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Full Spectrum Hobby Series User Manual

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Hobby Series 20 x12 User Manual

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  • Page 1 Hobby Series 20 x12 User Manual...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Electrical Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Section II. Unboxing Your Hobby Series .
  • Page 3 Water Inlet Compliance Statement The Full Spectrum Laser Hobby Series Laser System is a class 3R laser product, as defined in International Standard IEC 608251. The Full Spectrum Laser Hobby Series complies with 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11, the Federal Performance Standards for LightEmitting Products, except for deviations pursuant to Laser Notice No.

  • Page 4: Section I. Safety First

    SECTION I. SAFETY FIRST Familiarize yourself with these icons. They indicate areas that require special attention. Pro Tips: Shock Icon: Fragile Icon: Watch for this icon to receive Warns of potential Warns of fragile parts or valuable advice in getting the electrical hazards.

  • Page 5: General Safety

    General Safety Read and be familiar with all safety protocols and procedures before operating any machinery. It is the responsibility of the operator to ensure all safety precautions are correctly followed and the machine is properly assembled and in working order. ALWAYS inspect the laser cutter for damage or breakage before each use.

  • Page 6: Laser Safety

    Laser Safety The output of the CO2 engraving laser is fully contained in a Class 1 enclosure during normal operation. The laser cabinet has a safety interlock switch that deactivates the laser if the door is opened during operation, and no special precautions are necessary to operate the high power laser safely.
  • Page 7 Class I. It is the operator’s responsibility to ensure that the installation and operation of the Full Spectrum Laser Hobby Laser System is performed in accordance with all applicable laws. Copies of ANSI Standard Z136.12000 are available from: LASER INSTITUTE OF AMERICA 12424 RESEARCH PARKWAY, SUITE 125 ORLANDO, FL 32826 (407) 3801553.

  • Page 8: Fire Safety

    5lb or larger fire extinguisher on hand. Full Spectrum Laser recommends a Halogen fire extinguisher or a multipurpose dry chemical fire extinguisher. Halogen extinguishers are more expensive than a dry chemical, but offer certain advantages should you ever need to use an extinguisher.
  • Page 9 Fire Safety (Cont .) NEVER CUT PVC (polyvinyl chloride) under any circumstances as fumes are highly toxic and potentially lethal. NEVER store any flammable materials in the inside of the device or in the immediate vicinity of the device. Debris and leftover produced materials within the machine must to be removed to prevent fire hazard.

  • Page 10: Electrical Safety

    The power supply is capable of outputting DC 20,000V at up to 20mA. This power is also provided to the discharge terminals on the laser tube itself. Your laser shipped with silicone terminal covers that prevent access to bare wiring—notify Full Spectrum Laser support and immediately cease operations if these covers ever slip and expose bare wire.

  • Page 11: Section Ii. Unboxing Your Hobby Series

    SECTION II. UNBOXING YOUR HOBBY SERIES When your Hobby Series arrives, it will require careful unboxing and examination of parts. Follow these instructions for best results. FRAGILE PARTS! Be gentle in removing the foam packaging and accessories. Never pull or force the packaging loose from the laser cutter.

  • Page 12: Unpacking List

    Unpacking List Your laser shipped with the following included parts and accessories: Exhaust Fan Air Compressor Water Pump Plastic Fitting Honey Comb 5. 2.5mm Hex Key Water Tubes Calibration Spacer Hose Clamp Air Hose Air Compressor Exhaust Fan Ducting Ethernet Cable Thermal Paper Power Cable Not Included but Required...

  • Page 13: Additional Requirements

    Small CAUTION! You should never operate your laser without a working exhaust. Full Spectrum Laser recommends exhaust systems capable of 232 CFM. Keep in mind that exhaust systems with high flow rates may require fixtures for thin materials. FIRE WARNING! It is important that either rigid or flexible metal ducting be used in the exhaust system.

  • Page 14: Section Iii. Installation & Assembly

    SECTION III. INSTALLATION & ASSEMBLY With your laser cutter unboxed and placed in its permanent work space we can now prepare it for use. This is a simple process that should take less than half an hour to complete. Assembly Stages: 1.

  • Page 15: Locate & Remove Zip Tie

    Assembly Stage 1: Locate & Remove Zip Ties To secure the machine during shipping, a yellow zip tie used to hold the laser head assembly and the x-gantry. This zip tie must be removed before operating your laser cutter for the first time 1.

