Sheetcam Hot Crack ((link)) -
Introduction
For a complete walkthrough on setting up these operations and managing tool paths in SheetCam, see this guide: Sheetcam - Adding a tool FastCut CNC YouTube• 2 Nov 2017 SheetCam LLC
Hot cracking (also known as solidification cracking) occurs when the metal reaches its melting point and begins to cool. If the metal is under high tension while it is in a "mushy" state (partially solid, partially liquid), the grains of the metal pull apart, creating a fracture. sheetcam hot crack
Corner Looping
: On sharp corners, SheetCam can "loop" the tool path. This keeps the torch moving at a constant speed, preventing it from slowing down and dumping excessive heat into the corner, which is a common cause of thermal cracking . Introduction For a complete walkthrough on setting up
- Incorrect cutting parameters: Improper settings for cutting speed, amperage, or gas flow can lead to uneven heating and cooling of the material, causing cracks.
- Material properties: Certain materials are more prone to cracking due to their chemical composition, thermal conductivity, or microstructure.
- Inadequate cooling: Insufficient cooling or improper cooling techniques can cause the material to overheat, leading to thermal stress and cracking.
- Poor G-code programming: Errors in the G-code file generated by SheetCam can result in incorrect cutting paths or speeds, which may cause hot cracks.