I continue to add functionality to the shop for products I make in niche markets. Most of my business is in the form of custom CNC engraving and CNC milling. I decided in 2017 I am converting on of my CNC routers into a CNC plasma cutting and marking machine. Conversions, while it may seem like all you do is change the table and mount a torch, have their own unique solutions if you want proper Z height control of your torch. Torch Height Control (THC) is a different set of monitoring I will do with my machine and with my software.
My choices so far:
Hypertherm Powermax 65 Plasma Machine. - This machine is a beast in the small to medium cnc plasma markets. My machine has both torches and a CPC connectivity port already.
CANDCNC Torch Height control setup and feather touch off setup
Velox Floating head Z axis conversion
Command CNC Linux CNC Disto and their screens.
New controls will be off an ESS ethernet smooth stepper so that's new for me
Sheetcam TNG license - will try that
Inkscape - going to try that
Fusion 360 - Need to use more
Vectric - to create and manipulate vectors easy
the Hyperthem PM 65