  • Page 16: Assemble The Water System

    Assembly Stage 2: Assemble the Water System Hobby Series uses a water-cooled continuous beam CO2 laser tube. The tube requires a flow of room temperature water to regulate the temperature of the laser tube. Your purchase includes a water pump for cooling the laser tube.
  • Page 17 2. Attach Water Pump Fitting: Remove the water pump from its packaging. Attach the plastic fitting to the water pump by gently screwing it on. Figure 3.3 3. Prep Water Bucket: Fill a clean 5 gallon bucket (not included) with 3 - 4 gallons of distilled water (not included).
  • Page 18 4. Attach Inlet Water Tubing: Push one end of one of the two (2) silicone water tubes onto the water pump fitting. Now attach the other end of that tubing to the “water inlet” located at the back of machine. Completely submerge the assembled water pump in the bucket of distilled water. Water Out Water In Figure 3.5...
  • Page 19 5. Attach Outlet Water Tubing: Push one end of the other silicone water tubing onto the “water outlet”. Place the other end of the water tubing into bucket of distilled water. Water Out Water In Figure 3.7 Figure 3.8 Technical Support is available from 8am to 5pm (PST) M - F at support@fslaser.com.

  • Page 20: Assemble The Air Compressor

    Assembly Stage 3: Assemble the Air Compressor Air is used as a pressurized gas to assist in cutting and engraving operations. This pressurized air is critical to safe and efficient cutting operations as it not only helps cut through material more quickly, but also helps prevent the formation of flames.
  • Page 21 3. Attach Air Hose to Laser Cutter: Insert the other end of the black air inlet hose into the “air inlet” nozzle in the back of laser cutter via the barbed air connect fitting. Air Inlet Figure 3.10 4. Connect to Power: Plug the air compressor into a power supply such as an outlet or power strip.

  • Page 22: Connect The Exhaust System

    Assembly Stage 4: Connect the Exhaust System It is required that an exhaust blower (or fume extractor) is connected and operating whenever you run a job on your laser. A properly installed exhaust blower removes smoke and fumes from the case and exhausts them to the outside of the building or a fume extractor.
  • Page 23 This is a great option for workshops that do not have the option to ventilate outside. Both the extractors and the filters are available on the Full Spectrum Laser website at https://www.fslaser.com/Products/LaserAccessories. Ask a customer support representative which fume extractor is right for your needs.

  • Page 24: Connect Electrical Power

    Assembly Stage 5: Connect Electrical Power Your Hobby Series Laser System, and available accessories, are configured to accept 110VAC at 60Hz. 220VAC units connect to power through an included converter (single-phase 220VAC). 1. Prepare Power Cord: Remove the electrical cord from its packaging.

  • Page 25: Connect Ethernet Cable

    Assembly Stage 6: Connect the Ethernet Cable An Ethernet cable is included with your Hobby Series to enable your machine to connect with your computer to run the software. 1. Identify the Ethernet Cable: Locate and remove the included Ethernet cable from its packaging.

  • Page 26: Connect To Retinaengrave 2 .0

    RetinaEngrave 2.0 is a combination of a print driver and control software that communicates with, downloads jobs to, and controls the laser system. Your Hobby Series laser cutter is compatible with both RetinaEngrave and RetinaEngrave 2.0. We recommend using RetinaEngrave 2.0. The following instructions guide you through the process of accessing RetinaEngrave 2.0 via an Internet browser.

  • Page 27: Section Iv. Tests & Adjustments

    SECTION IV. TESTS & ADJUSTMENTS It is important that your laser is tested and adjusted (if needed) for proper use before you start your first job. The following will be on our list of tests and adjustments: Lock /Unlock Return / Test Fire 1.

  • Page 28: Alignment Test

    1 . Alignment Test The laser tube that came pre-installed in your Hobby Series was carefully aligned in our facilities in Nevada. When you first turn on your machine, the mirror alignment should be perfect. It is possible, however, that sometimes mirrors may come out alignment during shipping. Before running your first job, you will want to check and make sure the mirrors are properly aligned using this simple test.
  • Page 29 5. Close Safety Lid: Safety measures should make it impossible to fire the laser with the safety lid open. Regardless, never attempt to fire the laser with safety lid open. 6. Test Fire the Laser: Press the Fire Laser Icon Button on the touch panel. ATTENTION! Find and push this icon on your Hobby Series touch panel to test fire the laser.

