to turn it into a spiral lead-in. This
parameter allows all current part programs and nests to take advantage of parallel kerf
enable without being reposted by the host.
Users of Hypertherm CNCs now have an option to enable or disable this feature in the
Cut Setup screen.

Tilt / Rotator Part Codes

Code

Description

G00 Avalue

Sets tilt angle as a preparatory command A is the angle value in

degrees

5-1

Programmers Reference
G00 XYvalue
Avalue

Performs Linear Interpolation of Tilt angle along line segment.

G00 Avalue
Fvalue

Sets tilt angle Angle value in degrees with a speed command in

RPM

M28

Disables Follower

M29

Enables Follower

M90

Preparatory Cmd - Aligns Rotator to Tangent angle of next cut

segment

M90-

Align rotator when not using shortest path motion

M75

A axis/Tilt Goto Home Cmd - Rapid Index

G00 Cxx

Move to rotate C position

G01 Cxx Fxx

Move to rotate C position with Speed F command

G00 C180-

Rotate Axis align 180 degrees will continue to rotate in the proper
direction

G00 C-180-

Rotate Axis align -180 degrees will continue to rotate in the proper
direction

G01 C180- Fxx

Rotate Axis align 180 degrees with speed

G01 C-180Fxx

Rotate Axis align -180 degrees with speed

Automatic Torch Spacing Program Codes

Code

Description

M32

Unclamp / Unlock All Stations

M33

Unclamp / Lock All Stations

M34

Clamp / Unlock All Stations

M34Tvalue

Clamp / Unlock T Station, where T = 1 through 19

M35

Clamp / Unlock All Stations Mirror

M35Tvalue

Clamp / Unlock Mirror T Station, where T = 1 through 19

5-2

Advanced Feature Codes

M77

Go to Home position Y Axis

M78

Go to Home position X Axis

Station Select Codes

Stations (Lifter / THCs) can be selected and de-selected using the following EIA-274D
program codes.
Code

Description

M19 Tvalue

Cancel All Station Selections

M37 Tvalue

Select Station 1-20 (Tvalue)

M38 Tvalue

De-select Station 1-20 (Tvalue)

Additionally, these Station Select program codes can be overridden using the user
selected THC inputs to the CNC. The feature to override the part program must be
enabled at the Cutting Setup screen.

Process Select Codes

Process selections can be made using a EIA-274D program code in the following
format.
Example:

M36 Tvalue

M36 = Misc. M Code

Tvalue = Valve Identity
T1 = Plasma Process 1
T2 = Plasma Process 2
T3 = Marker Process 1
T4 = Marker Process 2
T5 = Laser Process

Station Configuration Variables

The following options are available for station configuration:

Lifter
None

Sensor THC

HD4070 Integrated THC 1

Other
5-3

Command THC
(with Serial Link)

Programmers Reference
or 2
(used only with the HD4070
power supply)

(any standalone lifter

station)

Power Supplies
None

HD4070 Torch 1or 2

Powermax series

Max100/ 100D

HT4001

FineLine 100

Max200

HT4100

FineLine 200

HT2000

HT4400

Other (any other Plasma

system)

HD3070

HPR130

5-4

Advanced Feature Codes

Marker
None

ArcWriter

FineLine 100 & 200

HD4070 Torch 1or 2

HPR130

Other (any stand alone

Marker)

Laser
Rofin RF 40 & 50

Rofin DC 35

Rofin TR 60

Other

Automatic Torch Spacing

The automatic torch spacing feature uses codes within the part program, and
designated outputs, to perform precise positioning of individual torch stations for multitorch cutting processes.
This feature must be enabled in Machine Setups. The Auto Torch Spacing Override
feature in Cutting Setups must also be enabled.
In this process, the primary torch station has a fixed mount to the transverse axis and
the other secondary torch stations have the ability to clamp to the mechanics of the
transverse axis during use or lock to the gantry or beam when not in use.
For the example, in the following illustration, Torch 1 is the primary station and Torch 24 are the secondary stations.
Typical use is as follows:
1. Unclamp and unlock all stations (except the first which is fixed and slides the others)
2. Go to Home Command on Transverse Axis (M77 or M78 depending on orientation)

5-5

Programmers Reference
3. Clamp and Unlock all carriages and G00 index inward on transverse (optional
command - may used to space all stations away from edge / OT switch of machine)
4. Lock and Unclamp all and G00 index to space first station (remember-first station
has no clamping/locking on board)

5. Unlock and Clamp next station and G00 index to space the next station.

6. Repeat Step 5 until as many stations as needed are spaced.

Note: Homing also automatically includes the commands necessary to push the
stations to the side and lock or clamp them whenever the transverse is homed, if Auto
Torch Spacing is enabled. Unclamp/ Clamp and Unlock / Lock commands execute a
one second delay before moving.

5-6

Advanced Feature Codes

Automatic Torch Spacing Program Codes

Code

Description

M32

Unclamp / Unlock All Stations

M33

Unclamp / Lock All Stations

M34

Clamp / Unlock All Stations

M34Tvalue

Clamp / Unlock T Station, where T = 1 through 19

M35

Clamp / Unlock All Stations Mirror

M35Tvalue

Clamp / Unlock Mirror T Station, where T = 1 through 19

M77

Go to Home position Y Axis

M78

Go to Home position X Axis

G00 Xn Yn

Traverse command where n = value to move the desired axes a

distance.

Automatic Torch Spacing I/O

Station Lock
1-19

Locks the unused torch station to the gantry or beam when not in use.

Station Clamp
1-19

Clamps the selected torch station to the transverse axis for standard
cutting.

Station Mirror
1-19

Clamps the selected torch station to the transverse axis for mirrored
cutting.

Automatic Plate Alignment Codes

Three point alignment distance and speeds can be defined with the following EIA format
program code:
G66D100B300C30
G66

3-point alignment command

Dvalue

Distance between two plate edge reference points

Bvalue

Rapid feed rate for distance (D) motion

Cvalue

Slow feed rate for the distance to the edge

5-7

Programmers Reference

Example Part Program

The transverse axis is configured as the X axis
Three station cut of 20 inch vertical rip.
Code

Description

G70

English Units

G91

Incremental Mode

G99 X1 Y0 I0 J0

Axes Preset zero Scaling

M32

Unclamp / Unlock All Stations

M78

Home X Axis (move all stations to Home position)

M34

Clamp All / Unlock All

G00X2Y0

Traverse X axis 2 inches (to move off edge/ switch)

M33

Unclamp All / Lock All

G00X10Y0

Traverse X axis 10 inches (to set 10 inch space station 1)

M34 T1

Clamp Station 1 / Unlock Station 1

G00X10Y0

Traverse X axis 10 inches (to set 10 inch space station 2)

M34 T2

Clamp Station 2 / Unlock Station 2

G41

Left Kerf

M07

Cut On

G01 X0 Y20

Line segment (Y axis 20 inches)

M08

Cut Off

G40

Kerf Off

M02

End of Program

5-8

Advanced Feature Codes

Dual Transverse without Beveling

Hypertherm supports dual transverse without beveling for tables that have only
SERCOS drives.
To set up this type of table:
1. A CNC must be enabled with 10 axes.
2. SERCOS drives should be set up with the following addresses (on the physical
drives):

Address 1: Rail

Address 2: Transverse

Address 3: Dual Gantry

Address 4: Sensor THC1

Address 5: Dual Transverse

Address 6: Sensor THC2 (if a second THC is used)

3. After these addresses are set, enable dual transverse. From the Main screen, select
Setups > Password and enter the NRT password (no rotate and tilt).
Note: The RT password reverses this setup. Effectively, RT allows the use of dual
transverse axis without dual bevel axes systems.
4. The measurement units (English or metric) that are used in the drives must match
the units that are used in the CNC.
5. Park Dual Head 1 and park Dual Head 2 are both required I/O points that must be
assigned for either Park Dual Head 1 or Park Dual Head 2 to function.

