Universal Laser Systems X-600 Safety, Installation, Operation, And Basic Maintenance Manual page 72

Once you have set your flow rates for each pathway that you will be using, reset the laser systems
control panel so that the "AIR ASSIST" option displays "AUTO". This will allow your selections in the
printer driver to activate the correct solenoid valve choices.
Programming the PC Printer Driver
The Air Assist option provides printer driver controlled activation and deactivation of solenoid valves
that direct the flow through one of three paths with its final destination being the cone. It also has
been designed to work in conjunction with the optional Air Compressor to turn it ON and OFF when
the job starts and finishes, respectively. The needle valves control flow through the cone when the
solenoid valves are activated. The gauge provides a visual indication of how much flow is going
through the cone. You can choose between "LOW",
"HIGH", or "GAS" valve activation setting for each one
of the eight colors in the printer driver.
Power up your PC and open up or create a graphic to
print to the laser system. When ready to print, go to
the laser system printer driver and set all of your
parameters. Next to the color choice is the button for
the "Gas Assist" option. Click once on it and it turns to
"LOW". A second time and it turns to "HIGH". A third
time and it turns to "GAS" and a fourth time turns it
"OFF". Choose which pathway you desire.
Choose the rest of your parameters and download the
file to the laser system.
installed. Insert your material into the laser system
and set the focus. Make sure that you air and gas
supplies (if using) are ON.
blower and press the START button.
Air Flow Setting Guidelines (both styles)
Use as much or as little air flow necessary to produce the desired results. There are no particular
settings that we can offer to you. As a rule of thumb, start with low flow and adjust upward until
flaming is suppressed. Setting the flow too high can result in excessive particulate matter being
blown around causing faster system contamination, which would require an increase in maintenance.
It can also push the hot engraving or cutting smoke back onto the material or into the cut line and
cause contamination of the surface or side edges of the material. On some scrap material play
around with different flow settings to obtain the best results, then write down your settings for various
materials. Remember, the intent of the Air Assist option is to suppress flaming and/or melting of the
material during laser processing.
Maintenance (both styles)
Keep you air supply and/or gas supply moisture free.

frequently. Replace desiccant when saturated or use the manufacturer's recommendation to
remove water moisture from the desiccant crystals. Water moisture may contaminate the air
assist system and can cause malfunctions as well as damages to the unit.
 Clean your laser system more frequently when using Air Assist. You will need to check, and
possibly clean, your optics frequently. Do not let the optics protection part of the Air Assist
system lead you to a false sense of security. Since more debris gets kicked up by the downward
air or gas flow through the Cone, the laser systems rails, bearings, and other motion system
components will get dirtier faster than by not using the Air Assist option.
Periodically check the cone alignment with the laser beam especially if you have replaced or

adjusted the laser systems optics. You will know if your cone is not aligned if you suffer a
substantial loss in laser power when laser cutting or engraving with the cone installed as opposed
to the cone removed. A misaligned cone will cause the beam to make contact with the inside of
the cone, possibly splitting the beam and/or reducing the power at the focus point.
ACCESSORIES
Make sure the cone is
Turn on your exhaust
Section 6-6
Check your desiccant (water dryer)