M-300 Laser Platform Installation and Operations Manual Universal Laser Systems, Inc.
Notice This publication and its contents are proprietary to Universal Laser Systems, Inc. (ULS), and are intended solely for the contractual use of ULS, Inc. customers. While reasonable efforts have been made to assure the accuracy of this manual, ULS shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damage in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
Introduction We would like to thank you for purchasing the M-300 Laser Platform. Years of testing and refinements have made this unit the ultimate laser engraving and cutting system. With it’s small footprint design and industry standard 24” x 12” work area, the M-300 Laser Platform is now equipped with our unique “Rapid Reconfiguration Capability ™”.
Table of Contents SECTION 1 - Safety Description of Appropriate Use ........................................................................................1-1 General Safety .................................................................................................................1-1 Laser Safety .....................................................................................................................1-2 Safety Labels ........................................................................
Setting the Drivers Properties ..........................................................................................4-3 Downloading the File........................................................................................................4-3 Starting the Engraving Process .......................................................................................4-4 Material Removing and Reloading...................................................................................
SECTION 7 - Maintenance Suggested Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies .............................................................7-1 System Cleaning ..............................................................................................................7-3 Optics Cleaning................................................................................................................7-3 AUTOFOCUS Sensor and Reflector................................................................................
SECTION 1 Safety This section describes hazards that may occur if the laser is installed or used improperly. WARNING: Failure to follow these guidelines can result in injury to yourself, others, or may cause severe damage to the equipment and your facility. Use of the equipment in a manner other than what is described in this manual may increase this risk. Operation and care of the laser must be followed in strict accordance to this manual.
1-2 Safety • Dangerous voltages are present within the electronics and laser enclosures of this system. Although access to these areas is not necessary during normal use, if it becomes necessary to open one of these enclosures for service reasons please remember to disconnect the power cord from your electrical supply. • This device is specifically designed to comply with CDRH performance requirements under 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11.
Safety 1-3 Safety Labels CDRH and CE regulations require all laser manufacturers to affix warning labels in specific locations throughout the equipment. The following warning labels are placed on the laser system for your safety. DO NOT remove them for any reason. If the labels become damaged or have been removed for any reason, DO NOT OPERATE the laser system and immediately contact Universal Laser Systems, Inc. for a free replacement.
1-4 Safety INPUT POWER: 110 VAC; 50/60 Hz; 10 A INPUT POWER: 220 VAC; 50/60 Hz; 5 A 221-0022-0 221-0036-0 CAUTION LASER RADIATION DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM OR VIEW DIRECTLY WITH OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS CLASS 3A LASER PRODUCT LASER DIODE WAVELENGTH: 630-680 nm MAX.
Safety 1-5 221-0016-0 221-0020-0 221-0004-0 221-0015-0 221-0020-0 221-0021-0 221-0016-0 221-0007-0 221-0031-0 221-0044-0 221-0045-0 221-0046-0 221-0047-0 221-0048-0 221-0049-0 221-0050-0 221-0051-0 221-0018-0 221-0017-0
1-6 Safety EU Compliance (CE) L A S E R S Y S T E M S I N C. Product Identification: M-300 Laser Engraving and Cutting System Manufacturer: Universal Laser Systems, Inc. 16008 N. 81st St. Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Phone: (480)483-1214 Fax: (480) 483-5620 USA This equipment Is manufactured in conformity with the following directives: 89/336/EEC 73/23/EEC 89/392/EEC (EMC Directive) (Low Voltage Directive) (Machinery Directive) based on the standards listed.
Safety 1-7 FCC Compliance This ULS laser system has been tested and found to comply with Federal Communication Commission (FCC) directives regarding Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC). In accordance with these directives ULS is required to provide the following information to its customers. FCC Compliance Statement and Warnings This device Complied with FCC Rules Part 15. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2.
SECTION 2 Installation Proper operating conditions are vital to a safe and productive environment. This section describes the ideal environment and setup of the laser system. Operating Environment Follow these guidelines to ensure a proper operating environment for the laser system. Operating the laser system outside of these guidelines can seriously damage the laser system and damages from this type of abuse WILL NOT be covered under warranty.
2-2 Installation • If planning to connect the laser engraving system to a computer through the parallel port, choose a location where the computer will be placed within 6 feet of the machine since this is the maximum recommended parallel cable length. Included with your system is a high quality, IEEE1284 compliant, 6-foot parallel printer cable. PLEASE USE THIS CABLE ONLY. DO NOT SUBSTITUTE IT WITH A LONGER OR LOWER QUALITY CABLE OTHERWISE FILE TRANSMISSION ERRORS MAY OCCUR.