Beveling
Hypertherm supports several software beveling options. The following sections describe
the software beveling options available. Hypertherm does not support the mechanical
design of bevel heads.

Contour Bevel Head for Oxy Fuel Cutting (CBH)

The CBH axis supports a rotational motion bevel for oxy-fuel cutting process. There is
no tilting axis with CBH. The CBH axis is either set up on Axis 3 or Axis 4, depending on
whether dual gantry or Sensor THC axes are enabled and assigned to Axis 3. The
beveling codes M28, M29, M90, and M76 (described in the M and G Codes Used for
Beveling section), can be used with CBH. A CBH axis cannot be defined when tilt
rotator or dual tilt rotator axes are defined on the Machine Setups screen.
The program code M90 is typically used at the beginning of a part program to align the
rotational axis before cutting begins. The M76 code is used at the end of the part
program to bring the CBH back to its rotational home position.

5-9

Programmers Reference

Tilt Rotator Plasma Bevel

The tilt rotator is assigned to Axes 5 and 6 and supports plasma beveling. The preferred
tilt rotator settings include No Scaled Rotator, No Dual Tilting Rotator and No
Transformation. These are the simplest settings and work well for bevel mechanical
designs in which the torch center point is directly in line with the tilt and rotate axes.
Some plasma bevel designs require that the rotator motion be scaled. The Scaled
Rotator setting allows the rotational axis motion to be scaled directly by this parameter.
It is the responsibility of the machine/bevel designer to determine the value for this
setting, if it is required.
Some plasma bevel designs require dual tilting axes. Dual Tilting Mode 1 is used for
most standard dual tilting systems where both tilt axes move through +/- 45 degrees to
achieve the desired tilt and rotation motions. Mode 2 is a special form of dual tilting axis
in which special equations control the motion. If Dual Tilting mode is needed, and
special equations are needed, the machine/bevel designer must calculate and provide
them. Hypertherm determines the amount of time that is required to add these
equations to a new Dual Tilting mode for the customer.
Note that BACF, described in the Bevel Angle Change on the Fly (BACF) section, is not
supported for dual tilting bevel designs. In addition, even though both axes are dual
tilting, they are still referred to as rotate and tilt axes on all screens, as the effective
motions are still rotation and tilt.
Some plasma bevel designs require a transformation of the rotate and tilt axes motion
to achieve the proper motion. The transformation allows the torch to be at the correct
bevel angle and orientation to the cut for the given bevel mechanical design. The
machine/bevel designer must provide these equations if they are needed. Hypertherm
determines the amount of time that is required to add these equations to a new
Transformation mode for the customer. BACF, described in the Bevel Angle Change on
the Fly (BACF) section, is supported for transformed bevel designs.
The beveling codes M28, M29, M90, M75, and M76, described in M and G Codes Used
for Beveling, can be used with tilt rotator.
M90 is typically used at the beginning of the part to align the rotational axis before
cutting begins. M75 and M76 are used at the end of the part to bring the tilt rotator back
to its vertical home position.

Dual Tilt Rotator Plasma Bevel

The dual tilt rotator is assigned to Axes 8 and 9 and supports a second plasma beveling
system. All of the settings described in the Tilt Rotator Plasma Bevel section also apply
to the dual tilt rotator.
In addition, the dual tilt rotator can also have its own dual transverse axis assigned to
Axis 7. When there is a dual transverse axis assigned, the two plasma bevel systems
are homed to opposite sides of the machine. The dual transverse axis allows the two
transverse axes to be independently parked and unparked, spaced, and mirrored to

5-10

Advanced Feature Codes

each other using the M84 through M92 commands described in M and G Codes Used
for Beveling.
Include the following code sequences in your torch spacing part programs:
M91Yxx

Moves Head 2 Yxx inches from Bevel Head 1

M92Yxx

Moves Head 1 Yxx inches from Bevel Head 2

These spacing commands establish a relative spacing between the heads regardless of
where the heads are actually located. Only one of these commands should be used at
one time. If Head 1 needs to be at a specific position before head 2 is positioned in
relation to Head 1, then the command sequence is:
M89

Park Head 2

G01 Yxx

Move Head 1 to actual coordinate

M88

Unpark Head 2

M91Yxx

Space Head 2 in relation to Head 1 by Yxx inches

M02

End Program Used if this is a standalone Torch Spacing program

Likewise, if Head 2 needs to be at a specific position before Head 1 is positioned in

relation to Head 2, then the command sequence is:
M87

Park Head 1

G01 Yxx

Move Head 2 to actual coordinate

M86

Unpark Head 1

M92Yxx

Space Head 1 from Head 2 by Yxx inches

M02

End Program if this is a standalone torch spacing program

Bevel Angle Change on the Fly (BACF)

BACF allows the tilt axis to change position in parallel with X and Y motion, instead of
only in a preparatory G00 'Axx' command. 'G01,02,03 X Y I J Axx' is supported for true
rotate and tilt bevel mechanical designs. BACF is not supported for dual tilting bevel
mechanical designs.
The 'Axx' command (where xx = the bevel angle) executes in parallel with X and Y
motion. The A angle is reached at the end of the segment.
All BACF motions are only performed if the maximum speed of the appropriate axis is
not exceeded by excess X and Y speed, or by Max Tilt or Rotator Max speeds that are
too low.
5-11

Programmers Reference

M and G Codes Used for Beveling

The following lists of the M and G codes can be used for beveling.
Kerf Table Commands to Change Kerf During Multi-pass, Multi-bevel Cuts:
G59 D(1-200)
Xvalue:

Sets the kerf table variable from 1-200

G41 D(1-200):

Enables the left kerf using a kerf table variable

G42 D(1-200):

Enables the right kerf using a kerf table variable

G43 D(1-200):

Changes the current kerf value via kerf table using previously set left
or right kerf

Tilt/Rotator Commands:
G00 Aangle in
degrees:

Sets Tilt angle as a preparatory command

G01 X Y
Aangle in
degrees:

Performs Tilt BACF

M28:

Disables follower

M29:

Enables follower

M90:

Aligns rotator to tangent angle of next cut segment

M75:

A axis/tilt go to home command - rapid index

M76:

C axis/rotate go to home command - rapid index

Dual Tilt/Rotator Commands Used with Dual Plasma Bevel Systems:

M84

Disable mirror Head 2

M85

Enable mirror Head 2

M86

Unpark Head 1

M87

Park Head 1

M88

Unpark Head 2

M89

Park Head 2

5-12

Advanced Feature Codes

M91 Yxxxx

Space Head 2 xxxx millimeters

M92 Yxxxx

Space Head 1 xxxx millimeters

Square Pipe Cutting

RACF - Rotate Angle Change on the Fly
RACF allows rotate angle change on the fly interpolated along with X, Y motion so that
cuts can be made on more than one side of a square tube when it is rotated during the
cut. The THC must be able to respond to the arc voltage fast enough during the tube
rotation.
'G01,02,03 X Y I J Cxx' is the command that is used.
The transverse backs up or moves ahead to account for the change in part location due
to the CBH or rotary axis tube rotation.

