Swift-Cut Swifty 1250 User manual

Version 1.0
January 2019
Part No. 600000
Swifty 1250 (44)
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL

Version 1.1
May 2019 Page 2
VERSION CONTROL
Document Control
Document Title
Swifty 1250 Installation and Operation Manual
Version Number
1.1
Author(s)
James Swift
Date Approved
13/05/2019
Document Status
Approved
Effective Date
13/05/2019
Approved by
Alan Swift
Superseded Version
1.0
Date of Next Review
August 2019
Version Control
Version
Author
Date
Changes
0.1
James Swift
16/01/2019
Initial draft
1.0
James Swift
31/01/2019
First release
1.1
James Swift
13/05/2019
Format and content changes

Version 1.1
May 2019
CONTENTS
Page
Section 1 –General information........................................................................................ 5
Section 2 –Assembly and Setup....................................................................................... 18
Section 3 –Operation......................................................................................................... 55

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May 2019 Section 1 –General information Page 4
SECTION 1
GENERAL INFORMATION
CONTENTS
Page
1 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 5
2 Before you start ................................................................................................ 5
2.1 Safety equipment ............................................................................................ 5
2.2 Consumables................................................................................................... 5
3 Safety ............................................................................................................. 6
3.1 General ............................................................................................................. 6
3.2 Risk areas......................................................................................................... 7
3.2.1 Moving assemblies ......................................................................................... 7
3.2.2 Heavy components ......................................................................................... 7
3.2.3 Safety shoes .................................................................................................... 7
3.2.4 Eye protection.................................................................................................. 7
3.2.5 Hot materials ................................................................................................... 8
3.2.6 Electric shock .................................................................................................. 8
3.2.7 Noise ................................................................................................................ 8
3.2.8 Fire and explosion ........................................................................................... 8
3.2.9 Automatic operation ....................................................................................... 8
3.2.10 General warnings............................................................................................. 9
3.2.11 Equipment damage ......................................................................................... 9
3.2.12 Useful information........................................................................................... 9
4 Equipment components..................................................................................... 10
4.1 Main Items ....................................................................................................... 10
4.2 Software........................................................................................................... 12
4.2.1 Computer Aided Design .................................................................................. 12
4.2.2 Computer Aided Manufacture ........................................................................ 12
4.2.3 Computer Numerical Control.......................................................................... 12
5 Physical data..................................................................................................... 13
5.1 Metric measurements..................................................................................... 13
5.2 Imperial measurements.................................................................................. 14

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May 2019 Section 1 –General information Page 5
1INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Swifty 1250 (44). To make sure that the equipment is used to
its full potential and in a safe and efficient manner, please make sure that all personnel who
interact with the Swifty 1250 (44) have read this document and understand the information
provided.
Please pay attention to the safety section (Sub-Section 3) and never operate the machine
unless it is safe to do so.
2BEFORE YOU START
Safety equipment
Before using the Swifty 1250 (44), the following safety equipment must be available to all
personnel who are in the vicinity of the equipment:
1.1 Safety glasses. Appropriate eyewear must be worn when operating any equipment
that produces and electric arc. For the specification of eyewear to be worn, refer to the
documentation provided with the plasma source.
1.2 Safety shoes. All personnel involved with operation of the Swifty 1250 (44) must wear
appropriate safety shoes to prevent foot injury.
1.3 Gloves. Hand protection must be worn by any personnel handling sheet metal.
1.4 Lifting equipment. Where required, appropriate lifting equipment must be available to
any personnel who are required to handle heavy items.
Consumables
Torch consumables must be available of the appropriate type for the material being cut.
For further information, refer to your plasma source manual or consult your local Swift-Cut
support contact for advice.

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3SAFETY
General
It is vitally important to be fully conversant with all aspects of the operation of your Swifty
1250 (44) plasma cutting machine before operation.
Make sure that you have read this manual fully and understand all aspects of the machine
and the various operational functions it will perform.
Anyone operating, maintaining or cleaning the machine must have access to and fully
understand this operator’s manual.
Make sure that the cutting cycle of the machine is fully understood before any operation takes
place. The cutting cycle must finish before the operator returns to the machine cutting area.
In addition to the safety equipment listed in Sub-Section 2.1, it is recommended that suitable
overalls are worn to ensure there are no articles of clothing that could be caught or trapped in the
machine.
There is an emergency stop button on the laptop stand. This is provided to quickly stop the
machine in the case of an emergency.
Be specifically aware of the dangers of cutting aluminium materials when using a water table.
Aluminium deposits in the water from cutting will create hydrogen gas and must be removed to
ensure the gas does not build up. In exceptional circumstances, this could cause an explosion.
Contact Swift-Cut for more information.
All current health and safety regulations and environmental protection rules must be
complied with at all times. This includes any water table contents/preservatives/cleaning agents
that are to be disposed of.
The water table should be cleaned weekly if no inhibitors are used. However, if inhibitors are
used please refer to the manufacturer guidelines.
It is recommended that a 1500mm (59 inch) exclusion zone be put in place around the
machine to prevent un-authorised access while cutting.
Where other personnel may become exposed to the arc light (for example in a busy workshop
environment), it is also recommended that welding screens be positioned around the machine to
prevent any cutting arc rays being omitted from the area.
All conduits, air lines and cables should be positioned around the machine (not in the walking
area) to avoid trip hazards.
When loading heavy sheets of material onto the cutting bed. The material should be placed
onto the table and not dropped, to prevent damage.
The Swifty 1250 (44) has a maximum table capacity of 250kg (551lbs) for the cutting
material.