Installation 2-3 If electrical power fluctuations, brown outs, or constant power outages are a problem in your area, an electrical line stabilizer, UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), or backup generator might be required. If installing any of these devices, make sure that they meet the electrical requirements of the laser system. If there is any type of electrical problem present, please contact a locally licensed electrical contractor to correct the problem.
2-4 Installation DO NOT install forward incline, backward incline, in-line, or ventilator fans because these types of air handlers are inadequate and inappropriate for this type of installation. If your contractor has any questions concerning blower specifications or exhaust system requirements, please contact our Service Department directly before installation. The following diagram shows a typical exhaust system layout. Use this as a guideline to proper exhaust system installation.
Installation 2-5 3 9 8 9 3 7 1 9 9 2 7 9 3 9 2 4 3 5 6 4 5 6 1. Attach the back panel (1) to the legs (2) with the 4 screws and lockwashers (3) using the allen wrench provided. 2. By hand, thread the 4 nuts (4) all the way down onto the caster shafts until they bottom out. 3. Carefully turn the stand upside down. 4. Install the non-locking caster (5) in the rear and the locking casters (6) in the front. 5. Tighten down the casters securely to the legs using the 3/4 inch wrench provided. 6.
2-6 Installation 15. If the floor underneath the laser system is uneven, the casters must be adjusted. Refer to the following leveling instructions. Place a bubble level across the top of the legs directly above the front casters (2). Note the bubble position in its sight glass. Do the same for the back part of the legs and also note the position of the bubble in the sight glass (3). If the bubbles are in the same visual position, adjustment is not necessary and cart assembly is complete.
Installation 2-7 Visually locate the two Mounting Blocks (1), the Laser Latch (2), Alignment Fork (3), and Power Connector (7). Notice that the Alignment Fork has two plates, one small (4)and one large (5). Locate the gap between the two plates (6). Observe the “V” groove along the upper (3) and lower (2) part of the Laser Cartridge. Also locate the Alignment Plate (1) at the end of the Laser Cartridge. Pick up the Laser Cartridge by the sides. Tilt the Laser Cartridge downward on a 30-degree angle.
2-8 Installation Verify that the cartridge is resting, un-tilted, and the Alignment Plate is centered within the Alignment Fork. Plug in the Power Connector. The connector is keyed so it will only insert one way. Close the Rear Cover and push down on the latches until they “click”. Later on in this manual under the “Making the Connections” section, we will verify that you have installed the cartridge correctly. For now, let’s assume that it is OK and move on to the next section.
Installation • • • • • • • • • Pentium 300 MHz or equivalent 32 MB of RAM 2 Gigabyte hard drive or bigger 17 inch color VGA monitor 3.5” floppy disk drive CD-ROM Drive Mouse or other pointing device Microsoft Windows 95 600 DPI Optical Resolution Scanner 2-9 Remember that the laser system is an output device just like a printer is. The faster you can create graphics and manipulate your software, the faster you can download to the laser system to keep it producing.
2-10 Installation PostScript We do not recommend using PostScript fonts. The laser system is NOT a PostScript printer and therefore has no capability of printing PostScript fonts. Sometimes a PostScript font will print if you are running Adobe Type Manager (ATM). Adobe Type Manager converts PostScript fonts to bitmapped fonts before sending the information to our printer driver. Using ATM does not guarantee that the PostScript font will print properly therefore it is NOT recommended.
Installation • • • • 2-11 Turn ON the laser system. After the system finishes initializing, “Ready” will appear displayed on the Control Panel of the laser system. We will now check if the Laser Cartridge was installed properly. To do this, open the top door and place a small piece of masking tape across the ¾” hole in the focus carriage (1). Gently rub the tape around the edge of the hole so that you can see the outline of the hole through the tape (2). Now press the “X-Y” button on the Control Panel.
SECTION 3 System Operation In this section you will learn how the laser system actually works and will familiarize you with laser system terminology. We will then start working with the control panel and learn how to get around in the menu system. Since there are many features in this laser system, the menu system may seem complicated at first, but once you start using it, you will find out that it is a very simple system to operate.
3-2 System Operation Laser Cartridge The laser cartridge is a very sophisticated device. It is composed of a plasma tube filled with a special mixture of CO2 and other gases, and RF (radio frequency) electronics. The function of the entire assembly is to turn electrical energy into concentrated light energy. The word LASER is an acronym for Light Amplified Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
System Operation 3-3 “Wattage” signifies the amount of heat energy that the laser light is producing over a period of time. Laser energy is measured with a laser power meter. Do not confuse the electrical wattage rating of a light bulb or a hair dryer with the wattage rating of the laser system. They are two different types of measurements. Motion System The motion system consists of the mechanically moving parts of the laser system.
