Do you have a question about the Swifty 1250 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers
Russell Shepherd
May 18, 2025
How do i get a dongle to configure my 1250 swift cut machine i have bought second hand . it came with a dongle but it will not work, it just says insert dongle ?
Summary of Contents for Swift-Cut Swifty 1250
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Swifty 1250 (44) INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL Version 1.0 January 2019 Part No. 600000...
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VERSION CONTROL Document Control Document Title Swifty 1250 Installation and Operation Manual Version Number Author(s) James Swift Date Approved 13/05/2019 Document Status Approved Effective Date 13/05/2019 Approved by Alan Swift Superseded Version Date of Next Review August 2019 Version Control...
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CONTENTS Page Section 1 – General information ..................Section 2 – Assembly and Setup ..................Section 3 – Operation ......................Version 1.1 May 2019...
1 INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing the Swifty 1250 (44). To make sure that the equipment is used to its full potential and in a safe and efficient manner, please make sure that all personnel who interact with the Swifty 1250 (44) have read this document and understand the information provided.
When loading heavy sheets of material onto the cutting bed. The material should be placed onto the table and not dropped, to prevent damage. The Swifty 1250 (44) has a maximum table capacity of 250kg (551lbs) for the cutting material.
Risk areas Several areas of risk are associated with the Swifty 1250 (44). These are divided into two categories: Risk to personal safety. These are identified by the warning triangles described in Sub- Sections 3.2.1 to 3.2.10 and will be accompanied by a description of the nature of the hazard in red text.
Loud noise can cause permanent hearing loss. This may be gradual and not immediately obvious. The Swifty 1250 (44) uses compressed air as part of the cutting process, which produces a significant amount of noise. Appropriate ear protection must be worn by any personnel in the vicinity of the equipment when it is operating.
In this instance, the exclamation mark symbol is displayed with the associated text. 3.2.11 Equipment damage Some activities associated with the Swifty 1250 (44) may need to be conducted with care to prevent damage to the machine, or to the surrounding area.
Fig 1 Main items The main items of the Swifty 1250 (44) are as follows (refer to Fig 1): Laptop stand (Fig 1 (1)). A stand for the user to place their laptop whilst operating the machine. Suitable for up to 15.6” laptops.
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Plasma torch cable support (Fig 1 (9)). Used to suspend the plasma torch cable to prevent it getting trapped or damaged by moving components. Fig 2 Main items (continued) Table connections (Fig 2 (1)). Connections from the control to the Swifty 1250 (44) machine. These are connected during the assembly stage. 1.10 Air connection (Fig 2 (2)).
Software The Swifty 1250 (44) comes included with software packages specifically designed for the machine. These are: SwiftCAM and Swifty-CNC. Minimum PC Spec Windows 10 CPU: Intel® Core™ i5 or similar Hard disk: 5GB free space 4 GB RAM Video Card with 256 MB RAM memory Internet connection for licencing 4.2.1...
5 PHYSICAL DATA Fig 3 and Fig 4 show the physical data of the Swifty 1250 (44). Metric measurements Fig 3 Metric physical data Version 1.1 May 2019 Section 1 – General information Page 13...
Imperial measurements Fig 4 Imperial physical data Version 1.1 May 2019 Section 1 – General information Page 14...
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SECTION 2 ASSEMBLY AND SETUP CONTENTS Page 1 Installation requirements ................... Services ......................Positioning of the table ................... 2 Assembly ......................Tool list ......................Unpacking and checking ................. Stand Assembly ....................2.3.1 Levelling the stand ..................2.3.2 Fitting the control box ..................2.3.3 Securing the loom ...................
Compliance with ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 1.2.2. There must be two outlets from the regulated air supply system: 1.3.5.1 One for the Swifty 1250 (44) (to be connected to the control box at the rear of the table). 1.3.5.2 One for the plasma source (refer to the plasma system manufacturer for the type of connection required).
