Section 6 - Accessories; Air Assist - Universal Laser Systems X-600 Safety, Installation, Operation, And Basic Maintenance Manual

Section 6
Accessories
There are optional accessories, not included with the basic laser system, that are available at
additional cost. Instructions on how to use these accessories are included in this section. The user
can purchase and install all accessories, except Air Assist, which is a factory installed option ONLY.
CAUTION: Before attempting to use any accessory, make sure that you have read the entire
manual up to this point. It is vital that you have a complete understanding of how the laser
system works before attempting to use an accessory. Incorrect or inappropriate usage of an
accessory may be a safety hazard and may cause severe damage to the system.

Air Assist

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. The optics protection parts assist in helping keep the optics cleaner from flying debris
created from the pressurized nozzle. Use of this system requires a minimum compressed air source
capable of 50 PSI @ 2.5 cfm. This supply MUST be free from oil, water, and particulate matter.
Another accessory called the "Air Assist Compressor", can supply this source.
Air Assist IS NOT intended to decrease maintenance of the laser system. The use of this Air Assist
has been known to increase the frequency of cleaning maintenance due to debris being blown around,
inside the engraving area, during laser processing.
Standard and Computer Controlled styles
There are two styles of Air Assist, standard and computer controlled. The computer controlled option
uses three solenoids to control low-pressure air, high-pressure air, and an external gas supply and is
selectable in the printer driver. Because these solenoids work with the running of the laser system,
the air and/or gas supply is only used when needed and shut down automatically when laser
processing stops. The standard system does not have solenoids, is not computer controlled, and can
only deliver only one air pressure per file. It is also not gas compatible. The standard Air Assist
accessory is acceptable in most applications, however, for the ultimate control, the computer
controlled Air Assist is highly recommended.
Requirements (both styles)
The Air Assist option requires compressed air supplied from the Air Assist Compressor Unit (optional)
or from a user supplied compressed air source. If you choose to provide your own source, it must be
capable of supplying 50 PSI (pounds per square inch) at a constant rate of 2.5 CFM (cubic feet per
minute). The air supply MUST be oil-free, moisture-free, and particulate filtered.
A contaminated air supply will cause severe damage to the laser system.
Air or gas supply pressures higher than 50 PSI can rupture the internal
hoses of the control box and can possibly damage the valves.
Damages to the laser system from contaminated or improper air or gas
supply is considered abuse and IS NOT covered under warranty.