3-4 System Operation The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) The LCD is a four line display that displays the menus that control the laser system. It is a backlit type of display that enhances visibility even under low light environments. When the laser system is powered on, the laser system will perform a series of routines. “INITIALIZING” will display until the motion system and electronics have finished their routines.
System Operation 3-5 Green Indicator Light CONDITION ON OFF FLASHING REASON The laser system is powered up, the top door is closed and the system is ready to receive a file The laser system has finished processing a file and has returned to the home position The laser system has been paused while running a file The top or front door is open The laser system is firing the beam in the Alignment Mode The file is running Red Indicator Light CONDITION ON OFF FLASHING REASON The laser system is initializing
3-6 System Operation The “NEXT FILE” button displays the next file in the systems memory and makes it the current file and will stop at the last file in memory. The “PREV FILE” button displays the previous file in the systems memory and makes it the current file and will stop at the first file in memory. These buttons are inoperative if a file is currently running.
System Operation 3-7 The Menu System The LCD displays the menus of the laser system. Since this laser system has many features, we have included a “Menu System Flow Chart” on the next three pages. It diagrams and displays the menu items in the entire system and the button selections needed to access them. A description of each menu item follows the flow chart.
3-8 System Operation X X
System Operation 3-9 MODEL NAME VERSION XX-XX-XX-XX Menu Descriptions The remainder of this section will describe each one of the menus and their significance. READY Menu When the system is first powered on “INITIALIZING” will appear for approximately 30 seconds until the laser system finishes performing its routine. When the system has finished initializing, “READY” will appear in the display, indicating that the laser system is ready to accept files.
3-10 System Operation FILE DISPLAY Menu Appears automatically after the first file is downloaded completely into the laser systems memory. This is the menu that you will remain in most of the time when operating the laser system. It has been designed to show all pertinent operating information at a glance so that constantly jumping from menu to menu is not needed. The first line indicates the filename.
System Operation 3-11 There are two ways that a downloaded file will have a missing EOF. The first is if printing through the printer driver and printing is canceled, interrupted, or file size exceeds the remaining free memory space. If this occurs, chances are that the EOF never made it to the memory buffer and the memory buffer will show that it is empty or that the file does not exist. Part of the file might still remain in memory and might become mixed up with other files.
3-12 System Operation The Printer Driver compresses the file while it downloads to the laser system and the laser system decompresses the file while it runs. The amount of compression can be as little as 4 to 1 or as great as 48 to 1. This means that with 4 MB of RAM in the laser system, the buffer could hold the equivalent of 192MB worth of files provided they can be compressed 48 to 1. This gives the laser system the ability to store either larger or more files in memory.
System Operation 3-13 DOS POWER SETTINGS Menu The laser system allows eight different power settings to be saved, in non-volatile (permanent) memory, and used when processing a DOS based file. Since DOS based printer/plotter drivers do not have the ability to set the “POWER”, “SPEED”, and “PPI” settings, the settings must be set manually on the laser system. Think of it as being able to assign laser “POWER”, “SPEED”, and “PPI” to the pen numbers of a flatbed plotter.
3-14 System Operation OPTIONS Menu Selecting this menu will allow the access to turn on certain options that the laser system might have. ONE FILE MEMORY Menu Pressing “SELECT” key while cursor is on this line will toggle the setting on and off. When off, it enables the multiple file memory buffer system (default). When on, it disables the multiple file memory buffer and stores only one file at a time.
System Operation 3-15 AIR ASSIST Menu This class of laser system does have Air Assist as an option, but it is not computer controlled. Since we use the same menu system on other models, this menu selection for your model does absolutely nothing. If you did purchase the Air Assist option for this model, please refer to the instructions that came with that option. DUAL HEAD Menu This option is not available for this model of laser system.
3-16 System Operation To restore the focus position back to the original factory setting, go back into this menu and press the up and down arrow keys simultaneously. You will see the motion system move to the 1 inch horizontal and the 1 inch vertical position (factory default). Now select “YES, SAVE POSITION”. Press the “ESCAPE” button twice to exit back to the “MAIN” menu. Your settings will automatically be retained permanently in memory.
