Advanced Contouring Performance

The Picopath utilizes true closed loop servo control with encoder feedback for both position and velocity control. This control loop is updated every millisecond to provide accurate, smooth contouring motion. The Picopath also has an advanced hardware and software design that makes it capable of virtually unlimited speed/resolution performance.

Full Featured Operation

The Picopath has all the capabilities of a modern cutting machine control as well as several productivity-increasing features found only in Picopath.Also, all these features come standard in the Picopath - there is nothing optional to be ordered.

Parametric Shape Library

Powerful library of 33 pre-programmed parametric shapes from which over two hundred different shapes can be created.Graphic display of shape library parts and parametric prompts.Chain-cut capability with programmable scrap clearance and common line cutting.

Manual Data Input (MDI)

• Create and edit part programs using either EIA (RS-274D) or ESSI (ISO 6582) part programming languages.
• Scrolling part program display.
• Edit downloaded part program at the control.
• Display comment text of downloaded programs for operator information.

Trace/Teach*

• Converts optical tracings into EIA (RS-274D) or ESSI (ISO 6582) programs.
• Automatic part closure detection automatically stops the tracer at the end of the template.
• Allows multiple pierce points, lead-ins, leadouts and rapid traverse segments for multiple cut pieces in one program.
• Trace at slow speed for best part accuracy and cut (with acceleration and deceleration) at optimum speed for your process.
• Upload taught part to CAD system, remote host computer or other storage device.
• Digitally calculated kerf compensation extends kerf range of tracing system.
• * Requires separate optional tracer control system which can be supplied if required

CAD Download

• Download part programs via built-in serial port using RS-232 or RS-422 link.
• Accepts EIA (RS-274D) or ESSI (ISO 6582) part programs.
• Auto-reload feature allows downloading unlimited length programs.
• Dialog mode allows machine operator to review and select programs for download.

Programming Options

• English and Metric operation for worldwide use.
• Kerf compensation with programmable kerf value.
• Automatic corner alignment automatically positions part in desired corner of the plate with the specified scrap clearance.
• Mirror part in both X and Y axis.
• Rotate part with 0.01 degree resolution.
• Scale part from 0.000001 to 99.999999 times original size.
• Repeat shape with three grid patterns (straight, stagger and nested) for automatic cutting of multiple pieces.
• Battery-backed memory for storage of up to 64 part programs using sophisticated workfile part manager.

Performance Features

• Digital servo positioning control for any cutting machine.
• Programmable cut speeds.
• Continuous path speed ensures highest cut quality.
• Automatic corner slowdown for clean, sharp corners.
• Increase/decrease speed on-the-fly as required for best cut quality.
• Automatic plate alignment corrects for skewed plates.
• On-path backup with off-path re-pierce and return-to-path functions for easy, accurate cut-loss recovery.
• Machine homing to limit switch and encoder marker for calibration.
• Rip mode for straight line cutting.
• Jog controlled cutting.
• Punch or powder marker capability.
• Manual jog control with position read-out.

Installation and Setup Features

• Selectable axis control orientation for compatibility with all cutting machines.
• Complete oxy-fuel interface with programmable preheat, ignition and creep time.
• Complete plasma interface with programmable purge and ignition time and arc-transferred feedback.
• Motorized torch lifter control.
• Programmable servo gains, machine parameters, speeds and communication parameters for flexible application.
• Interfaces to most optical tracing systems for integrated control.
• Complete built-in diagnostics for check-out and test.

Specifications

• 240 x 128 pixel, 16 line x 40 column backlit liquid crystal display.
• Industrial grade conductive rubber keypad with tactile feedback.
• 256K bytes of battery backed-up part program memory.
• Non-volatile storage of all setup data.
• Universal AC input (85-135 or 180-250V AC at 47-63 Hz).
• Optically isolated ±10V drive outputs and incremental encoder inputs.
• 10 dedicated plus 2 general purpose 24V/1A DC outputs and 10 dedicated plus 2 general purpose 24V DC inputs for gas/plasma control.
• Optically isolated RS-232C/422 port operates up to 19.2K baud.
• Dimensions: height 10.5" (267mm); width 12" (305mm); depth 8" (203mm).
• Weight: 17 lbs. (7.7 kg).
• Operating environment: 0 to 50C (32 to 122F); 95% relative humidity (non-condensing).

PICOPATH CNC Controls -
add capability to your cutting system!