All Possible Axis Assignments

Axis 1 Transverse or Rail

Axis 2 Rail or Transverse

Axis 3 Dual Gantry, CBH or Sensor THC

Axis 4 CBH or Sensor THC

Axis 5 Rotate or Sensor THC

Axis 6 Tilt or Sensor THC

Axis 7 Dual Transverse or Sensor THC

Axis 8 Dual Rotate or Sensor THC

Axis 9 Dual Tilt or Sensor THC

Axis 10 Sensor THC

Axis 11 Sensor THC

Axis 12 Sensor THC

Special Passwords
NRT No Rotate Tilt
The NRT password allows you to use a dual transverse axis without physically having
the tilt rotator and dual tilt rotator drives and motors. The Tilt Rotator Axes screens are
still visible, but are not used. They are typically used when non-bevel 2-torch servo
spacing with vertical cutting is needed with a dual transverse. This password remains in
effect after the CNC is powered off.

5-13

Programmers Reference

RT Rotate Tilt
The RT password re-enables the use of the tilt rotator and dual tilt rotator drives and
motors with a dual transverse system. This password is needed only if the NRT
password has previously been used. This password remains in effect after the CNC is
powered off.

NSA No SERCOS Axes

The NSA password allows a SERCOS ring to be phased up but does not phase up any
SERCOS axes that are configured. This allows SERCOS I/O nodes or modules, such
as Hypertherm I/O, Beckhoff, or Reco I/O modules to be tested without requiring the
SERCOS drives to phase up. The password is temporary until the power on the CNC is
cycled.

SA SERCOS Axes
The SA password re-enables SERCOS axes for phase up.

Number of SERCOS Axes to Phase Up

(1SA, 2SA, 3SA, 4SA, 5SA, 6SA, 7SA, 8SA, 9SA, 10SA, 11SA and 12SA)
1SA through 12SA passwords enable the specified number of SERCOS axes for phase
up. For example, the 3SA password phases up SERCOS drive addresses 1, 2 and 3
only, even if the system has 6 axes installed. .

PRO Partial Retract Only

The PRO password enables a partial retract of the Sensor THC, even at the end of part
programs and nests. This password is not retained across power cycles of CNC.

NOPRO No Partial Retract Only

The NOPRO password disables the use of only a partial retract of the Sensor THC. A
full retract is used at the end of each part program or nest. This is the default state on
power-up.

SIMULATESERCOS
The SIMULATESERCOS password simulates the SERCOS setup screens for true
SERCOS drives.

SIMULATESMCC
The SIMULATESMCC password simulates the SERCOS MCC setup screens for the
Hypertherm SERCOS MCC slave card analog drive interface.

5-14

Subparts
Subparts allow you to call and execute a separate part file within a part program using a
simple line of text.
To configure a subroutine part for use, the user must first create a folder on the CNC
hard drive named SUBPARTS. To create a folder on the hard drive, select Load From
Disk. With the folder location highlighted, press the + key to create a new folder.

Save the part program in the SUBPARTS folder.

To execute the part, insert a line of code within the part program with the following
format.
PFILENAME
Start the line of code with the letter P to indicate that a Sub Part is to be executed,
followed by the filename for the desired part program.
For example, to execute subpart L-Bracket after completing a simple 5 x 5 square with
a programmed traverse, the part program would look something like the following
example:
(Rectangle - Piece)
G20
G91
G99 X1 Y0 I0 J0
G41
M07
G01 X-5.2 Y0
G01 X0 Y5
G01 X5 Y0
G01 X0 Y-5.2

6-1

Programmers Reference
M08
G00 X.75 Y0
PL-BRACKET
G40
M02
When it is executed, this program will be represented as the original part plus the
additional subpart and will include the programmed traverse.

Note: Subparts can also contain subparts. After being translated by the CNC, the final
text of the part will contain the complete text of the original part and subpart.

6-2

Marker Font Generator

The Marker Font Generator feature can be used to label or identify parts with a marking
device before cutting. This is accomplished by use of a simple command string within
the part program code to call existing text characters (fonts) and execute marking of the
selected text.
The program code uses a specific format and is structured to provide information to be
used when marking. Information on the font source location, scale factor, angle, marker
tool, tool offset and text are entered as information blocks in the command string. Each
section or information block in the command string is separated by a space. The format
of this command code is outlined as follows:
Note: If a value is not present for a specific information block, the default values will be
used. The default values are:
Font (F):

Internal

Angle (A):

Offset (O):

#1

Scale (S):

One

Marker (M):

#1

Example of a simple command string:

<F2 S2 A45 M2 O2 <TEST 123>
<

The program command must begin with the < symbol to indicate that the
Marker Font Generator feature is being used.

The first block of information is the Font Source location. The F is followed by
a digit to indicate the location where the font is stored:
1 = an internal font in the control software
2 = a font located on the CNC hard drive
3 = a font from diskette or USB memory.
If no font is found at the selected location, the default internal font will be used.
For the example given, the font location would be from the hard drive.

The second information block determines the scale of the text. The S is
followed by a number that indicates the scale factor. For the example given, the
scale factor is twice the original font dimensions.

The third information block determines the angle of the text. The A is followed
by a number that indicates the degree of angle. For the example given, the

7-1

Programmers Reference
degree of the angle is 45.
M

The fourth information block determines the Marker Tool to be used. The M is
followed by the number of the marker tool (Marker Enable Output) to be used.
Up to two marker enables are supported.

The fifth information block determines which tool Offset to be used. The O is
followed by a number indicates that one of the nine different tool offsets
previously configured in control setups is to be used. The example shown
indicates that tool offset number two should be used.

<>

The final information block is used to specify the marker text to be executed.
The text must be enclosed in the < and > marks to be valid and understood
as the selected text. For the example given, the marker text executed would be
TEST 123

When the previous code example is translated by the CNC, it generates the Marker
Text TEST 123 onto the plate as shown here in Shape Wizard.

To improve the ease of use for the part program designer and control operator, the
marker font generator always inserts a traverse segment to return to the original start
point at the beginning of the marking text.

7-2

Marker Font Generator

Internal Fonts
The internal fonts located within the control software are 1 high and are limited to
characters available on the control keypad. Alphabetical characters are limited to upper
case letters only.

External Fonts
External fonts can be loaded from a floppy disk or from the control hard drive. When the
CNC generates the text, the CNC searches for part files to correspond to the selected
character. The part file names must be based on their ASCII numeric equivalent and
have a .txt file extension.
For example, for the marker text Ab 12, the control searches for the following files to
generate the text:
Text

ASCII No.

File Name

Capital A

65

ASCII65.txt

Lower case b

98

ASCII98.txt

Space

32

ASCII32.txt

No 1

49

ASCII49.txt

No 2

50

ASCII50.txt

For more information on ASCII codes, refer to the ASCII Codes chapter.
Font programs may be saved on the control hard drive by creating a folder labeled
Fonts using the Save to Disk feature and saving the font programs within this folder.
Remember, if a corresponding part file to text requested is not found at the selected
source location, the internal font file will be used.

