CutArc Plasma

Drawing Tools

Select a shape from the toolbar at the top of the screen, then click and drag on the canvas to draw.

Available Shapes

Drawing Tips

• Hold Shift while drawing rectangles to constrain to squares
• Use the parameter inputs in the Select section (the sidebar in the classic layout) for precise dimensions
• Enable snap-to-grid with the S key for aligned shapes

Selection & Editing

Selection Mode

Press V or click the arrow icon to enter Select mode:

• Click a shape to select it
• Shift+Click to add/remove shapes from selection
• Drag a selected shape to move it
• Click empty space to deselect all

Grouping

Select multiple shapes and group them to move/transform together:

• Group: Ctrl+G - Combine selected shapes into a group
• Ungroup: Ctrl+Shift+G - Break group back into individual shapes

Transform Operations

Array Patterns

Create copies in a grid pattern:

1. Select a shape
2. Click the Array button in the toolbar
3. Set columns, rows, and spacing
4. Click "Create Array"

Alignment & Distribution

Use the alignment dropdown to choose what shapes align to:

• Material - Align shapes to the material boundaries (requires 1+ shapes selected)
• Selection - The first selected shape becomes the reference; other shapes align to it (requires 2+ shapes)

Alignment options:

• Align Left/Center/Right - Horizontal alignment
• Align Top/Middle/Bottom - Vertical alignment
• Distribute Horizontally/Vertically - Even spacing (requires 3+ shapes)

Tip: When using "Selection" mode, click the reference shape first, then Shift+click additional shapes to add them to your selection.

Trim Mode

Press T to enter Trim mode. Click on path segments to remove them - useful for creating cutouts at intersections.

Layers

Layers help organize your shapes and control their cutting order.

Layer Panel

Find layers in the Parts & layers tree on the left (the Layers panel in the Design tab of the classic layout):

• Add Layer - Click the + beside "Parts & layers" (or "+ Add" in the classic layout) to create a new layer
• Select Layer - Click a layer to make it active (new shapes go here)
• Rename - Click the layer name to edit it
• Color - Click the color swatch to change the layer color

Layer Controls

Active Layer

The active layer (highlighted in blue) is where new shapes are created. Shapes on the canvas show their layer color.

Import/Export

SVG Import

Click "Import SVG" to load vector graphics:

• Supports paths, circles, rectangles, polygons, and polylines
• Complex paths are converted to cuttable paths
• Nested elements and transforms are processed

DXF Import

Click "Import DXF" to load CAD drawings:

• Supports LINE, CIRCLE, ARC, ELLIPSE, and LWPOLYLINE entities
• Handles curved polyline segments (bulge)
• SPLINE entities are converted to polylines
• Automatic unit detection and conversion

Image Tracing

Convert raster images to cuttable paths:

1. Click "Trace Image" to load a PNG, JPG, or other image
2. Adjust opacity and scale to position the image
3. Click "Auto Trace" to open the trace settings
4. Adjust threshold, smoothing, and minimum area
5. Click "Apply Trace" to create shapes from the image

Project Files

• Save to Cloud - Store projects in your account (requires login)
• Open from Cloud - Load previously saved projects
• Import - Load a .json project file from your computer

Design Export

Export your design for use in other software:

• SVG Export - Vector format for CAD software (Basic+ accounts)
• DXF Export - Industry-standard CAD format (Pro+ accounts)

Cutting Parameters

Configure these settings in the Cutting section (Toolpath tab in the classic layout) for optimal cut quality.

Settings Profiles

Save and load complete parameter sets for quick setup:

• Default Profiles - Pre-configured settings for common materials (Thin Steel, Medium Steel, Thick Steel, Aluminum, Stainless)
• Save Profile - Click the save icon to store your current settings as a named profile
• Load Profile - Select a profile from the dropdown to instantly apply all its settings
• Delete Profile - Remove your custom profiles (default profiles cannot be deleted)

Tip: After dialing in settings for a specific material/thickness combination, save it as a profile for quick recall later.

Basic Parameters

Kerf Compensation

The plasma arc removes material (kerf). Compensation adjusts the toolpath:

• Outside - Cut outside the shape (for parts)
• Inside - Cut inside the shape (for holes)
• None - Cut on the line (centerline)

Set the Kerf Width to match your plasma cutter (typically 0.8-1.5mm).