Table and laptop stand assembly Mounting and connection of the control box. Connection of the plasma source The Swifty 1250 (44) machine is set up in the factory to ensure correct axis alignment and squareness and requires no further setup. Tool list...
Stand Assembly Fig 6 on page 22 shows the stand components and assembly for the stand. It is recommended to not fully tighten the fixings until all components are together. Before final tightening, ensure the table is square by measuring diagonally corner to corner. Version 1.1 May 2019 Section 2 –...
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Fig 6 Table stand components and assembly Version 1.1 May 2019 Section 2 – Assembly and Setup Page 22...
2.3.1 Levelling the stand Once the stand is assembled and the fixings have been fully tightened, position it in its final location. Use the adjustable feet on each leg to level the stand once in position. 2.3.2 Fitting the control box Attach the control box to the rear of the stand in the three locations shown (Fig 7 (1), (2) &...
Lifting the Swifty1250 WARNING ONLY USE LIFTING EQUIPMENT THAT IS CAPABLE OF SUPPORTING THE WEIGHT OF THE SWIFTY 1250 (44). APPROXIMATE DRY WEIGHT IS 300KG (660LBS). WARNING DO NOT LIFT THE MACHINE WHEN THERE IS WATER IN THE WATER TRAY.
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To lift the Swifty 1250 (44) from the crate use the yellow lifting eyes found in each corner of the machine. Before lifting, check that the lifting eyes have not come lose during shipping. Fig 10 Lifting using the lifting eyes When lifting, ensure the machine is level as it is lifted out of the crate.
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Place the machine onto the stand and remove the yellow lifting eyes. Fig 12 Swifty 1250 (44) machine placed onto the stand Version 1.1 May 2019 Section 2 – Assembly and Setup Page 26...
Fitting the Laptop Stand The laptop stand can be fitted to the Swifty 1250 (44) on either the left- or right-hand side to suit the location of the machine and the user’s needs. Fig 15 on page 28 shows the assembly of the laptop stand for the left-hand side.
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Fig 15 Laptop stand components and assembly Version 1.1 May 2019 Section 2 – Assembly and Setup Page 28...
Connecting the Control Box At the back of the machine connections from the control box must be connected to the underside of the machine. Connect the earth wire to the brass stud (Fig 16 (1)). Fig 16 Earth connection Connect the red air pipe to the top fitting (Fig 17 (1)) and the black air pipe to the bottom fitting (Fig 17 (2)).
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Connect the smaller connector to the top connection (Fig 18 (1)) and larger connector to the bottom connection (Fig 18 (1)). Fig 18 Motor and sensor connections Secure the wire cover with the screws provided in the fixings kit (Fig 19 (1) & (2)). Fig 19 Securing the wire cover Version 1.1 May 2019...
Mounting the cable post At the back of the table fit the cable post and secure using the screws provided in the fixings kit (Fig 20 (1) & (2)). Fig 20 Cable support post Insert the torch lead hook into the top of the cable post (Fig 21 (1)). Fig 21 Torch lead hook Version 1.1 May 2019...
2.8.1 Water treatment The Swifty 1250 (44) requires the water to be changed every 7 days or to be chemically treated. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria which can be a potential hazard to health. A rust inhibitor should be added to the water to prevent rusting of the support slats, and offcuts in the water tray.
Anti-Glare screen The components and assembly for the anti-glare screen can be found in Fig 24 on page 34. After the torch has been fitted, the assembly is clamped to the body of the torch. The bottom of the guard should be just above the bottom of the torch to allow clearance to the material being cut.
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Fig 24 Anti-glare screen components and assembly Version 1.1 May 2019 Section 2 – Assembly and Setup Page 34...
Air and Power connections 2.10.1 Air connection and regulator setup Remove the dust cap (Fig 25 (1)) from the pressure regulator on the control box. Fig 25 Soft Sense pressure regulator Fit an appropriate fitting to allow connection to a compressed air supply. The thread is female 1/4BSP.