Custom Fonts
Custom fonts can be used when using the marker font generator. To construct these
font files, certain guidelines should be adhered to.
1.

Programming format must be EIA

2.

Only M09 and M10 can be used to enable and disable the marker.

3.

Only G00, G01, G02 and G03 codes can be used.

4.

The program must end in an M02.

5.

The proper file name must be assigned to the font program.

6.

The font program must begin in the lower left and end in the lower right.

7.

Font programs should have the consistent dimensional limits (i.e. 1 high, etc.).

7-3

Programmers Reference

Example: The letter B File Name Ascii66.txt

M09
G01 X0 Y1
G01 X0.321429 Y0
G02 X0 Y-0.5 I0 J-0.25
G01 X-0.321429 Y0
M10
G00 X0.321429 Y0
M09
G02 X0 Y-0.5 I0 J-0.25
G01 X-0.321429 Y0
M10
G00 X0.571 Y0
M02
The darker lines in the drawing represent the Traverse segment and the lighter lines
represent the Marking lines. You can see by this illustration that at the end of the font
program, a traverse is used to continue motion to the bottom right corner.
Note: The Burny 3/5 style of programming for the Marker Font Generator feature is also
supported for the default internal font source.

7-4

ArcGlide THC Programming Support

The ArcGlide allows you to configure the THC parameters through the part program
codes (when connected to the CNC over Hypernet). This is the most efficient way of
passing information to the ArcGlide, and is done automatically with certain brands of
process optimization and nesting software, such as the Hypertherm MTC ProNest offline software.
The following parameters are available using EIA-274D G59 codes:

Arc Voltage
Pierce / start time
Pierce / Start height factor
Cut / mark height
Transfer height factor
Arc current

Use the following format to set up the ArcGlide in a part program:

G59 V601 Fvalue, where G59 is any applicable G code, and V6XX is the variable
identity and F is the value.
V6XX
variable

Name

Range for
Fvalue

Fvalue
format

English

Fvalue units
English
(Metric)

(Metric)
V600

Plasma 1 Arc Voltage

10 to 300

XXX.XX

volts

V601

Plasma 1 Pierce Time

0 to 9

X.XX

seconds

V602

Plasma 1 Pierce Height Factor

50 to 400

XXX.XX

V603

Plasma 1 Cut Height

0 to 1

XX.XX

inches

(0 to 25.4)

(mm)

V604

Plasma 1 Transfer Height Factor 50 to 400

XXX.XX

V605

Plasma 1 Cut Height Delay

0 to 5

X.XX

seconds

V607

Plasma 1 Mode Select

F1 = Manual

N/A

F2 = Auto
V608

Plasma 1 Arc Current

See plasma
system

XXX

Amps

V625

Plasma 2 Arc Voltage

10 to 300

XXX.XX

volts

8-1

Programmers Reference
V628

Plasma 2 Cut Height

0 to 1

X.XX

(0 to 25.4)

inches
(mm)

V629

Plasma 2 Transfer Height Factor 50 to 400

XXX.XX

V630

Plasma 2 Cut Height Delay

0 to 5

X.XX

seconds

V632

Plasma 2 Mode Select

F1 = Manual

N/A

F2 = Auto
V650

Marker 1 Set Arc Voltage

10 to 300

XXX.XX

volts

V652

Marker 1 Start Height Factor

50 to 400

XXX.XX

V653

Marker 1 Mark Height

0 to 1

XX.XX

inches

V657

Marker 1 Mode Select

(0 to 25.4)

(mm)

F1 = Manual

N/A

F2 = Auto
V675

Marker 2 Set Arc Voltage

10 to 300

XXX.XX

volts

V677

Marker 2 Start Height Factor

50 to 400

XXX.XX

V678

Marker 2 Mark Height

0 to 1

XX.XX

inches

V682

Marker 2 Mode Select

(0 to 25.4)

(mm)

F1 = Manual

N/A

F2 = Auto
The following M-codes are available in Phoenix version 9.5 and later:
M07 HS

Forces an IHS for cutting, regardless of the distance between cuts or any
previous M08 RT command.

M08 RT x.xx

Retracts to the Transfer Height instead of the Retract Height at the end of a
cut. The x.xx variable represents the amount of time before the end of a cut
that the Cut Off command is issued.

M09 HS

Forces an IHS for marking, regardless of the distance between marks or any
previous M10 RT command

M10 RT

Retracts to the Transfer Height instead of the Retract Height at the end of a
mark.

8-2

Sensor THC Programming Support

The Sensor THC allows you to configure the THC parameters through the part program
codes. This is the most efficient way of passing information to the Sensor THC, and is
done automatically with certain brands of Process Optimization / Nesting software, such
as the Hypertherm MTC ProNest off-line software.
The following parameters are available using EIA-274D G59 codes:

Arc Voltage
Pierce / start time
Pierce / Start height factor
Cut / mark height
Transfer height factor
Arc current

Use the following format to set up the Sensor THC in a part program:
G59 V601 Fvalue, where G59 is any applicable G code, and V6XX is the variable
identity and F is the value.

V6XX
variable

Name

Range for
Fvalue

Fvalue
format

English

Fvalue units
English
(Metric)

(Metric)
V600

Plasma 1 Arc Voltage

10 to 300

XXX.XX

volts

V601

Plasma 1 Pierce Time

0 to 9

X.XX

seconds

V602

Plasma 1 Pierce Height

Factor

50 to 400

XXX.XX

V603

Plasma 1 Cut Height

0 to 1

XX.XX

inches

(0 to 25.4)

(mm)

V604

Plasma 1 Transfer Height

Factor

50 to 400

XXX.XX

V605

Plasma 1 Cut Height

Delay

0 to 5

X.XX

seconds

V606

Plasma 1 Kerf Detect

Reacquire Time

0 to 10

XX.XXX

seconds

9-1

Programmers Reference

V607

Plasma 1 Mode Select

F1 = Manual

N/A

F2 = Auto
V608

Plasma 1 Arc Current

See plasma
system

XXX

amps

V625

Plasma 2 Arc Voltage

10 to 300

XXX.XX

volts

V626

Plasma 2 Pierce Time

0 to 9

X.XX

seconds

V627

Plasma 2 Pierce Height

Factor

50 to 400

XXX.XX

V628

Plasma 2 Cut Height

0 to 1

X.XX

inches

(0 to 25.4)

(mm)

V629

Plasma 2 Transfer Height

Factor

50 to 400

XXX.XX

V630

Plasma 2 Cut Height

Delay

0 to 5

X.XX

seconds

V631

Plasma 2 Kerf Detect

Reacquire Time

0 to 10

XX.XXX

seconds

V632

Plasma 2 Mode Select

F1 = Manual

N/A

F2 = Auto
V633

Plasma 2 Arc Current

See plasma
system

XXX

amps

V650

Marker 1 Set Arc Voltage

10 to 300

XXX.XX

volts

V651

Marker 1 Start Time

0 to 10

XX.XXX

seconds

V652

Marker 1 Start Height

Factor

50 to 400

XXX.XX

V653

Marker 1 Mark Height

0 to 1

XX.XX

inches

V657

Marker 1 Mode Select

(0 to 25.4)

(mm)

F1 = Manual

N/A

F2 = Auto

9-2

Sensor THC Programming Support

V658

Marker 1 Arc Current

See plasma
system

XXX

amps

V675

Marker 2 Set Arc Voltage

10 to 300

XXX.XX

volts

V676

Marker 2 Start Time

0 to 10

XX.XXX

seconds

V677

Marker 2 Start Height

Factor

50 to 400

XXX.XX

V678

Marker 2 Mark Height

0 to 1

XX.XX

inches

V682

Marker 2 Mode Select

(0 to 25.4)

(mm)

F1 = Manual

N/A

F2 = Auto
V683

Marker 2 Arc Current

See plasma
system

XXX

amps

THC Index Code

When the Sensor THC process is in manual mode, G00 Z-xxx Tx can be used to raise
the specified Sensor THC by a variable amount.

