Radonix interface

3-Axis Plasma CNC Controller with Torch Height Control

Three-axis plate cutting with arc-voltage Torch Height Control (THC) for consistent standoff on thin or uneven sheets—kerf-accurate paths, clean leads, and safe, guided operation.

Production interface3-Axis Plasma CNC Controller with Torch Height Control
Axes
3-Axis
Machine class
Three-axis plasma cutting machines with arc-voltage THC
Input
DXF and standard G-code (e.g., ArtCAM / PowerMill posts)

01

Interface profile

Introduction

With CAM-Pro and compatible Radonix controller hardware, the three-axis plasma CNC controller interface combines X-Y cutting motion, Z control and arc-voltage Torch Height Control.

Who uses it
Fabrication & job shops · HVAC/ducting · metal service centers · thin-sheet and long-cut production lines.
Works with
3-axes Gantry tables with X-Y motion and Z lifter driven by stepper/servo.
Supported files
DXF and standard G-code (e.g., ArtCAM / PowerMill posts)
Important
This interface does include Torch Height Control (THC).

02

Machine architecture

Machine & Kinematics

3-Axis Plasma CNC Controller with Torch Height Control machine architecture

Machine & Kinematics

    • XY gantry + Z lifter with homing and soft limits; presets for Pierce Height / Cut Height / Retract.

    • Designed for live arc-voltage Z regulation to hold target standoff on wavy or heat-warped material.

    • Supports magnetic breakaway, touch sensor, sheet alignment tools, and full E-stop chain.

Control & I/O

  • I/O for Torch On/Off, gas Pre/Post-flow, alarms/beacons, guards/doors, pressure/flow OK.

  • THC loop drives Z (pulse/dir) to the TorchValue target using THCGain and Tolerance (deadband), with THCThreshold, StartAfter, and EndBefore to prevent dive.

  • Manual Z trim hotkeys, Speed % override, Pause/Resume, and safe recovery.

  • Inputs mapped for HomePin X/Y/Z, P-TorchSensorPin (ohmic/mech touch), P-AntiCollisionSensorPin, and Emergency.

03

Software workflow

Software & Workflow

Radonix XYZ Plasma THC operator interface showing cutting paths, torch height controls and XYZ position readouts
Radonix XYZ Plasma + THC CNC operator interface
Radonix XYZ Plasma + THC software and workflow demonstration
  1. 01
    Home X/Y/Z

    set X0/Y0; verify SafeZ and touch sensor.

  2. 02
    Open

    DXF/G-code; confirm kerf, leads, pierce/cut heights.

  3. 03
    Enabled

    Set THC: Enabled, TorchValue (or AutoTorchValue), THCGain, Tolerance, THCThreshold, StartAfter, EndBefore; set CutVelocity and pierce timing.

  4. 04
    Dry-run

    (torch off), check clamps and inner→outer order.

  5. 05
    Run

    THC regulates standoff; trim Z manually if needed; Pause/Resume safely.

  6. 06
    run report

    Review and save the run report.

04

Interface capabilities

Key Features of Radonix CNC Software

Software & Workflow

  • DXF/G-code import with grid preview and automatic kerf/offset.

  • Lead-in/lead-out (arc/radial/tangent), Pierce dwell, auto retract, micro-tabs, and corner slow-down.

  • Ordering rules (inner→outer), clamp keep-outs, and dry-run (torch off).

  • Per-job Plasma settings: CutVelocity, CutTime/PreCutTime (with TimeUnit = ms), optional SheetAlignBaseAxis.

  • Pipe work supported via PipeCut mode (uses Diameter).

Key Capabilities (at a glance)

  • Closed-loop THC with Target V, Gain/Deadband, Anti-dive & Corner Hold

  • Kerf-accurate DXF/G-code, clean leads, micro-tabs, inner→outer sequencing

  • Manual Z trim while cutting, Speed % override, safe Pause/Resume

  • Touch-off with offset, auto retract to SafeZ, collision sensing

  • Job logging: time, cut length, pierces, pauses/alarms, notes

01

Direct DXF Execution

Seamlessly load and execute DXF files without the need for G-code conversion — streamlining your workflow and reducing setup time.

02

Smart Component & Path Management

Select specific parts from complex drawings and customize cutting order with intuitive control over toolpath sequencing.

03

Interactive On-Screen Editing

Scale, rotate, and mirror parts directly within the interface — with live toolpath previews to ensure precision.