Serial connection for Hypertherm Powermax plasma sources only (Fig 27 (1)). 14 pin CPC connector which suits most mechanised plasma systems (Fig 27 (2)). For further information contact Swift-Cut Automation. Fig 27 Plasma source connections If using a Hypertherm Powermax fitted with a serial port, connect the serial connector into the serial port on the back of the plasma source.
2.11.3 Work lead Secure the plasma work lead to the brass bracket at the rear of the table. It can be either bolted or clamped using the work lead clamp typically supplied with the plasma source. Connect the other end to the plasma source. Refer to the plasma source documentation for correct connection procedure.
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Loosen the clamp on the torch holder (Fig 30 (1)) and insert the torch into the bracket. Fig 30 Plasma torch fitted to the head Tighten the torch clamp. The cutting height will be setup later. Ensure there is enough slack in the torch lead to allow the head to move freely to all corners of the cutting bed.
INFORMATION PLEASE HAVE THE SWIFTCAM LICENCE INFORMATION DOCUMENT FOUND ON THE USB FLASH DRIVE PROVIDED WITH THE SWIFTY 1250 (44) TO HAND. Double click the SwiftCAM installation file (Fig 31), the installation files will begin to extract. Fig 31 SwiftCAM installation file icon.
3.1.2 Licencing Open the SwiftCAM software by double left clicking the icon on the desktop. Fig 32 SwiftCAM desktop icon The following message will appear indicating the software is not licenced. Click Ok to open the licence manager. Proceeed through the first two pages of the licence manager and select ‘SW License Activation’...
Enter the Licence number (XXXXX) and Activation code (XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX) from the SwiftCAM licence document on the USB flash drive supplied with the Swifty 1250 (44) and select ‘Next’. A confirmation will be shown, please check the information entered is correct and select ‘Ok’...
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Open the SwiftCAM software once again using the desktop icon. The activation screen is displayed. Select ‘Get Activation Code’ (Fig 33 (1)). Fig 33 SwiftCAM activation screen A registration website will be presented. Please fill in the required information ensuring the email address is correct.
Swifty-CNC INFORMATION PLEASE HAVE THE SWIFTY-CNC LICENCE INFORMATION DOCUMENT FOUND ON THE USB FLASH DRIVE PROVIDED WITH THE SWIFTY 1250 (44) TO HAND. 3.2.1 Installation On the USB flash drive provided double click the Swifty-CNC install file (Fig 34). Click ‘Yes’ to any User Account Control dialogs.
3.2.2 Licencing Open Swifty CNC Navigate to the Program Run Advanced page (Fig 35 (1)). Select ‘Diagnostics’ (Fig 35 (2)) and then select ‘Licencing’ (Fig 35 (3)). Fig 35 Licencing button Select ‘Copy ID to Clipboard’ (Fig 36 (1)) and then navigate to the www.machsupport.com website (Fig 36 (2)).
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Open the shopping cart from the top right-hand corner. Enter the coupon code (XXXXXXXX) from the Swifty-CNC licence document, found on the USB flash drive, into the box and select ‘APPLY CODE’. The software will be added to the cart at 0 cost.
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Fig 37 Details and PCID After filling out all required details, and checking the terms and conditions agreement, select the ‘PLACE ORDER’ button (Fig 38 (1)). An email containing a download link for the licence file will be sent to the email address provided. Fig 38 Place order In the email, click on the download link to download the licence file.
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INFORMATION CHECK THE JUNK EMAIL FOLDER IF THE EMAIL CONTAINING THE LICENCE DOWNLOAD LINK IS NOT RECEIVED. Open Swifty-CNC and navigate to the licensing page (Sub-Section 3.2.2 Paragraph 2). Select ‘Load Licence file’. In the dialog window navigate to the location in which the licence file was just saved to (C:\SwiftyCNC\Licences).
