For your CNC Plasma Cutter to cut accurately, the motors need to be tuned. Basically, this means that every pulse sent from the computer to the machine needs to translate correctly to produce the units you measure with (inches or millimetres.) When motors are adequately tuned the machine will cut the distance your job requires. If not, your measurements and jobs will be the wrong size. Weldclass CNC machines arrive pre-tuned, however, if you are directed to calibrate an axis by a technician or notice that one axis is consistently inaccurate this is the procedure. Note before you start this make sure you have the latest version of our control software available here: http://surefirecnc.com/knowledge-base/updating-mach3/
Fortunately, Mach has an automated motor tuning feature that will make this easy. Go to the “Settings” tab and you’ll find “Calibrate Motors”.
Note: You will need either a digital movement gauge or a tape measure before going further. Make sure your Units are set to MM.
Click on the Calibrate Motors button, and a pop-up window will appear asking which axis you would like to calibrate.
Select an axis
Another window will then pop up asking how far you would like each axis to move.
Enter a number (mm)
Be advised that when you enter a number it will then move the torch that distance (or what it thinks is that distance.)
As soon as the movement is done, another window will appear to ask you how far the machine actually moved.
Enter in the actual distance it moved.
Mach will then suggest a number for your steps per unit. Accept it and Mach will automatically calibrate the axis to that setting.
You can also change the setting manually by going to Config/Motor Tuning