  • Page 30: Mirror Alignment Procedure

    2 . Mirror Alignment Procedure The mirror alignment procedure goal is to first align the visible red beam with the invisible CO2 laser beam then use the red beam as the primary indicator for alignment. The idea is that when the laser is not aligned, you will have two black dots from the test fires in the top and bottom positions.
  • Page 31 STAGE 1: PREP Prepare your tools and workspace. 1. Safety First: Be aware of all safety procedures and precautions before continuing. 2. Power On Laser Cutter: The machine must be powered on to continue this procedure. Turn on the machine by hitting the power switch. Allow the machine time to boot up the touch panel operating system.
  • Page 32 Once again, remember to check your mirror alignment BEFORE starting this procedure as it is likely unnecessary if the laser tube was pre-installed in your Hobby Series. Figure 4.6 1. Open the Safety Lid: You will need to access the interior of the machine.
  • Page 33 STAGE 3: ALIGN MIRROR #1 TO MIRROR #2 Because the 2nd mirror moves along with the x-gantry alignment must be checked between mirrors #1 and #2. 1. Open Safety Lid: You will need to access the interior of the machine. 2.
  • Page 34 7. Reposition the X-Gantry to “Close” Position: Now that we have a burn mark on our thermal paper from a “far” firing of the laser, we want to fire the laser from the closest position. Move the x-gantry to the upper most position in the machine and test fire again. Figure 4.9 8.
  • Page 35 STAGE 4: ALIGN MIRROR #2 TO MIRROR #3 The 3rd mirror is mounted on the laser head assembly and slides along the x-gantry rail. 1. Open Safety Lid: You will need to access the interior of the machine. 2. Place Thermal Paper: Take a small piece of thermal paper (approx.
  • Page 36 7. Adjust Red Beam: Using your 2.5mm hex wrench, make micro adjustments to the three adjustment screws of the red beam diode, and position the red dot exactly over the burn mark. 8. Reposition the Laser Head to “Close” Position: Now that we have a burn mark on our thermal paper from a “far”...
  • Page 37 STAGE 5: FOCUS LENS ALIGNMENT The focal lens is located at the bottom of the laser head assembly. For proper alignment, the laser beam should always be hitting the center of the focal lens, regardless of the position of the cutting head in the machine..
  • Page 38 4. Close Safety Lid: Safety measures should make it impossible to fire the laser with the safety lid open. Regardless, never intentionally fire the laser with safety lid open. 5. Test Fire the Laser: Press the Fire Laser Icon button on the touch panel. You will see a burn mark on the thermal paper.

  • Page 39: Focusing

    3 . FOCUSING Focusing the Hobby Series laser cutter is quick and easy. Your laser included a billet sized for the included 2-inch focal length lens. 1. Place Billet: Place the billet on the top of the engraving plane. 2. Release Locking Mechanism: Release the locking mechanism on the focus head until the air assist nozzle rests on top of the billet.

  • Page 40: Section V. Touch Panel Interface

    SECTION V. TOUCH PANEL INTERFACE Hobby Series Laser Cutter Touchscreen Interface The touch panel allows you to control the basic functions of your Hobby Series laser cutter without needing to connect to a computer. This is very convenient during alignment and testing procedures.

  • Page 41: Button Functions

    Button Functions Panel function buttons are described below. Typically the icons on the top line are active during Fast XY Jog (Mode 0). The icons on the bottom are typically active during Alignment (Mode 2). Figure 5.2 E. FS/Z (MODE SELECT) H.

  • Page 42: Modes

    SUPPORT MODE (MODE 7). This mode allows a Full Spectrum Laser technical expert access your interface remotely to troubleshoot and fix problems. You will have to manually approve a remote access.

  • Page 43: Jog Buttons

    Jog Buttons Four green arrow keys pointing UP (L), DOWN (N), LEFT (K), and RIGHT (M). In Fast or Slow XY (Modes 0 and 1), the buttons move the laser head left/right and front/back. In File Select (Mode 3) the up and down buttons scroll through the loaded jobs.

  • Page 44: Section Vi. Software

    SECTION VI. SOFTWARE Validating Control Card RetinaEngrave 3d control cards are preinstalled in all Full Spectrum Laser Hobby Laser models. Your laser’s control card is shipped with an 80 hour temporary usage authorization. The 80 hours are only counted while the laser is ON. During the temporary usage period, you must connect your laser to your computer while it is connected to the internet and validate your card.

