CAPACITIVE HEIGHT CONTROL SETUP
This procedure should be done prior to using the Capacitive Height Control for the first time, and
then rechecked as necessary. Regular adjustments to the cutting height setting are a necessary
part of machine operation. The cutting height will need to be adjusted any time the material
condition changes, or as the sense feet wear.
1. Place a sheet of metal on the cutting table, and locate all oxy-fuel torch stations over the
material.
2. At the control console, turn on all oxy-fuel stations using the station select buttons on the
control console.
3. Press the GAS AHC button on the control console. The oxy-fuel torch stations should
begin to lower toward the plate.
4. At each station
Height Control
Box, turn the
Height Adjust
knob to set the
desired distance
from the plate.
This is a multiturn
potentiometer, so
it may take
several turns to
reach the desired
height.
Height Control Station Box
5. Test for proper operation by touching the
sense foot to cause the station to run up
about two (2) inches. When released the
station should return to the desired height
as set in Step 4.
Capacitive Height
Control Sense Foot
NOTE: The plate should be wet for increased accuracy if these procedures are used
for a gas station with water spray.
AUTOMATIC HEIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
The two most common types of height control are Capacitive Height Control and Arc Voltage
Height Control. Both of these systems are described below.
CAPACITIVE HEIGHT CONTROL
Capacitive Height Control is an optional accessory for cutting machines with oxy-fuel torch cutting
stations. It is used to provide a means of regulating the working distance between the torch
nozzle or punch marker, and the plate surface during the cutting process. A constant distance is
accurately maintained without regard to plate thickness, level, or warpage. If the torch-to-plate
spacing differs from the desired distance, the automatic height control will sense the error and
activate the torch station motor to raise or lower the torch as necessary.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Capacitive Height Control
Station Box
This system of automatic height control is based on a capacitance principle and involves three
major activities: sensing, electronic processing, and motor control. Basically, the system operates
by measuring the capacitance between a sensor and the work piece, converting the result to a
voltage which is compared to a reference voltage representing the desired height.
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