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Risk areas
Several areas of risk are associated with the Swifty 1250 (44). These are divided into two
categories:
1.1 Risk to personal safety. These are identified by the warning triangles described in Sub-
Sections 3.2.1 to 3.2.10 and will be accompanied by a description of the nature of the hazard
in red text.
1.2 Risk to equipment. These will be identified by the warning triangle described in Sub-
Section 3.2.11 and will be accompanied by a description of the nature of the hazard in black
text.
3.2.1 Moving assemblies
There are moving assemblies on the machine when it is in operation. These
are the X, Y and Z axis. They move rapidly and can trap body parts and
clothing, causing injury.
All personnel must maintain a safe distance from the machine while it is in
operation. Warning signs highlighting this hazard must be placed around
the area where the machine is located.
Components must only be removed when the machine has fully completed
its operating cycle and is at rest.
3.2.2 Heavy components
Some of the tasks associated with the installation and operation of the
Swifty 1250 (44) require the handling of heavy items. Extreme caution must
be exercised when handling heavy components to remove the risk of injury.
If required, obtain assistance when handling heavy items.
Heavy items may require lifting equipment. In this instance, the operating
instructions for such equipment must be followed.
3.2.3 Safety shoes
Some of the tasks associated with the installation and operation of the
Swifty 1250 (44) require the handling of heavy items. All personnel involved
with these processes must wear appropriate safety shoes to prevent foot
injury.
3.2.4 Eye protection
Plasma cutting creates significant sparks in addition to debris from the
cutting process and splashing from the water table. Eye protection that
provides protection from these hazards must be worn.
Eye protection must also have side shielding.

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Eye wear must also provide full protection from the effects of arc light.
Refer to the plasma source documentation for the correct type of eye
protection.
3.2.5 Hot materials
Plasma cutting creates significant heat in the material being worked. Cut
components can retain heat after the cutting process has finished.
Always wear suitable gloves when handling cut components and allow the
components to cool sufficiently before handling.
3.2.6 Electric shock
Electricity can cause serious injury or death.
The Swifty 1250 (44) contains equipment that operates on, or produces
high voltage electricity. Never attempt to carry out any inspection or
maintenance whilst the machine is connected to its power supply.
3.2.7 Noise
Loud noise can cause permanent hearing loss. This may be gradual and not
immediately obvious.
The Swifty 1250 (44) uses compressed air as part of the cutting process,
which produces a significant amount of noise. Appropriate ear protection
must be worn by any personnel in the vicinity of the equipment when it is
operating.
3.2.8 Fire and explosion
The plasma arc and the sparks produced by the cutting process are sources
of ignition. All combustible materials must be stored at a safe distance
from the machine.
Cutting aluminium with a water table can result in the formation of
Hydrogen gas. Do not cut aluminium unless the gases can be eliminated.
Failure to remove trapped gases can cause an explosion.
3.2.9 Automatic operation
Once programmed to cut components, the machine will make several
automatic movements without warning.
It is imperative that the person operating the machine is fully conversant
with the machine’s operating cycle.

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All personnel must remain at a safe distance from the machine whilst it is
in operation. Failure to do so may result in injury.
Always ensure the machine has finished its cycle before any components
are removed.
3.2.10 General warnings
Some hazards may be non-specific where there is a general risk associated
with a particular task. In this instance, the exclamation mark symbol is
displayed with the associated text.
3.2.11 Equipment damage
Some activities associated with the Swifty 1250 (44) may need to be
conducted with care to prevent damage to the machine, or to the
surrounding area.
3.2.12 Useful information
Some of the information contained in this manual is not mandatory but is
in the form of useful information that will be beneficial to the reader. In this
instance, it will in blue text and will be accompanied by a blue information
triangle.