System Operation 3-17 If you would like to get the Rotary axis back to the original factory default setting, go back into the “SET ROTARY AXIS” menu. While in this menu, press the up arrow and down arrow keys simultaneously. The arm move will move back to its original factory default setting. Select “YES SAVE Y-AXIS”, and then press the “ESCAPE” key twice to exit back to the “MAIN” menu to store this setting permanently.
3-18 System Operation In order to use the “SERIAL” port, the communication settings MUST match those of the computer. Refer to the computer’s hardware and software manuals for details on setting up the computer’s serial port. If using the “SERIAL” port, select the fastest possible “BAUD” rate for communication since this effects how quickly the computer can send files to the laser system.
System Operation 3-19 DIAGNOSTICS Menu This menu leads to other menus that enable you to help diagnose problems, if they occur, with the laser system. It also will help our technicians solve problems that you may be experiencing. ALIGNMENT MODE Menu This menu allows access to firing the laser beam manually to determine if the laser systems optical alignment is correct. The factory setting is a very low power setting that is just strong enough to check the laser beam alignment.
3-20 System Operation MODEL NAME VERSION XX-XX-XX-XX ABOUT Menu Use the up and down arrow buttons to position the cursor on this menu item. Press the “SELECT” button and our copyright notice along with the current versions of firmware will be displayed. The firmware version numbers are a diagnostic aid to our service technicians. If you are having a problem with the laser system, a technician might ask you to read out the numbers in this display.
System Operation 3-21 Setting a new origin other than the default (0,0) position will shrink your field size. If you already have files already loaded into memory that utilize the entire engraving area, and you set a new origin, part of that graphic might fall out of the effective printing area. If you run this file, unexpected results can occur that might destroy your material in the engraving area.
3-22 System Operation The cursor in the display will be flashing on top of the tenths digit. You can now move the table up or down by pressing either the up or down arrow button. If you push the button once and let go quickly, the table will move in .1 inch increments. If you hold down the button, it will move fluidly. To make finer moves, press the “SELECT” button to bring the cursor over to the hundredths digit. Pressing the up or down arrow button once and letting go quickly will move the table in .
System Operation 3-23 If you find that you need to place your materials in a position other than the upper left hand corner, you can change the default focus position to anywhere in the field that you like. Please refer to that menu item selection earlier in this section. The Material Thickness (Z POSITION) Method The second method is to enter in the thickness of the material into the “Z POSITION” display. This method does not involve the use of the focus tool.
3-24 System Operation The AUTOFOCUS Method In order to use this method, you must first turn it ON. We described how to turn it ON earlier in this section. After you turn it ON, please follow the step by step instructions below. To Use AUTOFOCUS: • • The AUTOFOCUS sensor sends out an invisible beam across the table between the 1 inch and the 3 inch mark in the Y axis ruler for the M-300 Platform and the 2 and 4 inch mark for the V-400, X-600 and X2-600 Platform laser systems.
System Operation 3-25 To Adjust AUTOFOCUS: From time to time, you may need to re-adjust your AUTOFOCUS. The only time that you should need to re-adjust the AUTOFOCUS is when you have received a new or different length Focus Lens, have recently Flash upgraded the operating system of the laser, or had a dirty sensor or reflector and are adjusting it after you have cleaned those parts. • • • • • • Place a very flat object on the Engraving Table, within the AUTOFOCUS Zone, that is at least 1 inch thick.
SECTION 4 Running the System Step by Step In this section we will cover how to completely use the laser system to create a product from start to finish. From powering on everything to removing the finished product from the system, we will cover the entire process step by step. As an example, let’s engrave and cut out a key chain from a 2 by 4 inch, 1/8 inch thick piece of hardwood. Before continuing, please ensure that you have completely read and understood the entire manual up to this point.
4-2 Running the System Step by Step Focusing Before attempting to adjust the focal height, visually check to make sure that the table is down low enough to prevent the focus carriage from hitting into the piece of wood. With the top door still open, press the “Z” button on the control panel of the laser system. You will see the focus carriage move to the (1,1) position directly over the piece of wood.
Running the System Step by Step 4-3 It does not matter whether you bring the table up to go out of focus, or down, the effect is the same. You should experiment on some scrap material at another time and note the difference. In this example, we will engrave in precise focus. Once you have established focus, store your focus tool and close the top door.
4-4 Running the System Step by Step Find the “PRINT” command within your graphics program and click on it. Depending on which graphics program you are using, the menu command “PRINT” may be in various locations within your program. Usually after clicking on “PRINT”, you will then need to click on “OK”. A status screen may now appear showing a percentage of completion. Once this status screen disappears, it does not mean that the file is totally in the laser systems memory.