G00 Zx.xx Tx

Index Sensor THC height Z distance for torch T, in manual mode only.

The following M-codes are available in Phoenix version 9.5 and later:
M07 HS

Forces an IHS for cutting, regardless of the distance between cuts or any
previous M08 RT command.

M08 RT x.xx

Retracts to the Transfer Height instead of the Retract Height at the end of a
cut. The x.xx variable represents the amount of time before the end of a cut
that the Cut Off command is issued.

M09 HS

Forces an IHS for marking, regardless of the distance between marks or any
previous M10 RT command

M10 RT

Retracts to the Transfer Height instead of the Retract Height at the end of a
mark.

9-3

Programmers Reference

Sample Part Program

The following sample part program includes commands to change control modes and to
raise the Plasma 1 THC height in a corner by .25 inches:
G59V600F155
G41
M07
G01 X0 Y3
G59 V607 F1
G00 Z-.25 T1
G59 V607 F2
G59V600F165
G01 X3 Y0
M08
G40
M02

Program arc voltage for first segment

Set plasma process 1 THC to manual mode

Raise the THC 1 .25 inches
Set plasma process 1 THC back to automatic mode
Program the new arc voltage for the next segment

9-4

Plasma Supply Programming Support

HPR and HD4070 Support
The same cut chart data that is used on the cut chart setup screen can also be used
within a part program to configure the power supply for use. This code is used to select
the set point for each variable.
Only the variables that you are changing need be inserted into the part program. You do
not have to insert a line of code for each cut chart variable within a part program.
Part program codes for the power supply should be grouped together at the beginning of
the program. The variables that can be set through the part program are Material Type,
Current Setting and Material Thickness, Torch Type, and Cutting Surface.
Cut parameters for the power supply can be configured using the EIA-274D G59 code
with the following format:
G59 V503 F5
G59

Any G code

V5xx

The variable identity:

V502 Torch Type Plasma 1
V512 Torch Type Plasma 2
V522 Torch Type Marker 1
V532 Torch Type Marker 2
V503 Material Type Plasma 1
V513 Material Type Plasma 2
V523 Material Type Marker 1
V533 Material Type Marker 2
V504 Current Setting Plasma 1
V514 Current Setting Plasma 2
V524 Current Setting Marker 1
V534 Current Setting Marker 2
V505 Plasma Shield Gasses Plasma 1
V515 Plasma Shield Gasses Plasma 2
V525 Plasma Shield Gasses Marker 1
V535 Plasma Shield Gasses Marker 2
V506 -- Cutting Surface Plasma 1

10-1

Programmers Reference
V516 Cutting Surface Plasma 2
V526 Cutting Surface Marker 1
V536 -- Cutting Surface Marker 2
V507 Material Thickness Plasma 1
V517 Material Thickness Plasma 2
V527 Material Thickness Marker 1
V537 Material Thickness Marker 2
V508 Water Muffler Plasma 1
V518 Water Muffle Plasma 2
Fx

The variable value, which depends on the variable identity:

For torch type V502, V512, V522, V532:
Add Fx for Torch type x (for example: V512 F34 for Plasma 2, torch
type HPRXD)
1 = MAX200
2 = SE200
3 = HT4400
4 = FineLine200
5 = FineLine100
6 = LH2100S
7 = LH2100T
8 = LH2125S
9 = LH2125T
10 = PAC186
11 = T80M
12 = MAX100
13 = MAX100D
14 = ArcWriter
15 = PAC620
16 = PAC123
17 = PAC125
18 = T60M
19 = T100M

10-2

Plasma Supply Programming Support

20 = HySpeed
21 = HPR
22 = LH1510S
23 = LH1510T
24 = LH1575S
25 = LH1575T
26 = FineLine260
27 = FineCut
28 = Spirit275
29 = HSD
30 = Spirit400
31 = HPR Bevel
32 = TDC_XT300
33 = TDC_XT301
34 = HPRXD
35 = HPRXD Bevel
36 = T45M
37 = HPRXD Thick Pierce
For material type V503, V513, V523, V533:
Add .0x for Specific Material x (for example: V503 F1 .01 for mild steel,
specific material 1)
1 = Mild Steel
2 = Stainless Steel
3 = Aluminum
For current setting V504, V514, V524, V534:
7 = 7A

70 = 70A

10 = 10A

80 = 80A

15 = 15A

100 = 100A

18 = 18A

130 = 130A

30 = 30A

200 = 200A

45 = 45A
10-3

Programmers Reference

For gas settings V505, V515, V525, V535:

1 = Air/Air

9 = H35/N2

17 = O2-N2/O2

2 = O2/Air

10 = H5/N2

18 = O2

3 = O2/O2

11 = Air/N2

19 = N2

5 = N2/CO2

13 = CO2/N2

21 = Air

6 = None/N2

14 = None/Air

22 = F5/N2

7 = O2/N2

15 = CH4/Air

23 = H35&N2/N2

8 = CH4 / N2

16 = O2-N2/Air

For cutting surface: V506, V516, V526, V536

1 = Above water
2 = 3 inches below water
For material thickness V507, V517, V527, V537:
EIA
Fnumber

Gauge and
Fraction

Decimal

Metric

None

None

None

2 or 3

28GA

0.015

0.35mm

4 or 5

27GA

0.016

0.4mm

6 or 7

26GA

0.018

0.5mm

8 or 9

24GA

0.024

0.6mm

10 or 11

22GA

0.030

0.8mm

12 or 13

20GA

0.036

0.9mm

14

19GA

0.040

1mm

15 or 16

18GA

0.048

1.2mm

17 or 18

16GA

0.060

1.5mm

19

1/16

0.063

1.6mm

20 or 21

14GA

0.075

2mm

10-4

Plasma Supply Programming Support

47

13GA

0.090

2.2mm

22

3/32

0.094

2.4mm

23 or 24

12GA

0.105

2.5mm

48

11GA

0.120

3mm

25

1/8

0.125

3.2mm

26 or 27

10GA

0.135

3.5mm

49

9GA

0.150

3.8mm

52

8GA

0.164

4mm

50

7GA

0.180

4.5mm

28

3/16

0.188

4.8mm

53

6GA

0.194

5mm

51

5GA

0.210

5.5mm

29

1/4

0.25

6mm

30

5/16

0.313

8mm

31

3/8

0.375

10mm

32

7/16

0.438

11mm

33

1/2

0.5

12mm

34

9/16

0.563

14mm

35

5/8

0.625

15mm

36

3/4

0.75

20mm

37

7/8

0.875

22mm

38

25mm

39

1 1/8

1.125

30mm

40

1 1/4

1.25

32mm

41

1 3/8

1.375

35mm

10-5

Programmers Reference

42

1 1/2

1.5

38mm

54

1 5/8

1.625

40mm

43

1 3/4

1.75

45mm

55

1 7/8

1.875

48mm

44

50mm

56

2 1/8

2.125

55mm

45

2 1/4

2.25

60mm

46

2 1/2

2.5

65mm

57

2 3/4

2.75

70mm

58

75mm

59

3 1/8

3.125

80mm

60

3 1/4

3.25

85mm

61

3 1/2

3.5

90mm

62

3 3/4

3.75

95mm

63

100mm

For water muffler: V508, V518, V528, V538

1 = Installed
2 = Not installed
Note: Programming a code for a nonexistent process will result in an invalid process.

