[rscamp]

Would an ultrasonic rangefinder work for height control or IHS for a plasma cutting system? For height control during cutting perhaps the spectral energy developed by the cutting torch would swamp the sensor. Or maybe there isn't that much ultrasonic energy generated by the torch?

[Torchhead]

The air blowing through the nozzle will be rich in ultrasonics. Couple that with the fact that ultrasonic ranging is not accurate down to .020 and I don't see how it is a viable candidate for either process. It's real hard to focus a narrow beam of low frequency and also narrow down the reception beam.

I designed and built a handheld ultrasonic detector back in the early 80's that we used to walk around and point and "listen" to ultrasonics (up to about 50KZ). A set of car keys jingled at 20ft sounded like plates crashing on the floor! No wonder my dogs beat me to the car when I go get my keys!

TOM Caudle
www.CandCNC.com

[rscamp]

Thanks Tom. I was afraid of that.

Some rangefinders may be accurate enough but they are very expensive!

[cowleym]

Ha
I tried an ultrasonic distance sensor for a height sense on a gas cutting machine, worked great........... until I turned the gas on, then it was all over the place, perhaps not surprising, see Toms comments etc.

Mike

[rscamp]

Ha
I tried an ultrasonic distance sensor for a height sense on a gas cutting machine, worked great........... until I turned the gas on, then it was all over the place, perhaps not surprising, see Toms comments etc.

Mike

Yup, that pretty much confirms it! Thanks, Mike...