The usefulness of limit switches - FireControl
Oct. 07, 2024
The usefulness of limit switches - FireControl
I saw someone write here a while back that the only point of limit switches was to be able to home the machine at the end of the day. Id like to shed some light on this.
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The limit switches allow you to operate based off a consistent 0,0 location. Upon homing, you can work from the same spot every time. Index your material off of a jig, and make the home location your work zero, and you can resume a cut without material loss if you encounter an error. Even if the torch snags a tip up and moves the sheet, you can re index, home, and start your file from the line of code the error occurred on.
Even more, lets say you started your cut in the middle of the table with an unknown relative 0 like a madman (which I do all the time) and fire control freezes after a pause to fix a tip up. Well, I wrote down the machine coordinates, and the work coordinates, then subtracted them from each other to find the machine 0 I had started with. This ended up being X11.378, Y-1.355. Now, because I could not just type that into fire control, I had to use a combination of continuous jogging and 1/16 steps to get it to those coordinates to set my work zero where it had been. Luckily my material never shifted. I couldnt get it dead on, but I was within .002 of each. Resumed my cut and you cannot tell I lost my zero and restarted in the middle. Took about 5 minutes to get back to zero and save the cut.
In the future, if I need to start a cut in the middle of the table on some scrap, Ill probably move the torch from home by 1 inch increments then position the sheet accordingly to make it easier to get back to my exact work zero based on machine coordinates.
Firecontrol rarely gives me issues, I believe this was just a fluke from me pausing right as the torch was about to fire. Otherwise, every other pause worked fine, and I run firecontrol off a tiny cheap stick pc. Yes the limit switches kill a tiny bit of your workspace, but your table stays dialed in. Depends on what this ability to salvage a cut is worth to you. If youre doing a giant sheets of tons of parts or huge signs, then the limit switches can pay themselves in one salvaged cut.
Happy cutting.
Just getting primed, 16g mild steel. Hypertherm 45xp with fine cuts, book specs.
The differences between limit switches and micro switches ...
Limit switches and micro switches are common electronic switching devices that play an important role in industrial automation and machinery control. Although both are switches used to detect and control the position of an object, there are some differences in working principle, structure, and application.
Definition and function of limit switches and micro switches
A limit switch is a switch used to detect the position of an object. It usually consists of a trigger and a control unit. The trigger is usually a device that generates a signal when an object approaches or touches it, while the control unit is responsible for processing this signal and controlling the movement of other devices. Limit switches are commonly used for positioning and control of mechanical devices such as machine tools, conveyor belts, and automated production lines. With limit switches, we can accurately detect the position of an object in order to control the operation accordingly.
In contrast, micro switches are normally closed or normally open electronic switches that serve to detect and control mechanical movements. A micro switch usually consists of a trigger and a control unit, and the trigger can be triggered by a mechanical or other physical force. The trigger of a micro switch is usually a device with a spring. When an object is touched or a force is applied, the trigger will change its state and control the operation of other devices through the control unit. Micro switches are usually used in areas such as household appliances, automotive electronics, and mechanical devices. Through micro switches, we can achieve the control and protection of equipment.
Appearance and construction differences between limit switches and micro switches
Limit switches usually have a more robust housing to protect the internal circuitry and components. They are available in a variety of configurations, such as rotary, slide, or lever. Limit switches are generally simpler in appearance, consisting mainly of a switch body and a triggering device.
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Micro switches are generally miniaturised and have a more compact appearance. Its structure usually consists of a touch-active lever and contacts, and the touch-active lever can be adjusted as needed to meet different triggering conditions.
Working principle and triggering mode of limit switches and micro switches
Limit switches judge whether a predetermined position has been reached by detecting the position of an object, thus triggering the switch action. It can be triggered by mechanical triggering, magnetic triggering, or photoelectric triggering.
The working principle of micro switch is to make the movable rod displaced by external force, thus triggering the switch action. There are various triggering methods, which can be physical triggering, vibration triggering, or photoelectric triggering.
Differences in the application fields and uses of limit switches and micro switches
Limit switches are widely used in mechanical equipment, automated production lines, robots, and other fields, for detecting the position of objects, controlling the movement of equipment, and protecting the safety of equipment.
Micro switches are commonly used in electronic equipment, electrical appliances, automobiles, and other fields for controlling the switching of circuits, detecting the state of equipment, and protecting the safety of electronic components, etc.
Comparison of advantages and disadvantages of limit switches and micro switches
Limit switches have the advantages of sturdy structure, high reliability, adaptability, and so on. However, its disadvantage is the larger size, installation, and maintenance are more complex.
Micro switches have the advantages of small size, easy installation, trigger sensitivity, and so on. However, its disadvantage is the lower carrying capacity, vulnerable to external interference.
Difference and connection between the limit switch and micro switch
Limit switches and micro switches have certain differences in appearance, structure, working principle, and trigger mode. Limit switches are mainly used to detect and control the position of objects, while micro switches are mainly used to generate instantaneous switching action.
Importance of limit switches and micro switches in engineering applications
Limit switches and micro switches have important application value in modern engineering. They can effectively control the movement and state of the equipment to ensure the safe and stable operation of the equipment. Although there are some differences between limit switches and micro switches in terms of working principle, structure, and application, they are both switching devices used to detect and control the position of objects. Limit switches are mainly used in the field of industrial automation for positioning and controlling the movement of mechanical devices. Micro switches are mainly used in fields such as household appliances and automotive electronics for detecting and controlling the state and movement of devices. Whether it is limit switches or micro switches, they play an important role in industry and life and improve productivity and equipment reliability.
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