3.2.3 Network setup In order to connect to the Swifty 1250 (44) the IP settings for the ethernet port must be configured. INFORMATION AFTER THE IP ADDRESS HAS BEEN CONFIGURED FOR THE SWIFTY 1250 (44), THE ETHERNET PORT WILL NO LONGER WORK FOR CONNECTION TO THE INTERNET.
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In the Network Connections window, right click on the ‘Ethernet’ network adapter and select ‘Properties’. Fig 41 Network connections Select ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’ (Fig 42 (1)) and then select ‘Properties’ (Fig 42 (2)). Fig 42 Network adapter properties Version 1.1 May 2019 Section 2 –...
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Select ‘Use the following IP address’ (Fig 43 (1)). Enter the following: IP address: 192.168.0.10 Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0 Fig 43 IP settings Press ‘Ok’ and close all open dialogs. Version 1.1 May 2019 Section 2 – Assembly and Setup Page 50...
3.2.4 Plasma Source Selection If using a plasma source other than a Hypertherm Powermax, the plasma type must be changed within SwiftyCNC. Navigate to the settings menu by selecting the Settings icon in the top right hand corner. From the Settings window select the correct plasma source (Fig 44 (1)). SwiftyCNC will need to be restarted.
1 GETTING STARTED Before operating the Swifty 1250 (44), please make sure that the following hazard information is read and understood by all personnel who are involved with its operation. WARNING MOVING PARTS. THERE ARE MOVING PARTS ON THE SWIFTY 1250 (44) WHEN THE EQUIPMENT IS IN OPERATION.
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Switch on the external power supply to the Swifty 1250 (44). Switch the Swifty 1250 (44) power on at the control box using the On/Off switch (Fig 45 (1)). The LED on the control box (Fig 45 (2)) and on the laptop stand will light up indicating the machine is powered on.
2 SWIFTCAM To use the SwiftCAM application proceed as follows: Creating a New Job From the desktop start the SwiftCAM application (double-click the SwiftCAM icon). Once the application has loaded, it will display the Job Library page (Fig 46). Fig 46 SwiftCAM application (Job Library) Select the ‘New job’...
Importing a Drawing On the File tab of the New Job screen, navigate to the location of the dxf/dwg file that is to be used for the task (Fig 48 shows an example). Fig 48 Selecting the file to import If using a USB flash drive to load drawings, select the three dots at the end of the file path to reveal files on the USB flash drive (Fig 48 (1)).
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Fig 51 Part data screen Press the Save button. Add the quantity using the +/- buttons (Fig 52), then press the OK button. Fig 52 Adding quantity Version 1.1 May 2019 Section 3 – Operation Page 61...
To adjust the parameters (if required), use the -/+ buttons to change values. This will adjust the shape. Press the ‘OK’ button. The Working Type screen will open, where any adjustments can be made (refer to Paragraphs 5 to 10 of this sub-section). When all of the required parts are in the job library, press the ‘Next’...
G-Code File Preview At this stage the g-code file to run the machine has been created and saved in the default location ‘C:\CNC FILES’ within a folder structure referring to the Job name specified earlier. The G-Code screen (Fig 57) shows a preview of the g-code file. The plasma torch consumables required to cut the job is also displayed.
3 SWIFTY-CNC Program Run Basic - Layout Information Open the Swifty-CNC application (double-click the Swifty-CNC desktop icon). The application opens with the Program Run Basic. The following section explains some of the key layout information. 3.1.1 Information fields System information is displayed in various information fields on the screen (Fig 60). The information provided consists of the following: Cycle time (Fig 60 (1)) - Shows the current elapsed cutting time.
Green lines and arcs: Tool path. Red: Torch rapid movements. Red axis lines: Axis position (lines meet at the torch position). White line: Past movement of torch. If the toolpath is faint on the display refer to sub-section 3.12 paragraph 1.4 on page 91 to increase the line width.
The X, Y and Z axis reference indicators (Fig 65 (1), (2) and (3)) will illuminate green once the reference operation is completed. Fig 65 X, Y and Z axis illuminated While the axes are at the back of the table place the material to be cut onto the cutting table. Setting the Torch Offset For first time use, the torch offset must be set.