HD3070 Support
The same valve setting data that is used on the Auto Gas setup screen can also be
used within a part program to configure the HD3070. This code is used to select the
valve and indicate the valve set point.
Use an EIA-274D G59 code with the following format:
G59 V65 B5
G59

Any G code

10-6

Plasma Supply Programming Support

Vxx

The valve identity:

V65 = Preflow Shield Gas - Valve 1
V66 = Preflow Shield Gas - Valve 2
V67 = Cut Shield Gas - Valve 3
V68 = Cut Shield Gas - Valve 4
V69 = Cut Plasma Gas - Valve 5
V70 = Cut Plasma Gas - Valve 6
V71 = Remote Plasma Gas Type

Bx

The valve value, which depends on the valve identity:

For Valves V65 V70, a whole integer is used to set the desired
percentage value.
For Valve 71:
0 = Oxygen
1 = H35/N2
2 = Air

For this example, the part program code (G59 V65 B5) would set the autogas preflow
shield gas valve to 5%. Multiple G59 codes can be used to set and adjust all the
necessary valves.

FineLine Support
The same Cut Chart data which is used at the Cut Chart setup screen may also be used
within a part program to configure the FineLine power supply. This code is used to
select the set point for each variable.
It is not necessary to have a line of code for each cut chart variable within a part
program. Only those variables that are changing need be inserted into the part program
(e.g. Material Thickness or Material Type).
Part program codes for the FineLine should be grouped together at the beginning of the
program. The three variables which can be set through the part program are Material
Type, Current Setting, and Material Thickness.
Configure cut parameters for the FineLine using an EIA-274D G59 code with the
following format:
G59 V503 F5
G59

Any G code

V5xx

The variable identity:

10-7

Programmers Reference
V502 Torch Type Plasma 1
V512 Torch Type Plasma 2
V522 Torch Type Marker 1
V532 Torch Type Marker 2
V503 Material Type Plasma 1
V513 Material Type Plasma 2
V523 Material Type Marker 1
V533 Material Type Marker 2
V504 Current Setting Plasma 1
V514 Current Setting Plasma 2
V524 Current Setting Marker 1
V534 Current Setting Marker 2
V505 Plasma Shield Gasses Plasma 1
V515 Plasma Shield Gasses Plasma 2
V525 Plasma Shield Gasses Marker 1
V535 Plasma Shield Gasses Marker 2
V506 -- Cutting Surface Plasma 1
V516 Cutting Surface Plasma 2
V526 Cutting Surface Marker 1
V536 -- Cutting Surface Marker 2
V507 Material Thickness Plasma 1
V517 Material Thickness Plasma 2
V527 Material Thickness Marker 1
V537 Material Thickness Marker 2
V508 Water Muffler Plasma 1
V518 Water Muffle Plasma 2
Fx

The variable value, which depends on the variable identity:

For material type V503, V513, V523, V533:
Add .0x for Specific Material x (for example: V503 F1 .01 for mild steel,
specific material 1)
1 = Mild Steel
2 = Stainless Steel

10-8

Plasma Supply Programming Support

3 = Aluminum
For current setting V504, V514, V524, V534:
7 = 7A

70 = 70A

10 = 10A

80 = 80A

15 = 15A

100 = 100A

18 = 18A

130 = 130A

30 = 30A

200 = 200A

45 = 45A
For gas settings V505, V515, V525, V535:
1 = Air/Air

9 = H35/N2

17 = O2-N2/O2

2 = O2/Air

10 = H5/N2

18 = O2

3 = O2/O2

11 = Air/N2

19 = N2

5 = N2/CO2

13 = CO2/N2

21 = Air

6 = None/N2

14 = None/Air

22 = F5/N2

7 = O2/N2

15 = CH4/Air

23 = H35&N2/N2

8 = CH4 / N2

16 = O2-N2/Air

For cutting surface: V506, V516, V526, V536

1 = Above water
2 = 3 inches below water
For material thickness V507, V517, V527, V537:
EIA
Fnumber

Gauge and
Fraction

Decimal

Metric

None

None

None

2 or 3

28GA

0.015

0.35mm

4 or 5

27GA

0.016

0.4mm

6 or 7

26GA

0.018

0.5mm

10-9

Programmers Reference

8 or 9

24GA

0.024

0.6mm

10 or 11

22GA

0.030

0.8mm

12 or 13

20GA

0.036

0.9mm

14

19GA

0.040

1mm

15 or 16

18GA

0.048

1.2mm

17 or 18

16GA

0.060

1.5mm

19

1/16

0.063

1.6mm

20 or 21

14GA

0.075

2mm

47

13GA

0.090

2.2mm

22

3/32

0.094

2.4mm

23 or 24

12GA

0.105

2.5mm

48

11GA

0.120

3mm

25

1/8

0.125

3.2mm

26 or 27

10GA

0.135

3.5mm

49

9GA

0.150

3.8mm

52

8GA

0.164

4mm

50

7GA

0.180

4.5mm

28

3/16

0.188

4.8mm

53

6GA

0.194

5mm

51

5GA

0.210

5.5mm

29

1/4

0.25

6mm

30

5/16

0.313

8mm

31

3/8

0.375

10mm

32

7/16

0.438

11mm

33

1/2

0.5

12mm

10-10

Plasma Supply Programming Support

34

9/16

0.563

14mm

35

5/8

0.625

15mm

36

3/4

0.75

20mm

37

7/8

0.875

22mm

38

25mm

39

1 1/8

1.125

30mm

40

1 1/4

1.25

32mm

41

1 3/8

1.375

35mm

42

1 1/2

1.5

38mm

54

1 5/8

1.625

40mm

43

1 3/4

1.75

45mm

55

1 7/8

1.875

48mm

44

50mm

56

2 1/8

2.125

55mm

45

2 1/4

2.25

60mm

46

2 1/2

2.5

65mm

57

2 3/4

2.75

70mm

58

75mm

59

3 1/8

3.125

80mm

60

3 1/4

3.25

85mm

61

3 1/2

3.5

90mm

62

3 3/4

3.75

95mm

63

100mm

For water muffler: V508, V518, V528, V538

1 = Installed

10-11

Programmers Reference
2 = Not installed

10-12

Serial Messaging
The Serial Messaging feature may be used to pass commands embedded within a part
program through a selected serial port to an external device. Both RS-232 and RS-422
are supported. TCP/ IP protocol is not supported at this time. There are 2 Serial
Messaging ports available.

Overview
Serial Messaging has a fairly basic communication protocol that has three simple
formats to send ASCII codes as command strings. During the messaging function, a
status indicator for Message Transmit, Message Delay or Message Verify will be
displayed in the Watch window.

