The origin of Kerf when used in our NC programming software FastCAM and FastNEST, has been Radius, the width of the cut, although it can also include the radius of the torch and generally the diameter. Radius and the offset amount = the amount put on the form. FastPLOT/KERF uses diameter and asks clearly for KERF(Diameter).

From July 2005, ALL of our products will now be Kerf DIAMETER.

Users of the most recent release of FastCAM must be careful with kerf compensation with FastNEST and FastCAM where it is generating the kerf. The latest versions will produce half the offset. It is not easy to pick up the difference, as the error on a small kerf is half the kerf.

HOW DO THESE CHANGES TO KERF AFFECT YOU?

If you don't use Kerf at all there is no need to change. Just be aware. The FastPATH setting will clearly read KERF(Diameter) for clarity.

If you use Kerf then you don't need to change anything but be aware that if you move to FastCAM software dated after July 2005 and you have values in your setup you need to remember to change them to diameter!

Originally built for older Burny controllers FastCAM® Kerf can usually be used on any controller that has difficulty computing kerf. It either can't do the calculation or it is slow in the computation. For example, some versions of Anca and Burny.

Simply run your NC programs with FastCAM® Kerf software on your PC and watch them fly the moment they download to the controller! You begin cutting as soon as the program has loaded into memory of the control.

This simple program offers huge time savings on big nests with lots of arcs. Do in seconds what can take hours on the controller! Art from Speciality Fabrication says "FastCAM Kerf has saved me three hours in one cut, and I mean that!" "Anyone purchasing a table can save themselves big bucks on the downstroke, and over years of use." It's one hell-of-a-saving." FastCAM® Kerf costs $2,500 for most controllers however some may not be supported. For an obligation free quote, email us with your machine controller information (including sample code if possible).

We are currently testing a useful new 'Overburn' feature which will be a minor revision to our FastCAM System software. It will be posted on our web site as soon as it has been tested at several production environments.

We define overburn here as a continuing cut after the initial cut is complete. The distance is quite small around.

Overburn allows you to add a lead-in along the perimeter of an existing part. The overburn function whilst simple in concept can produce dramatic results for many clients. Especially those plasma cutting heavy Stainless steel. By the careful addition of a small extra cutting movement on completion of internal cuts the part is severed without leaving a tiny point due to the circular nature of the plasma beam. For many controller machine combinations this has the additional benefit of producing more concentric cuts especially on small holes.

We're interested in hearing from customers and resellers! If you have news or can suggest a topic that you think will be of interest to our reader base, we invite you to email us!

Copyright 2005, FastCAM Inc.

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