  • Page 45: Using Retina Engrave

    Using RetinaEngrave 2 .0 Software In this section you will be introduced to the major interface features of RetinaEngrave.2.0 Workspace Window The workspace window shows a preview of your current job and its position in the laser bed. Figure 6.1 Technical Support is available from 8am to 5pm (PST) M - F at support@fslaser.com.

  • Page 46: Topline Menu

    Top Line Menu (Left Side) A. PROJECTS LIST Current Project files for easy access. Simply “drag n’ drop” into the workspace. B. TITLE PROJECT Name or rename your project C. NEW PROJECT Start a new project D. OPEN FILE Open an existing project AUTO SAVE There is no need to manually save.
  • Page 47 Jog Menu A. HOME Laser head homing click to rehome B. JOG (DIRECTION) The four arrows will jog the gantry UP, DOWN, LEFT and RIGHT C. LOCK/UNLOCK MANUAL CONTROL Locks the gantry for JOG button control or Unlocks the gantry for manual control. D.

  • Page 48: Design View

    DESIGN VIEW SCREEN Figure 6.2 ACCESS DESIGN VIEW SCREENS AND MENUS RetinaEngrave 2.0 comes with a drawing tool to allow for custom designs within the software itself. This is called the “Design View” screen. Technical Support is available from 8am to 5pm (PST) M - F at support@fslaser.com.
  • Page 49 Design View Top Buttons A. ABOUT Offers information about the Editor and allows the user to add keyboard shortcuts. B. FILE New Doc - Start a new document Open SVC - Open File Explorer menu Import Image - Bring an image from an outside source Save Image - Save your created image Export to RetinaEngrave 2.0 -...

  • Page 50: Toolbar

    Toolbar A. Select Tool - Choose a tool to use B. Pencil Tool - Draw directly to the image space C. Line Too l - Create perfect lines D. Square Tool - Create and scale squares and rectangles E. Circle Tool - create perfect circles and oval shapes F.

  • Page 51: Side Expansion Menu Tabs

    Side Expansion Menu Tabs Canvas Width Height CUSTOM CANVAS Adjust the width, height, area, and background color of your drawing canvas Color Sizes Custom RIGHT ARROW TAB: PROPERTIES Clicking the RIGHT arrow tab opens the Properties Menu, which includes Vector Properties, Raster Properties, and Object Properties.

  • Page 52: Object Properties

    Object Properties Object Properties Angle Height 1 .18 Width 2 .79 0 .25 0 .38 A. OBJECT PROPERTIES This window allows you to create custom object properties. The 9 square box represents the workspace allowing for custom setting in 9 quadrants of the workspace. Each quadrant can have its own properties separate from the rest.

  • Page 53: Raster / Vector Properties

    Raster Properties Raster Properties A. RES Set the dpi resolution from the options given in 250 x 250 dpi the dropdown menu. Raster Power % B. Raster Power % Set the raster power by sliding the bar Left Raster Speed % (for less power) or Right (for more power).
  • Page 54 Object Manager LEFT ARROW TAB: OBJECT MANAGER Clicking the LEFT arrow tab opens the Object Manager Menu. Here you can layer objects and set the order of operation. A. OBJECT MANAGER Object Manager The Object Manager feature allows users to layer their cuts and rasters to create more complex designs.

  • Page 55: Section Vii. Operations

    SECTION VII. OPERATIONS Hobby Series laser cutters do much more than just cut material. The two major functions of a laser cutter are to cut and engrave. General Functions Cutting Cutting is the most common feature of a laser cutter. Cutting is simply when the laser slices completely through the material.

  • Page 56: Preparing For Job

    Project Preparations Import Import your designs by selecting the icon below (IMG 1), or by dragging and dropping your file into the workspace. This software detects a wide variety of file types. For this we’re using a simple .JPG photo. The .JPG file format is widely used and can easily be taken from a cell phone photo or found online.
  • Page 57 Resolution Select the image and open the right hand menu by clicking the arrow located in the middle of the browser (IMG 4). Select your resolution (IMG 5). The resolution of your engravings can be controlled by the DPI (Dots Per Inch). DPI options include 250, 500, and 1000. The more dots per inch, the higher precision and quality of your images, while a lower DPI will process and engrave faster.