Running the System Step by Step 4-5 We will also remind you again to please comply with the warning label below. Material Removing and Reloading Once the laser system has completed processing you material, the laser beam will turn off, the motion system will move to its home position in the upper right hand corner, the system will beep twice, and the green light on the control panel will glow continuously.
SECTION 5 Options & Accessories There are several options and accessories available for this laser system. The new 3D Effects option is now available as a standard feature. The Rotary Fixture, Cutting Table, Air Assist System, Air Assist Compressor, various Focus Lens Kits, and the Dual Head option are available at additional cost. 3D Effects The 3D Effects option can be used to create rubber stamps or produce a three-dimensional engraving appearance on other materials.
5-2 Options & Accessories 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Plainville, KS 99924 100 Easy Street #117 Action Sports Equipment 1 2 3 PLACE STAMP IN AN UNUSED AREA 4 5 PREVIOUSLY COMPLETED STAMPS 6 7 GRAPHICS SOFTWARE PAGE LAYOUT 11 INCHES ( 292.1 mm) WIDE 8.5 INCHES ( 215.9 mm) TALL LANDSCAPE MODE 8 9 COMPUTER GRAPHICS SCREEN Place the stamp (on screen) where you want it to engrave in laser system. Avoid the spots where you have already engraved and cut out other stamps.
Options & Accessories 5-3 Settings for a 30 Watt System There is a considerable difference between rubber blends, thickness, and hardness between different manufacturers. Use these setting as a starting point for a 30 Watt system. You might need to experiment with different settings to obtain the desired results. As you can see, we set the page size in the driver equal to the graphics programs page size. We also selected "Add Shoulder” and “Normal Rubber Stamp”.
5-4 Options & Accessories Full Sheet Method The second method is to create a full sheet of rubber stamps and engrave them all at the same time. First create a stamp as a positive image as shown below. Create more stamps to fill the entire page. They can be the same stamp or different ones. If desired, output the page to a paper printer for proofreading. Printing out a positive image to a printer is easier to read and uses less toner or ink than a negative print.
Options & Accessories 5-5 In the laser systems printer driver, use the same settings as the previous example but with only minor modifications. In the “3D Effects” tab, select all three “Special” options; “Add Shoulder”, “Print as Negative Image” and “Print as Mirror Image” as the diagram below illustrates. Print to the laser system. Position the full sheet of rubber stamp material in the same upper left location on the engraving table and begin engraving.
5-6 Options & Accessories The Rotary Fixture is placed on the engraving table as the following diagram illustrates. Please refer to the instructions supplied with the Rotary Fixture on how to properly install and use this option. Cutting Table The purpose of the Cutting Table is to support the material that you are cutting off of the engraving table’s surface to minimize surface contact area. It also redirects exhaust airflow below and above the material for better smoke removal.
Options & Accessories 5-7 Air Assist System The Air Assist System consists of a nozzle that attaches to the focus carriage, Optics protection adapters, tubing, mounting brackets, needle valve, and pressure gauge. The purpose of this system is to force air or other types of gases directly onto the surface of your material to reduce the burning effects of the laser beam and helps disperse the smoke and gases created when cutting or engraving materials.
5-8 Options & Accessories Focus Lens Kits There are three optional Focus Lens Kits available other than the standard 2.0”, they are the 1.5”, 2.5”, and the 4.0” kits. Included in these kits are the focus lens, #3 mirror, front plate, thumbscrews, and a focus tool. Different lenses produce different spot sizes and have different focal ranges. For example, the 1.5” lens produces a spot size of .003” and has an effective focal range of +/- .075”.
Options & Accessories 5-9 Refer to the following chart for spot sizes and focal ranges of the lenses available. FOCAL LENGTH 1.5 “ 2.0 “ 2.5 “ 4.0 “ SPOT SIZE .003 “ .005 “ .007 “ .013 “ FOCAL RANGE + / - .075 “ + / - .100 “ + / - .125 “ + / - .200 “ If you would like to order any of the accessories described in this section, please speak with your salesperson or call us directly to place an order or to get current pricing. Most of these items are in stock and are available for immediate shipment.
SECTION 6 Sample Materials This section provides sample driver settings and helpful hints to get started engraving and/or cutting the materials listed. Safety NEVER LEAVE THE LASER SYSTEM RUNNING UNATTENDED FOR ANY REASON. Exposure to the laser beam can cause ignition of combustible materials. All laser cutting and engraving should be constantly supervised. NEVER OPERATE THE LASER SYSTEM WITHOUT A PROPERLY INSTALLED AND OPERATING EXHAUST SYSTEM.