04

Flexible Part Placement

Manually drag and drop parts onto your material sheet to accommodate irregular shapes, pre-cut stock, or remnant reuse.

05

Advanced Pause Controls

Set up to three independent pause points — before the cut, during the cut, and after the cut — for manual checks or operational adjustments.

06

Reverse Cutting Mode

Execute toolpaths in reverse to minimize material warping or adjust final exit points based on design needs.

07

Simulation / Demo Run Mode

Perform a complete motion test without activating the torch. Ideal for verifying the toolpath before live cutting.

08

Cylindrical Cutting Capability

Project flat designs onto cylindrical surfaces for precision tube and pipe cutting operations.

09

Live Arc-Voltage Monitoring

Real-time arc-voltage feedback ensures dynamic Z-axis height control — maintaining optimal torch-to-material distance during operation.

05

Technical reference

Typical Specifications

Area Spec
Axes X, Y, Z (stepper/servo) with THC
Files DXF, standard G-code
THC TorchValue, THCGain, Tolerance, THCThreshold, StartAfter, EndBefore, AlwaysTouch, TouchSensorOffset
Heights Pierce / Cut / Retract: SafeZ & SafeZVelocity
Timing CutTime, PreCutTime (TimeUnit = ms)
I/O Torch/gases, arc-OK, touch sensor, anti-collision, guards/E-stop
Reports Time, cut length, pierces, pauses/alarms, notes

06

Operating evidence

Videos & Demos

Real-world clips of Radonix interfaces on production machines—setup, operation, quality tips, and quick troubleshooting.

3-Axis Plasma CNC Controller with Torch Height Control demonstration 1
3-Axis Plasma CNC Controller with Torch Height Control demonstration 2

07

Compatible hardware

Related products

RADONIX CAM-PRO · PC SMART · PC-PRO

Handle and execute 5–10 million lines of G-code

Radonix CAM-Pro and Radonix CNC control software for compatible PC Smart and PC-Pro controllers can handle and execute G-code programs containing 5 to 10 million lines.

Bring large CAM-generated toolpaths into your CNC control workflow for detailed routing, engraving, 3D machining and other complex production jobs.

Explore CAM-Pro large-program capability →

CNC Plasma Controller with THC Integration

The Radonix XYZ Plasma interface coordinates X-Y-Z toolpath movement and the overall cutting sequence while exchanging control signals with a compatible external torch height controller.

Torch Height Controller Integration

The external THC manages torch-to-material distance using its supported arc-voltage and control signals. Compatibility must be verified for the plasma source, THC signal type, arc-voltage system, safety interlocks and required communication method.

Final functions depend on the machine mechanics, Z-axis arrangement, external cutting equipment and the approved electrical integration.

Explore Metal Processing Applications Request a CNC Controller Quote

Related CNC controller expertise

3-Axis Plasma CNC Controller with Torch Height Control

Technical interface: XYZ Plasma + Torch height Controller

ARC → FEEDBACK → RS-485 → Z CORRECTION

See the height-control loop

A close-up of the torch, plasma source, Radonix THC isolator and controller. Follow the signal as the cutting gap changes.

Ready · start the walkthrough or change the gap below.
Radonix Torch Height Control Isolator from the supplied connection diagram

Radonix Torch Height Control Isolator
Actual module photo from the THC connection diagram in the documentation. In the 3D assembly, voltage inputs face the plasma source; the supply / RS-485 side faces the controller.
+5 V · A · B · GND ↔ THC ↔ selected analogue feedback input

① Torch / metal → ② Plasma source → ③ THC analogue input → ④ RS-485 data → Radonix controller → Z drive / motor
Illustrative gap
Feedback at THC input
Example target
Z commandHold

Teaching values only: Voltage follows an illustrative 0.6 V/mm relationship; it is not a calibrated sensor model. The selected gap defines the example target, and is not a universal cutting height. The 0–200 V view uses an illustrative 20:1 scale; actual source scaling must be verified. Under stable cutting conditions, a longer arc generally raises voltage. The THC sends digital feedback over RS-485; these volts are an explanatory readout, not the CAM-Pro TX display. Regulation is shown only after a stable arc and the permitted THC window. Use the matched input range; raw arc voltage must not be wired to controller inputs. One feedback range is selected at a time. Controller-to-THC wiring includes +5 V and GND supply plus RS-485 A/B. Cable routes and terminals are schematic; use the THC connection diagram in the documentation for wiring.

View the THC wiring and setup guide →