Options

While the selected message is sent to the external device, the part program will be
temporarily suspended. After completion of the transmission, the part program will
then automatically resume. No acknowledgement from the external device is
required. An additional Time Delay may also be added.
A message is sent concurrent to execution of the part program and no delay is
encountered. No acknowledge is required. No Delay Time is allowed.
The message is sent with a suspension of the program during transmission as in the
first option, but an Acknowledge from the external device (ACK) is required before
the part program can continue. A Non-Acknowledge (NAK) response from the
external device will prompt a retransmit of the message from the control. An optional
Time Out value may be added to the program code. If no Time Out code is used in
the program code the Default time out value at the Ports setup screen will be used.
Additionally, an optional automatic retry feature may be enabled at the Ports setup
screen.

To enable use of this feature, assign Messaging to the selected port(s) at the Ports
setup screen.
After you enable serial messaging, the flow control parameters that communicate with
the external device must be selected.

11-1

Programmers Reference

The following parameters must be configured. Hardware and flow control configuration
information must match the external device.
Parameter

Description

Time Out

The Time Out value may be used for the Message Type 22 (which
requires an acknowledgement from the external device after the
message) if there is no Time Out value used in the command string of
the program code.

Baud Rate

Select a communication speed from 1200 to 115200 Baud.

Flow Control

Select to use None, Xon/Xoff or Hardware.

During Jog on
Path

Select whether messages will be sent when jogging Forward or

Backward on Path while at the Pause screen.
Notes:

All messaging will stop when the Stop Key has been pressed or
the Remote Pause input becomes active.

The Message Type 21 will transmit the message concurrent to the

associated motion segment during Backup on Path.

11-2

Serial Messaging
Parity

Select None, Odd or Even.

Data Bits

Select 7 or 8 Data Bits.

Retry on Time
Out

For the Message Type 22 (which requires an acknowledgement from

the external device after the message) an automatic retransmit of the
message may be sent. The user may select the number of retries
allowed before faulting from a lack of response from the external
device. The fault prompt Message Error will be displayed when in a
Time Out condition.

Programming Code
The ASCII message string follows a unique program message format. Each command
begins with a > character and ends with a < character. These characters are used as
delimiters to frame the command (Message Type, Optional Format and Optional Delay
Time/Time Out) instructions for the message.
Message Information
The format of this command code is outlined as follows:
>20+Format+Delay Time/Time Out+Port<Message
>2x

Message Command type (see Message Command Type section):

>20 = Direct message with Delay
>21 = Direct message without Delay
>22 = Message that requires Acknowledge

Format

Optional format value that allows the user to add:

Line Feed and Carriage Return commands, etc., message
string.
0,1,16,17,32,33,48,49,64,65,80,81,96,97,112,113 are
supported (see Format Value section).

Delay Time/
Time Out

Optional delay time/time out value

Port

Optional serial port number:

Time in seconds (see Time Out Value section.)

0 = Default port 1
1 = Port 2
Message

The message content (see the message text section.)

Note: Serial message format is always written within comment
characters and the command portion of the program code is between
11-3

Programmers Reference
the > Character and the < Character.
ESSI Example:
3
>20,1,1,0<Message
4
EIA Example:
(>20,1,1,0<Message)
Note: You can use the plus sign (+), hyphen (-), comma (,) or space as a delimiter
between fields for the command instruction.

Message Command Type

Command

Description

>20<

This command delays the part program until all bytes have been
transmitted, then optionally waits the Delay Time, if specified.

>21<

A message is sent concurrent to execution of the part program and no

delay is encountered. No acknowledge is required.

>22<

The message is sent with a suspension of the program during

transmission as in option one, but an Acknowledge from the external
device (ACK = Hexadecimal 06) is required before the part program
can continue. A nonacknowledge (NAK = Hexadecimal 15) response
from the external device will prompt a retransmit of the message from
the control.
An optional Time Out value may be added to the program code. If no
Time Out code is used in the program code the Default time out value
at the Ports setup screen will be used. Additionally, an optional
automatic retry feature may be enabled at the Ports setup screen.
With the automatic retry feature the message will automatically be
retransmitted if no response is detected. The retry is executed after
the Time Out value has elapsed. The number of retries can be
defined on the Ports configuration screen.

11-4

Serial Messaging

Optional Format Value

The following specialty characters for the format can be sent, in addition to a command
string.

Specialty Characters Supported

HEX

Name

Description

01

SOH

Start of Header

02

STX

Start of Text

03

ETX

End of Text

04

EOT

End of Transmission

0A

LF

Line Feed

0D

CR

Carriage Return

BCC

Exclusive Or Check Byte

Note: Checksum is always an 'Exclusive OR' of the Data because it does not include
any of the 'Format' characters, including the CR/LF option.

Optional Format Character Assignments

Value

Assignment

No special assignment (must be used in the format location if a Delay

or Port is required but no Format options are required).
Append a Carriage Return (<CR> = Hex value OD) and a Line Feed
(<LF> = Hex Value0A).

16

Append an Exclusive OR (<BCC>) to the end of the message.

17

Appends a combination of 16 and 1.

32

Encloses the message with Start of Text (<STX> = Hex Value 02) and
End of Text (<ETX> = Hex Value 03).
The <ETX> follows the message and the optional <CR><LF>>
append codes but precedes the Check Byte <BCC>.

33

Appends a combination of 1 and 32.

48

Appends a combination of 16 and 32.

11-5

Programmers Reference
49

Appends a combination of 1, 16 and 32.

64

Append a Start of Header (<SOH> = Hex value 01) and an End of

Transmission (<EOT> = Hex Value04) to the message.

65

Appends a combination of 1and 64.

80

Appends a combination of 16 and 64.

81

Appends a combination of 1, 16 and 64.

96

Appends a combination of 32 and 64.

97

Appends a combination of 1, 32, and 64.

112

Appends a combination of 16, 32 and 64.

113

Appends a combination of 1, 16, 32 and 64.

Optional Delay Time/Time Out Value

The Delay Value issues a delay in seconds at the end of the message for Message
Type 20.
No delay is supported for Message Type 21.
This value also works as a Time Out value for Message Type 22. An error will be
displayed if the message is not acknowledged (ACK Hexadecimal 06) within the
specified time. If no Time Out Delay is defined in the command, the Time Out parameter
on the Ports screen will be used.
The value is in a 3.2 format where a value of 5 is equal to 5.00 seconds. Accepted limits
for the value is range of 0.00 to 999.99 seconds.
If there is no delay, but the optional port below is being selected, then 0 is required to be
entered in the optional delay location.

Optional Port
The Optional Port setting selects which Messaging Port to use. The default messaging
port to use is Port 1 if this parameter is omitted. If the optional port is used, 0 =
Messaging Port 1 and 1 = Messaging Port 2.

Message Text Content

Up to 300 data characters in each command string may be sent. The Command
characters (information between and including the > and < signs) are included in this
maximum.
Printable and Non- Printing ASCII codes can be used in the message string. For more
information on ASCII codes and the Hexadecimal value, refer to the ASCII Code
chapter.
11-6

Serial Messaging
Non-printing characters are supported by use of a two-character command and can
send a Binary Code in the Range from 0-255. Double byte character to support
combinations will affect the maximum length count with each pair reducing the
maximum data characters by 1. For more information on these values, refer to the Nonprinting Character section.

