I want to adapt 4x4 CNC for plasma. Do I need a floating head or THC?

[marbles]

I have a DIY 4x4 CNC, which I want to adapt for plasma cutting between 3-6mm mild steel plate.


I made a torch handle holder which slots into the router clasp. My question is why do I need a floating head or THC if the sheet steel is an equal distance from the nozzle tip once zeroed?

[JAZZCNC]

My question is why do I need a floating head or THC if the sheet steel is an equal distance from the nozzle tip once zeroed?

You don't need THC if the material is stable and doesn't warp or bend from heat.

[marbles]

Thanks, that's what I thought. I can see why a floating head would be useful to protect the tip. My Thermal Dynamics certainly prefers cutting on or within a 1mm of the material.

[JAZZCNC]

Thanks, that's what I thought. I can see why a floating head would be useful to protect the tip.

Yes it's good for increasing consumable life and keeping nice constant cuts etc but Good THC control is also not easy with more to it that than meets the eye.?
If the THC control doesn't factor in for cornering when machine slows down then it's easy to bury the torch into the material because has you decellerate the amperage stays the same so melts away more material and the THC control will sense this and dive to maintain the height burying the tip.

THC control is good but only if done correctly and uses good THC control.