6-2 Sample Materials NOTICE Laser engraving or cutting materials other than those described in this manual can be a safety hazard and can damage the laser system. The laser system operator is liable for any damages caused, in whole or in part, for any economic loss, physical injury, lost revenue, lost profits, lost savings or other indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages incurred. Damages to the laser system due to neglect, misuse, or operator error WILL NOT be covered under warranty.
Sample Materials 6-3 NOTE When engraving very small objects, top speed cannot be achieved because acceleration and deceleration of the motion system requires time and distance. The laser system will automatically adjust itself to a maximum engraving speed that it can achieve due to the size and position of the graphic. This is why you might notice that there might be no difference in engraving time on certain graphics whether you choose 100% speed or less.
6-4 Sample Materials ACRYLIC - CAST AND EXTRUDED LIGHT RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 70 50 40 35 30 26 22 20 SPEED 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 PPI 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” DEEP RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 SPEED 20 27 33 40 47 54 60 67 PPI 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .010” .010” .010” .010” .
Sample Materials 6-5 COMMENTS There are two types of acrylic available, cast and extruded. Cast turns white or frosted and extruded remains clear when engraved. Use extruded acrylic for paint filled engraving and cast for regular engraving. Cast engraves better without masking. Lightly engrave the surface to frost it with a low power setting such as the first setting listed above.
6-6 Sample Materials ACRYLIC - MIRRORED LIGHT RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 75 55 45 40 35 31 27 25 SPEED 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 PPI 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .003” 003” 003” 003” 003” 003” 003” 003” DEEP RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 SPEED 20 27 33 40 47 54 60 67 PPI 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .010” .010” .010” .010” .010” .010” .010” .
Sample Materials 6-7 COMMENTS Engraving mirrored acrylic is similar to engraving regular acrylic. The idea is to engrave through the mirrored backing enough to begin to penetrate into the acrylic. Engraving deeply will cause a crusty residue to form just like with non-mirrored acrylic. A double image will appear if engraving on the front side of the mirror. It is not necessary to mask the backside when engraving because the mirrored backing shields the acrylic from smoke damage.
6-8 Sample Materials ANODIZED ALUMINUM RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 90 68 54 45 38 34 30 27 SPEED 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 PPI 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” VECTOR ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 20 15 12 10 9 8 7 6 SPEED 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 PPI 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .
Sample Materials 6-9 BRASS - PAINTED RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 90 68 54 45 38 34 30 27 SPEED 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 PPI 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” VECTOR ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 20 15 12 10 9 8 7 6 SPEED 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 PPI 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .
6-10 Sample Materials CORIAN / AVONITE / FOUNTAINHEAD RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 SPEED 20 27 33 40 47 53 60 67 PPI 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” DEEP RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 SPEED 10 13 17 20 23 27 30 33 PPI 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .015” .
Sample Materials 6-11 CORK RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 SPEED 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 PPI 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .010” .010” .010” .010” .010” .010” .010” .010” VECTOR ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 20 15 12 10 9 8 7 6 SPEED 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 PPI 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .010” .010” .010” .010” .010” .010” .010” .
6-12 Sample Materials DELRIN (SEAL PRESS) RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 SPEED 18 23 29 35 41 47 53 58 PPI 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” VECTOR CUTTING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 SPEED 1.2 1.6 2.0 2.4 2.8 3.2 3.6 4.0 PPI 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .060” .060” .060” .060” .060” .060” .
Sample Materials 6-13 GLASS / CRYSTAL RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 COMMENTS: Engrave at 333 DPI VECTOR ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 SPEED 10 13 17 20 23 27 30 33 PPI 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .001 .001 .001 .001 .001 .001 .001 .001 POWER 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 SPEED 2.0 2.7 3.3 4.0 4.7 5.3 6.0 6.7 PPI 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .001 .001 .001 .001 .
6-14 Sample Materials LEATHER RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 56 42 34 28 24 21 19 17 SPEED 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 PPI 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” VECTOR ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 10 8 6 5 4 4 3 3 SPEED 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 PPI 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .
Sample Materials 6-15 MARBLE RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 SPEED 28 37 46 55 64 73 83 92 PPI 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” VECTOR ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 40 30 24 20 17 15 13 12 SPEED 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 PPI 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .
6-16 Sample Materials MAT BOARD RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 90 68 54 45 39 34 30 27 SPEED 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 PPI 250 250 250 250 250 250 250 250 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” VECTOR ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 40 30 24 20 17 15 13 12 SPEED 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 PPI 250 250 250 250 250 250 250 250 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” .