Non-Printing Characters
Non Printing Characters are supported through use of a pair of two printing codes to
equal the non-printing code. This pair of characters is retained in the program code but
sent as single 8-bit code when transmitted.
There are three types of character pairs and each performs a different operation based
on the first character of the pair. This produces a single modified character for
transmission.

Character Options

The & two-character pair clears the 0x40 bit from the 2nd character code value.
The ! two-character pair clears the 0x40 bit and sets the 0x80 bit set in the 2nd
character code.
The $ two-character pair clears the 0xC0 bit in the 2nd character.

To transmit the single character with a value 0x01, use the two-character sequence
&A. This converts the A value of 0x41 to 0x01 by clearing the 0x40 bit.
To transmit 0x81, use !A or to transmit 0xC1, use $A.

Exceptions / Additions
As the &, ! and $ are used as key indicators for the non-print characters, there is a
special format used when these characters are used as a print character in the
message text. Simply use the character twice. && = &
The ESSI style part program uses several unique characters which requires special two
character codes to be used. For example, the message code &K in the part program
will transmit the code value of 0x2B which is the ASCII code for the plus sign (+). In
order to send the + character the code &K must be used.
The following are unique codes used in WORD ADDRESS and ESSI programs.
Code

Code Value

Description

&

0x20=space

At end of ESSI program

&h

0x28 = (

To transmit ( from WORD ADDRESS program

&i

0x29 = )

To transmit ) from WORD ADDRESS program

&?

0x7F = DEL

Non-printable DELETE code

&K

0x2B = +

To transmit + from ESSI program

11-7

Programmers Reference

Non-Printing Character Table

ASCII Codes Less Than Hexadecimal 20
Code

Hex

Code

Hex

Code

Hex

Code

Hex

&@

00

&H

08

&P

10

&X

18

&A

01

&I

09

&Q

11

&Y

19

&B

02

&J

0A

&R

12

&Z

1A

&C

03

&K

0B

&S

13

&[

1B

&D

04

&L

0C

&T

14

&\

1C

&E

05

&M

0D

&U

15

&]

1D

&F

06

&N

0E

&V

16

&^

1E

&G

07

&O

0F

&W

17

&_

1F

8 bit Character Codes Greater Than Hexadecimal 80

Code

Hex

Code

Hex

Code

Hex

Code

Hex

!@

80

!H

88

!P

90

!X

98

!A

81

!I

89

!Q

91

!Y

99

!B

82

!J

8A

!R

92

!Z

9A

!C

83

!K

8B

!S

93

![

9B

!D

84

!L

8C

!T

94

!\

9C

!E

85

!M

8D

!U

95

!]

9D

!F

86

!N

8E

!V

96

!^

9E

!G

87

!O

8F

!W

97

!_

9D

!`

A0

!h

A8

!p

B0

!x

B8

!a

A1

!I

A9

!q

B1

!y

B9

11-8

Serial Messaging
!b

A2

!j

AA

!r

B2

!z

BA

!c

A3

!k

AB

!s

B3

!;

BB

!d

A4

!l

AC

!t

B4

!<

BC

!e

A5

!m

AD

!u

B5

!=

BD

!f

A6

!n

AE

!v

B6

!>

BE

!g

A7

!o

AF

!w

B7

!?

BF

$@

C0

$H

C8

$P

D0

$X

D8

$A

C1

$I

C9

$Q

D1

$Y

DD

$B

C2

$J

CA

$R

D2

$Z

DA

$C

C3

$K

CB

$S

D3

$[

DB

$D

C4

$L

CC

$T

D4

$\

DC

$E

C5

$M

CD

$U

D5

$]

DD

$F

C6

$N

CE

$V

D6

$^

DE

$G

C7

$O

CF

$W

D7

$_

DF

$`

E0

$h

E8

$p

F0

$x

F8

$a

E1

$I

E9

$q

F1

$y

F9

$b

E2

$j

EA

$r

F2

$z

FA

$c

E3

$k

EB

$s

F3

$;

FB

$d

E4

$l

EC

$t

F4

$<

FC

$e

E5

$m

ED

$u

F5

$=

FD

$f

E6

$n

EE

$v

F6

$>

FE

$g

E7

$o

EF

$w

F7

$?

FF

11-9

Programmers Reference

11-10

Importing Prepared DXF Files

The DXF Translator software allows the control to load and translate a DXF style
drawing created in Autocad or Autocad LT into an EIA part program. Certain
guidelines must be observed when creating the CAD drawing to allow the CNC to load
and understand the file. The optional DXF translation utility is enabled through a
password provided by your control supplier.

Drawing Format
There should be nothing on the cut layer except lines, arcs, circles and text
commands. Do not put dimensions or notes on the same layer as cut data.
Elliptical segments, squares and polylines are not supported. Divide these elements
into short arcs or line segments. You can use the ACAD EXPLODE command to
convert POLYLINES into segments.
The end angles of two arcs from any intersection point cannot be within the same
quadrant.
Text commands determine cut sequence, and determine the path through multisegment intersections. Text commands are placed on the drawing with the text feature
of your CAD program. The size of the text is not important. However, the location of
the text is extremely important. Text must be left-justified and text commands must be
snapped to the appropriate intersection or pierce points.
Text commands indicate pierce points and cut direction. Note that the directional
commands should only be used to determine the direction of the next line segment
when more than one exit path exists at an intersection of segments.

Text Commands
1

Indicates the first pierce point (subsequent pierce points follow in numerical order)

Indicates a Counter-Clockwise circle

Indicates a Clockwise circle

Directional Commands
The following commands indicate the next segments direction, if it is a line, or the
ending angle, if it is an arc, if the angle is:
R

350 to 10

RU 0 to 45
UR 45 to 90
U

80 to 100

UL 90 to 135
LU 135 to 180

12-1

Programmers Reference
L

170 to 190

LD 180 to 225
DL 225 to 270
D

260 to 280

DR 270 to 315
RD 315 to 360
Traverses are automatically determined between pierce points and do not need to be
entered on the CAD drawing.
The following example is a basic bolt hole rectangle with the lead-in and lead-out for
the rectangle as part of the top and side line segments. The numbers indicate the
order of the pierces and the + sign indicates a counter-clockwise rotation for the
circles.

5
1 +

2 +

3 +

4 +

If the lead-in and lead-out are created as additional line segments added to the top and
side line segments, additional text is required to indicate which direction the next line
segment should take as part of the part program, as shown in the following diagram:

5 R
1 +

2 +

3 +

4 +

12-2

Importing Prepared DXF Files

In this example, the letter R has been snapped to the intersection of the four line
segments to indicate that the next line segment after lead-in (pierce 5) would be the
segment which is located at 350 to 10 degrees and then to the other connected
segments on the square. After the left side (vertical) segment has been cut, no
additional text is required to indicate which line should be cut. The Lead-out segment
is the only segment left to cut because the lead-in and the first segment have already
been cut.
Notes:

There should be nothing on the cut layer except lines, arcs, circles and text or
directional commands.

Line segments must be connected to complete the cut path.

If multiple line segments or arcs need to be repeated, each line segment should be
drawn, rather than copied and pasted.

Features for marking are not available.

No traverse lines are required. All lines in the CAD drawing are assumed to be cut
lines.

Left kerf is assumed.

12-3

Programmers Reference

12-4

Printed in the USA

806420Revision 1