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4EQUIPMENT COMPONENTS
Main Items
Fig 1 Main items
The main items of the Swifty 1250 (44) are as follows (refer to Fig 1):
1.1 Laptop stand (Fig 1 (1)). A stand for the user to place their laptop whilst operating the
machine. Suitable for up to 15.6” laptops.
Emergency Stop switch (Fig 1 (2)). The emergency stop button
is located on the laptop stand. Operation of the emergency stop will
result in the immediate stoppage of the cutting process. The switches
must be reset by rotating the red button clockwise, before the equipment
can be operated again.
Ethernet connection. Connection to the machine from the
laptop is done via ethernet connection which is located on the laptop
stand.
1.2 Torch head (Z-Axis) (Fig 1 (3)). Facilitates movement of the torch in the Z-axis. The
torch has a “break-away” head which stops and prevents movement in all axes and turns off
the signal to the torch when activated.
1.3 Gantry (X-Axis) (Fig 1 (4)). Facilitates the move of the torch head in the X axis (left to
right)
1
2
6
3
7
8
5
4
9

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1.4 Side rails (Y-Axis) (Fig 1 (5)). Facilitates the move of the gantry and torch head in the
Y axis (front to back).
1.5 Soft Sense (Fig 1 (6)). The device used to probe the surface of the material to
accurately set the cutting height.
1.6 Water table (Fig 1 (7)). Forms the dispersal media for any waste products of cutting.
1.7 Adjustable feet (Fig 1 (8)). Supporting feet for the table. There are four in total which
require levelling during the assembly stage.
1.8 Plasma torch cable support (Fig 1 (9)). Used to suspend the plasma torch cable to
prevent it getting trapped or damaged by moving components.
Fig 2 Main items (continued)
1.9 Table connections (Fig 2 (1)). Connections from the control to the Swifty 1250 (44)
machine. These are connected during the assembly stage.
1.10 Air connection (Fig 2 (2)). Required for operation of the Soft Sense. See Section 2,
Sub-Section 2.9.
1.11 Work lead connection (Fig 2 (3)). Return path for current to the plasma source.
1.12 Power connection (Fig 2 (4)). Mains power connection for the machine. See Section
2, Sub-Section 2.9
1
2
3
4

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Software
The Swifty 1250 (44) comes included with software packages specifically designed for the
machine. These are: SwiftCAM and Swifty-CNC.
Minimum PC Spec
Windows 10
CPU: Intel® Core™ i5 or similar
Hard disk: 5GB free space
4 GB RAM
Video Card with 256 MB RAM memory
Internet connection for licencing
4.2.1 Computer Aided Design
Computer Aided Design (CAD) software is the type of design application that is used to create
the shape for cutting. The shape created will represent the item that is to be cut, rather than the
path the torch will take. There are numerous free CAD applications available for creating suitable
drawing files. Drawings must be saved as .DXF or .DWG files.
4.2.2 Computer Aided Manufacture
The SwiftCAM application is the Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) software that is used
to convert each drawing into G-Code. G-Code is the machine code that will be used to instruct the
torch to follow a logical path when cutting. SwiftCAM will import .DXF/.DWG and some image
files. The files imported are then nested so that the material being cut is used in the most efficient
manner.
When a nest has been created it is output to a .TAP file format which the Swifty-CNC
application can understand and process.
4.2.3 Computer Numerical Control
Swifty-CNC is the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) software that controls the machine’s
movements and when to turn the torch on or off. The .TAP file, which contains the “cut path” data,
is loaded and runs through this application.

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5PHYSICAL DATA
Fig 3 and Fig 4 show the physical data of the Swifty 1250 (44).
Metric measurements
Fig 3 Metric physical data

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Imperial measurements
Fig 4 Imperial physical data

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PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK

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SECTION 2
ASSEMBLY AND SETUP
CONTENTS
Page
1 Installation requirements................................................................................... 18
1.1 Services............................................................................................................ 18
1.2 Positioning of the table................................................................................... 19
2 Assembly.......................................................................................................... 19
2.1 Tool list............................................................................................................. 19
2.2 Unpacking and checking................................................................................. 20
2.3 Stand Assembly............................................................................................... 21
2.3.1 Levelling the stand .......................................................................................... 23
2.3.2 Fitting the control box ..................................................................................... 23
2.3.3 Securing the loom ........................................................................................... 24
2.4 Lifting the Swifty1250 ..................................................................................... 24
2.5 Fitting the Laptop Stand.................................................................................. 27
2.6 Connecting the Control Box............................................................................ 29
2.7 Mounting the cable post ................................................................................. 31
2.8 Filling the water tray........................................................................................ 32
2.8.1 Water treatment............................................................................................... 32
2.9 Anti-Glare screen ............................................................................................. 33
2.10 Air and Power connections............................................................................. 35
2.10.1 Air connection and regulator setup................................................................ 35
2.10.2 Power connection............................................................................................ 35
2.11 Connecting the plasma source....................................................................... 36
2.11.1 CNC connection............................................................................................... 36
2.11.2 Air and Power .................................................................................................. 36
2.11.3 Work lead ......................................................................................................... 37
2.11.4 Fitting the torch ............................................................................................... 37
3 Software Installation ......................................................................................... 39
3.1 SwiftCAM ......................................................................................................... 39
3.1.1 Installation ....................................................................................................... 39
3.1.2 Licencing.......................................................................................................... 40
3.1.3 Configuration ................................................................................................... 41
3.2 Swifty-CNC....................................................................................................... 43
(continued)