Sample Materials 6-17 MELAMINE - STANDARD ENGRAVING LIGHT RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 SPEED 20 27 33 40 47 53 60 67 PPI 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” DEEP RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 SPEED 14 19 23 28 33 37 42 47 PPI 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .020” .020” .
6-18 Sample Materials MELAMINE - PHOTO/CLIPART ENGRAVING RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE POWER SPEED 15 80 30 20 80 40 25 80 50 30 80 60 35 80 70 40 80 80 45 80 90 50 80 100 COMMENTS: Engrave unmasked. Use a resolution of 500 DPI. PPI 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .008” .008” .008” .008” .008” .008” .008” .008” RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE POWER SPEED 15 80 15 20 80 20 25 80 25 30 80 30 35 80 35 40 80 40 45 80 45 50 80 50 COMMENTS: Engrave unmasked.
Sample Materials 6-19 PLASTIC - ENGRAVERS MICROSURFACED RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 70 50 40 35 30 26 22 20 SPEED 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 PPI 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” VECTOR CUTTING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 100 75 60 50 43 38 33 30 SPEED 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 PPI 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .060” .060” .060” .060” .060” .
6-20 Sample Materials RUBBER STAMPS RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 (Not recommended) 20 (Not recommended) 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER N/A N/A 100 100 100 100 100 100 SPEED N/A N/A 13 16 19 21 24 27 PPI N/A N/A 500 500 500 500 500 500 PASS N/A N/A 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH N/A N/A .030” .030” .030” .030” .030” .030” PERFORATED VECTOR CUTTING LASER WATTAGE 15 (Not recommended) 20 (Not recommended) 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER N/A N/A 60 60 60 60 60 60 SPEED N/A N/A 1.3 1.6 1.9 2.1 2.4 2.
Sample Materials 6-21 SIGN VINYL RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 SPEED 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 PPI 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” VECTOR CUTTING (KISS CUT) LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 SPEED 2.0 2.7 3.3 4.0 4.7 5.3 6.0 6.7 PPI 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .
6-22 Sample Materials WOOD RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 SPEED 20 27 33 40 47 53 60 67 PPI 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” VECTOR ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 POWER 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 SPEED 2.5 3.3 4.2 5.0 5.8 6.7 7.5 8.3 PPI 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 PASS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 DEPTH .030” .030” .030” .030” .030” .030” .030” .
Sample Materials 6-23 be easier to flood the masking, after engraving, with water. This will loosen the tape and it can be easily removed by rubbing it off by hand. In the vector cutting example, the wood was elevated from the table to let smoke and heat escape from underneath. If elevating the wood, mask and/or dampen the bottom side of the wood very lightly and the water acts as a heat sink to prevent the underside from flaming and charring.
SECTION 7 Maintenance Keeping the laser system clean will ensure the highest quality engraving. The frequency of cleaning will depend entirely on the type of material being engraved, the performance of your exhaust blower, the operating environment, and the amount of laser system usage over a given period of time. Dirt or debris that is allowed to build up on the motion system components will cause uneven or rough engraving, or loss of engraving position as well as premature component failure.
7-2 Maintenance
Maintenance 7-3 System Cleaning • Turn off and unplug the laser system. • Open the Top Door and thoroughly remove all loose dirt and debris from inside the machine with a vacuum cleaner. • Clean the Engraving Table surface with either a soap solution, alcohol, or acetone, and paper towels. NEVER pour or spray any solution directly into the laser system.
7-4 Maintenance #2 Mirror To gain access to the #2 Mirror, the mirror cover must be removed. Remove the thumbscrew, slide the cover to the right slightly and lift straight up. Inspect the #2 Mirror and clean it only if there is debris present. There are two ways to clean the mirror, with a moistened cotton swab or a moistened lens tissue. To clean the #2 Mirror with a cotton swab, moisten the cotton swab with the Lens Cleaning solution supplied with the laser system.
Maintenance 7-5 #3 Mirror and Focus Lens You must remove the front cover to the Focus Carriage to gain access to the #3 Mirror and the Focus Lens. To do this, hold the front cover with one hand and with the other hand, remove the three(3) thumbscrews that attach the front cover to the Focus Carriage, and pull the front cover straight out. You will notice that the #3 Mirror and the Focus lens are both mounted to the front cover. Refer to the diagram below.