Fig 67 Tool path display Dry Run Pressing the Dry Run button (Fig 68 (1)) allows the job to be previewed without cutting taking place. Fig 68 Dry run Press the Run G-Code button (Fig 68 (2)) to execute a dry run. stopped anytime pressing...
Breakaway Head Reset If the torch has contacted the work piece and activated the breakaway head, the message “Breakaway Head Condition!” will be shown in the Message field at the bottom of the screen (Fig 70 (2)). To clear the breakaway head condition, proceed as follows: Press the Machine Enable button (Fig 70 (1)).
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Fig 72 Cutting box section Jog the torch to the start position and press the Zero XY button (Fig 72 (2)). Jog the Z axis downwards on the surface of the box section using the Z- button (Fig 72 (3)) until the tip of the torch is touching the box section. Press the Zero Z button (Fig 72 (4)).
The MDI (Manual Data Input) tab is used for the input of G-Code commands from keyboard (Fig 76 (1)). If the MDI tab is active on the upper left-hand pane the green Run button will be showing as Run MDI. Fig 76 MDI tab CAUTION MANUAL DATA INPUT (MDI) MUST ONLY BE USED BY PERSONNEL WITH AN...
3.10.3 Remember and Go to Position The ‘Remember Position’ button on the Coordinates pane (Fig 79 (1)), saves the current torch position. To recall the position, press the ‘Go to Position’ button (Fig 79 (2)). The torch will move to the remembered position. This is useful for remembering datum positions for repetitive work. Fig 79 Coordinates pane 3.10.4 Run tab 3.10.4.1...
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The ‘Cut Recovery Start’ button will become enabled (indicator will flash amber) (Fig 83 (1)). Fig 83 Cut Recovery activated Press the ‘Cut Recovery Start’ button to restart the cut. The post gas air flow from the plasma torch should be stopped before starting. To cancel the cut recovery process, press the blue ‘Reset’...
3.10.6 Feed Rate tab CAUTION FEED RATE WILL HAVE AN EFFECT ON THE QUALITY OF THE CUT. IT MUST ONLY BE ADJUSTED BY PERSONNEL WITH AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROCESS. CHANGING THE FEED RATE ARBITRARILY CAN PREMATURELY WEAR CONSUMABLES. Fig 86 Feed Rate tab The Set Feed Rate field shows the feed rate set by the G-Code file.
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Fig 88 Sheet alignment active Pressing the Clear button (Fig 88 (2)) de-activates sheet alignment. Sheet alignment will remain active until cleared. 3.10.7.2 Sheet trim The Sheet Trim function can be used to cut a sheet into two sections or to remove scrap sections of material.
3.10.8 Diagnostics tab Fig 89 Diagnostics tab The Diagnostics tab displays the state of the input and output signals of the machine. When an input or output is active, the indicator will illuminate. The cutting pressure of Hypertherm Powermax plasma sources can monitored during cutting to identify faults.
Settings Menu The Settings icon ( ) in the upper right-hand corner of either the Program Run Basic or Program Run Advanced screens, opens the settings for the Swifty-CNC software. Fig 90 Settings window To set the language, click the drop-down menu and select the desired language. A prompt will request to restart the software.
4 MAINTENANCE Daily Checks Weekly Checks Drain the compressor of water. Check air system filters and replace if required. Compressor / Air System Check the air system for leaks. Clean accumulated debris and dust from the X and Y axis v-rails. Use a solvent based degreaser.
Remote Support If remote support is required, please use the remote support application on the USB flash drive supplied with the Swifty 1250 (44). Copy and paste the file onto the desktop and double click it. An ID and password will be displayed which must be provided to the support engineer to be able to remotely connect.
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Do you have a question about the Swifty 1250 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers
How do i get a dongle to configure my 1250 swift cut machine i have bought second hand . it came with a dongle but it will not work, it just says insert dongle ?