For my final project, I want to build a plasma CNC table. Plain and simple, I know I’ll sink time, money, effort  into making what will likely be a worse version of a Langmuir Systems CrossFire—and possibly cost me more money in the long run. As my mom always says, “Why buy something for $7 when you can spend $100 at Michaels and 10 hours making it yourself?”. I have the means, motives and wants to do this project. 

Deliverables:

This project has three primary deliverables:

1. Plasma CNC Table:[8,9,11,12]
   The main objective is building a functional CNC plasma table.* This involves designing and creating a frame with 3d printed linear guides. The precise x,y movement will be achieved by a multiple stepper motor and  ran by a 5 axis breakout board.  
2. Custom Python Extension (Turtle Library):[2,3,12]
   I will modify the existing 3d Turtle library to generate 2D G-code.* This goal will make it easier for me to test, create art, brackets, gears and other things commonly made with a cnc plasma cutter. 
3. Make something:
   I would like to make something, I don’t think they will. Maybe a family of pigs, a gate, TBD. *

*These are what I want to be graded on. 

Flex Goals:

Flex goals if everything goes to plan and just clicks into place.

1. DIY Torch Height Controller (THC):[1,7]
   The THC ensures that the torch maintains the optimal distance from the workpiece throughout the cut. This has four main benefits, help with consumables lasting longer, cleaner cuts, help with warping due to more even heating and cooling of metal and final allowing the cutter to cut odd shapes (that are not flat) like corrugated materials or thin currently warping metals.  
2. Pipe Cutter Attachment:[5,6]
   The ability to cut round and square tubing would extend the table’s functionality enormously. This might involve adding a rotating chuck or a separate axis for precise control over rotation of items during cutting.
3. Multiple heads:[4]
   The multiple heads Idea is close to “silhouette cameo”.  One station could be used to hold the torch to cut and the other a marker to mark bend lines, or an automatic center punch for holes to fine to plasma cut. 

Resources:

1. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Renann-Baldovino/publication/291336407_Development_of_a_Low-Cost_Controller_for_the_3-Axis_Computer_Numerically-Controlled_CNC_Plasma_Cutting_Machine/links/56a076f608ae21a564291f75/Development-of-a-Low-Cost-Controller-for-the-3-Axis-Computer-Numerically-Controlled-CNC-Plasma-Cutting-Machine.pdf
2. https://rapidwelding.com/files/Improving%20Plasma%20Cut%20Quality.pdf
3. https://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/server/api/core/bitstreams/7262fa07-79f4-4428-af27-3c724513154f/content
4. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VLB3627?_encoding=UTF8&th=1
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R19rg0Zv6qc
6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDxrpF7fnfg
7. https://builds.openbuilds.com/builds/standalone-torch-height-controller-for-cnc-plasma-cutting.9571/
8. https://builds.openbuilds.com/threads/cnc-plasma-table-006.16455/
9. https://jdsgarage.bigcartel.com/category/plasma-cutter
10. https://www.langmuirsystems.com/crossfire
11. https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-versa-cut-2×2-cnc-table-with-cnc-cut-40-and-hand-torch.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqVHcgMaqRABn2og-jYsn0nNtZLMPfDEuVaAvC0VTxvurZF1Bd_DlM
12. https://veiseliha.com/layered-svg-tutorial/

Meet the team:

Project Manager––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Nicholas Bacon

Designer––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Nicholas Bacon

Electrical Expert––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Nicholas Bacon

Programmer––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Nicholas Bacon

Machinist––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Nicholas Bacon

Procurement–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Nicholas Bacon

Budget Manager––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Nicholas Bacon

Quality Assurance & Safety Officer––––––––––––––––Nicholas Bacon

Documentation Specialist–––––––––––––––––––––––Nicholas Bacon

Timeline:

Start Dates	Item	Done
10/30/24	Procurement	Amazon quotes: 11/6/24
10/30/24	Beta Software [80:20]	11/9/24
11/6/24	Dry gcode	11/(8-10)/24
11/6/24	Design parts and make/print table [80:20]	11/16/24
11/16/24 (out of town)	Beta++ Software [88:40]	11/23/24(back in town)
11/19/24	Give update	11/19/24
11/23/24	Upgrade table  [88:40]Try Flex goals  [80:20]	12/1/24
12/1/24	Clean up and make something.	12/6/24

So Following the  80:20 rule… I will only get 88% on the table and software and 80% on the Flex goals. The rule is recursive You just need to know when to stop.