7-6 Maintenance Beam Window The Beam Window is where the laser beam enters into the engraving area. It is located in the upper left hand corner of the engraving area against the back wall and is yellow in color. It is not necessary to remove the Beam Window for cleaning since it can only get dirty on the front side. The backside is in a sealed environment. To clean the Beam Window, moisten a cotton swab and gently roll it across. Basically, clean it in the same manner as the #2 Mirror.
Maintenance 7-7 Adjustments and Lubrication There are no periodic adjustments required. The bearings in the motion system will self adjust to take up any clearances as they begin to wear. The belts are fiber reinforced and will not stretch under normal use so that periodic tension adjustment is not necessary. Optical alignment is not necessary because the laser and the #2 Mirror are fixed. All bearings in the system are sealed and do not require lubrication.
7-8 Maintenance Cooling Fan Filters This air-cooled laser system will require periodic cleaning of the cooling fan filters. Since ambient air is used to cool the laser tube, the air FILTERS must be filtered before it enters the inside of the laser system otherwise dirt and dust can build up inside of the laser system and damage it. The contaminants reduce the laser system’s cooling ability and will cause the laser tube to overheat.
SECTION 8 Troubleshooting Engraving Quality Problem “Fuzzy” looking raster engraving or small text appears like a “double image” • • • • • Fine detail is missing such as the serif’s of characters or thin lines of script fonts when raster engraving Vertical or diagonal background pattern present when raster engraving large areas and/or large amounts of material Possible Cause Dirty laser system Graphic, graphic software, graphic software setup, color palette, monitor display colors, or driver settings
8-2 Troubleshooting Raster engraving appears sharp on both ends of the engraving but fuzzy in the middle Engraving does not appear as deep as it normally does • • • Dirty laser system Something is loose System needs tuning • Worn X-axis belt and/or drive gear • • • Tickle setting too low Faulty laser tube Graphic, graphic software, graphic software setup, color palette, monitor display colors, or driver settings have changed • • • • • • Out of focus Material or material density has changed Setti
Troubleshooting Engraving appears “halftoned” and not solidly filled when using colors other than black • Graphic, graphic software, graphic software setup, color palette, monitor display colors, or driver settings have changed • Wavy lines when vector engraving or cutting • Running too fast • • • Dirty laser system Worn or faulty bearings • • • Arm is out of square • • • Firmware needs to be updated Angled cuts are a normal condition if they are equal on all sides of the object.
8-4 Troubleshooting Operational Focus carriage looses X-axis position and slams into the left or right side of the rail during high speed raster engraving • Mechanical interference • • • Dirty laser system CPU overheating • • • Focus carriage X-axis bearing tensioning arm too tight or binding • Check if focus carriage makes contact with material or other objects Clean all optics, rails, bearings and belts Clean CPU filters, correct ambient temperature to be within specifications Remove carriage
APPENDIX
Appendix A - Limited Warranty Please refer to the Warranty Registration Form included with your shipment.
Appendix B - Specifications Model Number M-300 Resolution 1000 x 1000 DPI, 500 x 500 DPI, 333 x 333 DPI, 250 x 250 DPI 200 x 200 DPI, Draft Computer Interface Windows 95, 98, and HPGL Table Size 29” x 17” (736.6 mm x 431.8mm) Work Area 24” x 12” (609.6 x 304.8 mm) Maximum Part Size 29” (736.6mm) wide x 17” (431.8mm) deep x 9” (228.6mm) tall Laser Source 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 Quick Change Laser Cartridge Lenses Available Focal Length / Spot Size / (Standard or Optional) 1.5” (38.1mm) / 0.
Appendix C - Using DOS Based Programs DOS software is not standardized and each application will work differently. When using DOS applications, it is not possible to print through the Windows Printer Driver and for this situation, the system has been designed to automatically emulate a Hewlett Packard plotter. Plotters use a special language called HPGL that the laser system has been designed to accept. When configuring the DOS based program, select the HP7475 plotter (or larger) as the printing device.
Appendix D - Using Macintosh Computers The laser system has primarily been designed to run under the Windows 95 or Windows 98 operating system. There is no Macintosh Driver available for this Platform at this time, however, there may be one in the future. Once in awhile you might want to log on to our website www.ulsinc.com to see if there are developments in this area.
Appendix E - Serial Port Cable Requirements
Appendix F - How To Get Help Step 1: Determine exactly what the problem is. Refer to “Section 8 – Troubleshooting” for a possible solution. Step 2: Try to recreate the problem and write down the circumstances in which the problem occurred. Be prepared to describe all pertinent information about the computer being used with the laser cutting and engraving system such as software, operating system and computer type. Have the serial number of the laser system available.