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Contents (continued)
3.2.1 Installation ....................................................................................................... 43
3.2.2 Licencing.......................................................................................................... 44
3.2.3 Network setup ................................................................................................. 48
3.2.4 Plasma Source Selection................................................................................ 51

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1INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
WARNING
SUITABLE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) MUST BE WORN BY THE
PERSONNEL RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INSTALLATION. AS A MINIMUM, THIS MUST
INCLUDE SAFETY SHOES AND EYE PROTECTION.
Services
The Swifty 1250 (44) must have the following services available:
1.1 A 110/230V, 6A, single phase supply.
1.2 An electrical supply for the plasma system. This must meet the criteria specified by
the plasma system manufacturer (refer to the plasma system documentation).
1.3 A supply of clean, dry, regulated compressed air. This is critical for the operation of
the plasma system. It is particularly important to have a stable pressure and sufficient rate
of flow. The system must meet the following criteria:
Regulated at 7.5 bar (109 psi) pressure (with a deviation of no
more than +/- 0.5 bar (7 psi)). The air system must be capable of a flow
rate of 280 litres per minute (9.9 cubic feet per minute).
The air supply system must incorporate oil and water traps.
Compliance with ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 1.2.2.
There must be two outlets from the regulated air supply system:
1.3.5.1 One for the Swifty 1250 (44) (to be connected to the control box
at the rear of the table).
1.3.5.2 One for the plasma source (refer to the plasma system
manufacturer for the type of connection required).
CAUTION
ONLY USE A FILTER/REGULATOR SYSTEM THAT MEETS THE CRITERIA LISTED
ABOVE. LOWER QUALITY SYSTEMS MAY NOT MEET THE SPECIFICATIONS AS
LISTED AND CONSEQUENTLY REDUCE THE OPERATIONAL LIFE FOR SOME OF THE
COMPONENTS. IF IN DOUBT, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SWIFT-CUT SUPPORT AGENT.
INFORMATION
IF NOT PART OF YOUR ORIGINAL ORDER, A THREE STAGE AIR FILTRATION SYSTEM
WHICH MEETS THE CRITERIA LISTED ABOVE CAN BE SUPPLIED BY SWIFT-CUT.
PLEASE CONTACT [e-mail]

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In addition to the requirements in Sub-Section 1.1, Paragraph 1, the following will be needed:
2.1 Access to a water supply to fill the water table.
2.2 Access to suitable drainage or a storage area for the waste water when draining the
system.
Positioning of the table
The Swifty 1250 (44) must be installed in the following environment:
1.1 It must have a level, hard standing floor.
1.2 There must be an unobstructed area around the Swifty 1250 (44) table when it is
installed. Allowance for this must be made when considering the installation environment.
Refer to Section 1, Sub-section 5.
2ASSEMBLY
The Swifty 1250 (44) requires minimal assembly. The following will be required during the
assembly stage.
1.1 Table and laptop stand assembly
1.2 Mounting and connection of the control box.
1.3 Connection of the plasma source
The Swifty 1250 (44) machine is set up in the factory to ensure correct axis alignment and
squareness and requires no further setup.
Tool list
The following tools will be required during the assembly process:
1.1 Allen Keys
3mm, 4mm, 5mm
1.2 Spanners/Wrench
7mm, 8mm, 10mm, 14mm, 19mm
1.3 Wire cutters
1.4 Spirit level
1.5 Tape measure

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Unpacking and checking
The Swifty 1250 (44) as delivered will contain the following items:
Fig 5 Crate contents
1.1 Swifty 1250 (44) Machine (Fig 5 (1))
1.2 Control Box (Fig 5 (2))
1.3 Accessories (Fig 5 (3))
1. Cable support Hook
2. Fixings kit
3. USB flash drive containing:
a. SwiftCAM and Swifty-CNC software installers
b. Manuals
c. SwiftCAM and Swifty-CNC licence information
d. Remote support application
4. Safety gloves and glasses
5. Torch Anti-Glare kit
6. IEC power cable (USA, EUROPEAN, UK)
7. 4 Adjustable feet
1.4 Stand Box (Fig 5 (4))
1. Laptop stand kit (Page 28 )
2. Machine stand kit (Page 22)
3. Cable cover bracket
4. Cable support post
2
1
3
4