Lead-in/Lead-out

Entry and exit paths prevent marks on the cut edge:

• Arc - Curved approach (recommended for circles)
• Linear - Straight approach at an angle
• None - Direct entry (may leave marks)

Tabs (Bridges)

Tabs are small uncut sections that keep parts attached to the sheet during cutting, preventing them from falling through slat tables:

• Tab Width - Size of the uncut bridge (typically 2-5mm)
• Tab Height - How high the torch raises over the tab (0 = safe Z)
• Spacing - Auto distributes based on perimeter, or set a fixed count/distance
• Minimum Size - Shapes smaller than this won't get tabs

After cutting, use a grinder or file to remove the remaining tabs.

Corner Slowdown

Automatically reduces feed rate at sharp corners to improve cut quality:

• Angle Threshold - Corners sharper than this angle trigger slowdown (default 105°)
• Slowdown Speed - Percentage of normal feed rate at corners (default 60%)

Sharp corners cut at full speed can cause blowouts or rounded edges. The slowdown allows the plasma to cut cleanly through the corner before accelerating again.

Pierce Types

Different pierce methods for various materials and thicknesses:

• Stationary (Standard) - Traditional pierce: torch pauses at pierce height, fires, waits for pierce delay, then moves to cut height. Best for most applications.
• Rolling/Moving Pierce - Torch begins moving slowly while piercing. Reduces heat buildup and prevents blowback on thicker materials. Adjust pierce speed as a percentage of feed rate.
• Ramped Pierce - Torch descends from pierce height to cut height while moving forward at an angle. Good for materials prone to blowback. Set ramp distance and angle.
• Edge Start (No Pierce) - No pierce sequence; torch turns on and begins cutting immediately. Use only when starting from material edge.

Tip: For thick material (>6mm), try rolling or ramped pierce to reduce consumable wear and improve pierce quality.

G-Code Generation

Generating G-Code

Under Review & export (the Output tab in the classic layout), click "Generate G-Code" to create the cutting program. The G-code includes:

• Machine initialization (units, absolute mode)
• Rapids to safe height
• Pierce sequences with delays
• Cutting moves with lead-in/lead-out
• Torch off and return to origin

Cut Order

Control the sequence of cuts:

• Manual - Cuts in the order listed in the shape panel
• Nearest Neighbor - Minimizes travel distance between cuts
• Inside-Out - Cuts inner shapes before outer (for nested parts)
• Grid X→Y / Y→X - Left-to-right or bottom-to-top order

Enable "Show cut order" to visualize the sequence on the canvas.

Preview G-code

Play the exact exported program before running it on your machine:

1. Generate G-code first
2. Click "Preview G-code" and choose 2D (top view) or 3D (sheet with drop-out parts)
3. Use Play, the speed selector, the scrubber, and Next/Previous lead
4. Click a path or a source line to inspect it; in 3D, drag to orbit

Cost Estimation

The estimation panel shows:

• Total cut distance and rapid distance
• Number of pierce points
• Estimated cut time
• Job cost (based on hourly rate and pierce cost)

Post-Processor

Configure G-code output for your specific CNC controller:

• Machine Controller - Select your controller type (Mach3, LinuxCNC, GRBL, FlashCut, etc.)
• Torch Commands - Customize M-codes for torch on/off
• THC - Torch Height Control commands (if your system uses it)
• Line Numbers - Optional N-codes for older controllers
• Program Start/End - Custom initialization and shutdown sequences
• File Extension - .nc, .gcode, .tap, .ngc, etc.

Built-in presets provide defaults for popular controllers. Customize as needed for your machine.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Tips & Tricks

Snap to Grid

Enable snapping (S) for precise positioning. Shapes snap to:

• Grid intersections
• Other shape endpoints
• Shape centers

Efficient Workflows

• Use material presets - Automatically sets recommended cutting parameters
• Save frequently - Use cloud save or export to .json
• Check bounds - A warning appears if shapes exceed material size
• Use layers - Organize different cut types (outside cuts, holes, engraving)

Optimizing Cuts

• Nest shapes - Use "Auto-Nest" to minimize material waste
• Inside-Out order - For nested parts, cut holes before the outline
• Lead-in position - Entry points are placed automatically on long edges

Troubleshooting

• Shapes not cutting? - Check layer visibility and ensure G-code was generated
• Poor edge quality? - Adjust feed rate or add lead-in/lead-out
• Parts too small/large? - Check kerf compensation settings
• G-code errors? - Ensure all shapes are within material bounds

Browser Tips

• Works best in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge
• Use fullscreen (F11) for more canvas space
• Pinch-to-zoom works on touch devices