Mds Programmable Shape Machine/Description/Operation - Bug-O Systems MDS Series Instructions And Parts Manual

MDS PROGRAMMABLE SHAPE MACHINE
This is a 2-axis machine that runs on a track and carries a cutting torch on a motorized cross-arm. It can
be used for flame or plasma cutting, or welding, of a variety of shape programmed and stored in memory.
DESCRIPTION
The machine has 20 storage areas in memory for different programmed shapes, numbered 0 to 9. At
any time, one of these shape numbers is the current one, and will stay current even when the power is
shut off and turned back on, until the shape number is changed by the operator.
All programming is done with the hand-held terminal provided; this may be plugged into the connector
on the rear of the machine or unplugged at any time. The terminal is not needed to run the machine
once programmed.
Shapes are built up only from the segments provided: circular arcs and straight lines, square or inclined,
by selecting type and quadrant for each segment. A shape can have up to 50 segments. Some other
operations, like solenoid On/Off, time delay, or repeat another shape a number of times, also count as
one segment each if used.
In normal operation, first position the machine at the starting point. Next turn on the preheat gases, and
wait until the required preheat is reached. Push the Run button; the machine will turn on the cutting
oxygen and start cutting the current shape. At the end of the shape the machine will turn off the cutting
oxygen and stop. Manually turn off the preheat gases.
PLASMA CUTTING & WELDING OPERATION
The Programmable Shape Machine can be used successfully for plasma cutting; however it is important
to take certain precautions to avoid interference and protect the control circuits. (These comments also
apply to TIG welding or any process that uses high frequency to strike an arc). An external relay box is
available separately or in the welding kit to provide the contact signal to the plasma source.
OPERATION:
When first plugged in, the position the machine is in becomes the reference Start position.
Now there are three (3) options (the pendant terminal is not needed for the first two):
1. MOVE
To change the Start position, push the STOP button, move the machine manually
to the required position using the toggle switches, and push the RESET button.
2. RUN
Push the START/RUN button to cut a shape.
3. PROGRAM ( entry or change)
The Programming operation is selected by pressing keys A,B,C,D, E.
A: All segments; data entry for new shape consists of:
Total number of segments
Data for each:
6
Type (arc, x/y line or slope)
Quadrant
Size (radius, or x/y dimension)
1-4