Start the ProtoMAX

Startup Overview

1. Turn ON the laptop power.
note

Do not open MAKE. The ProtoMAX USB cable must be plugged in and recognized by the laptop before opening the MAKE program.

2. Connect the ProtoMAX USB cable [1] to the laptop.

Figure 380  

3. Turn ON the main power [2] and verify the light [1] is on.

Figure 381  

4. Turn ON the incoming water supply.
5. Record the incoming water pressure (Figure 382).
note

The incoming water pressure should be 45–85 psi.

Figure 382

6. Open the MAKE software.
7. Click the Machine needs to be homed banner to home the machine.
note

Home is required after every power cycle. For example, when the main power switch is turned OFF and then turned back ON, during power outages, or the main power cord is disconnected.

Figure 383  

8. Conduct a nozzle test without abrasive.
a. Open and secure the lid.
caution

Use care when opening or closing the lid to avoid injury. Keep hand, fingers, or body part away from the side of the table when closing the lid. Never let the lid free-fall.

Figure 384  

b. Remove the abrasive feed tube from the nozzle and place it over the top of the Y-axis [1].

Figure 385  

c. Verify the mixing tube is properly seated and secured in the nozzle body.

Figure 386  

d. Place the nozzle splash guard [1] on the mixing tube [2] with the cup folded up.

Figure 387  

e. Position the nozzle in the center of the tank, between two slats using the X, Y Jog buttons or keyboard arrow keys.

Figure 388  

f. Lower the nozzle to within 1 in. of the surface of the water.

notice

Always hold the nozzle when loosening the hand knob. Do not let the nozzle fall and strike the cutting deck slats or material to avoid damage to the nozzle and/or nozzle components.

g. Close the lid.
h. Click Test [1].

Figure 389  

i. In Test Operations, select Test Cutting Head (Pump, Jet, and Abrasive), and click Next.

Figure 390  

j. Click Start Test.

Figure 391  

k. Click Close when the test is complete.
9. Fill the hopper with garnet abrasive.

a. Remove the hopper lid.

Figure 392  

b. Pour the garnet abrasive through the garnet abrasive screen into the hopper.
note

Gently tap the hopper side to evenly settle the garnet abrasive in the hopper.

Figure 393  

a. Replace the hopper lid.

Figure 394  

10. Conduct a nozzle test with abrasive.
caution

Use care when opening or closing the lid to avoid injury. Keep hand, fingers, or body part away from the side of the table when closing the lid. Never let the lid free-fall.

a. Open the lid.
b. Visually check the condition of the garnet abrasive feed tube, replace as needed.
c. Connect one end of the garnet abrasive feed tube to the garnet abrasive feed block [1] and connect the other end to the nozzle [2].
caution

Bacteria in the tank water can build up. A minor break in the skin can introduce harmful bacteria into a wound. Always wear protective gloves if you have cuts or open wounds on your hands. When setting up material for cutting, wear gloves that provide protection against sharp metal edges.

Figure 395  

d. Open MAKE and use the X, Y Jog buttons [1] or keyboard arrow keys to position the nozzle between two slats.

Figure 396  

e. Lower the nozzle to within 1 in. (3 cm) of the surface of the water, if needed.
notice

Always hold the nozzle when loosening the hand knob. Do not let the nozzle fall and strike the cutting deck slats or material to avoid damage to the nozzle and/or nozzle components.

f. Click Test [1].

Figure 397  

g. In Test Operations, select Test Cutting Head (Pump, Jet, and Abrasive), and click Next.

Figure 398  

h. Click Start Test.

Figure 399  

11. Observe the garnet abrasive tube [1] at the hopper to verify the garnet abrasive is flowing, then click Close when the test is complete (Figure 400).
note

The garnet abrasive flow is fast and hard to see. The sound increases indicating garnet abrasive is flowing.

Figure 400

12. Inspect the nozzle [1] and all visible high-pressure plumbing [2] connections for leaks.

Figure 401  

13. Open and configure the kerf check sample file.

Cutting Best Practices and How to Cut the Kerf Check Part

a. In MAKE, open and configure the kerf check sample file.

Figure 402  

b. Open and secure the lid.
caution

Use care when opening or closing the lid to avoid injury. Keep hand, fingers, or body part away from the side of the table when closing the lid. Never let the lid free-fall.

Figure 403  

caution

Bacteria in the tank water can build up. A minor break in the skin can introduce harmful bacteria into a wound. Always wear protective gloves if you have cuts or open wounds on your hands. When setting up material for cutting, wear gloves that provide protection against sharp metal edges.

14. Load and secure the material on the cutting stage.

Figure 404

15. Set the nozzle standoff at the highest point on the material.
notice

Always hold the nozzle when loosening the hand knob. Do not let the nozzle fall and strike the cutting deck slats or material to avoid damage to the nozzle and/or nozzle components.

Figure 405  

16. Position the nozzle at the path start.
notice

To extend the life of the catcher tank, cut towards the center of the tank. Continuous cutting at the outer edges of the cutting envelop may allow the jet stream to wear through the sides of the catcher tank.

17. Close the lid.
caution

Use care when opening or closing the lid to avoid injury. Keep hand, fingers, or body part away from the side of the table when closing the lid. Never let the lid free-fall.

a. Lift the lid and push the support arm towards the back.

Figure 406  

b. Lower the lid to the catcher tank.
18. Perform a dry run.
a) Open and configure (set the material type and thickness) for the machine tool path for the part.

Figure 407  

b) Click Go home [1] to move the nozzle to the Path Start Home position, if needed.

Figure 408  

c) Click Begin Machining to display the Path Control dialog box.

Figure 409  

d) Right-click the Start button to display a list of dry run options.

Figure 410  

e) Click Dry Run at 1/4 rapid traverse speed....

Figure 411  

f) At any time, click Pause if potential problems are seen during the dry run process to stop nozzle movement.

Figure 412  

g) When the dry run is finished, click the Close button to close the Path Control dialog.

Figure 413  

19. Click Go Home in the Path Start dialog box to move the nozzle to the path start point.

Why Cut Under Water

20. Fold down splash guard cup.
21. Adjust the tank drain [1] and fill the tank with water above the material (if possible).
notice

To extend the life of the catcher tank, cut towards the center of the tank. Continuous cutting at the outer edges of the cutting envelop may allow the jet stream to wear through the sides of the catcher tank.

Figure 414  

note

Cut parts under water when possible. Cutting under water lowers the noise level and reduces the mist and splash created by the water and abrasive. Cutting under water also helps the garnet bins collect cutting debris instead allowing the debris to settle in the tank, which makes tank cleaning easier.

22. Close the lid.
23. Cut the part.
a. Click Begin Machining [1].

Figure 415  

b. Click Start.

Figure 416  

24. Check the cutting water pressure and compare to the recorded incoming water pressure.

If the cutting water pressure is 25 psi or lower, the water filter should be changed (see 401440-EN Maintenance, ProtoMAX).

25. Adjust the tool offset [1] if needed, see Measuring the Abrasivejet Kerf.

Figure 417