  • Page 58: Speed & Power

    For images that have shadows and depth, it’s ideal to use dithering. Dithering creates a series of dots similar to newsprint. This effectively creates a grayscale that is ideal for photo realistic engravings. To dither an object, select the image, and click the dithering button in the menu that appears(IMG 7). Remember that the on screen resolution is intentionally lowered for faster processing.

  • Page 59: Positioning

    Speed - Speed settings determine how quickly the laser head will move. For faster engravings, 100% is ideal. Lowering the speed will allow you to create deeper engravings as it allows the laser beam to be in contact with the material for a longer period of time. Power - The power settings determine the output of the laser tube.
  • Page 60 When the positioning appears in the correct location, press the “Perimeter” icon (IMG 11). Watch the red dot to verify that the piece will fit on your material. Make adjustments if necessary. When the positioning appears correct, close the lid and double-check your cutting checklist. Press the arrow to run your job(IMG 12).

  • Page 61: Laser 101

    Laser 101 To better understand and utilize these functions, Hobby Series owners have access to Full Spectrum Laser’s free online “Laser 101” courses. These lessons start with the most basic principles and skill sets and advance all the way to complex projects utilizing many skills and techniques at once. The Course is divided into three levels of difficulty: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
  • Page 62 Beginner lessons walk through the basics of laser cutting. The four projects will teach you how to use the software and explain the nuances involved with rastering, vectoring, and workflow. Skills Learned: Experiment with rastering techniques to create photo-realistic engravings using .JPEG image. - Use RetinaEngrave’s design feature to create simple vectors.
  • Page 63 We will not go into specifics about teaching 3rd party design software, but we’ll include information that will aid Hobby Series users in creating future projects by applying these techniques. Skills Learned: Experiment with rastering techniques to create photo-realistic engravings using .JPEG image.
  • Page 64 Advanced lessons will be constantly replenished with recent projects. At this point, students are expected to understand all the basics and apply multiple techniques. Skills Learned: By now, students should have the freedom to pick any project and be able to understand the terminology and techniques required to complete them.

  • Page 65: Section Viii. Hardware & Maintenance

    SECTION VIII. HARDWARE & MAINTENANCE With a little care and maintenance, your Hobby Series Laser Cutter will remain clean and continue to run at top efficiency for years to come. Be aware of all safety and maintenance issues with your machine by following all the safety instructions in this manual.

  • Page 66: Replacing Laser Tube

    Replacing Laser Tube Steps 1. Power Off Machine: Power off and unplug your unit. Wait at least 1 hour for capacitors to discharge. 2. Disconnect Water: Detach the water tubes from their connectors on the laser tube and drain the water into a bucket. 3.
  • Page 67 8. Reattach Universal Laser Pin Connector: Reverse step 7. Screw the universal laser pin connector onto the aperture end of new laser tube and clip the connector back to the other end of the laser tube. 9. Place New Laser Tube: Place the new tube into the rubber holders in the same orientation as the old tube was in when it was removed (with the glass coils oriented to the RIGHT when facing the machine).

  • Page 68: Belt Installation

    Belt Installation The belts on your laser system are a consumable item and will eventually stretch beyond a usable length or break. You can contact Full Spectrum Laser support for replacements. SHOCK WARNING! The capacitors in the power supply retain power even after turning the laser off. To ensure your safety, turn off the laser, remove the power cord and wait at least 1 hour before accessing the power supply.

  • Page 69: General Maintenance

    General Maintenance Before Every Job: Always be sure your water, air, exhaust, and power systems are properly assembled and operating normally. Be sure that the machine and workspace are clutter-free. Be aware of any material warnings and that you are working in a well-ventilated workspace. Check that your fire extinguisher is up to regulation and is easily accessible.

  • Page 70: Appendix

    Appendix A: Troubleshooting As with any machinery, individual user results may vary. In this section we will discuss the most common issues users report and the simple solutions to fix them and get back to work. If you cannot find the solution to your problem in this section, please don’t hesitate to contact customer support for personalized discussion of your issue.
  • Page 71 0.25in diameter. This Appendix explains the typical install method of the rotary attachment into a Hobby Series Laser System. Once you have unpacked your rotary attachment, you will need to connect it to your laser’s RetinaEngrave 2.0 controller before running any jobs.
  • Page 72 Appendix C: Using the Rotary Attachment The rotary attachment is designed to be used within the laser case, however its maximum engraving diameter can be increased by modifying your laser system’s bottom panel. Please be aware that any system modifications must be performed by an authorized technician and in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws.
  • Page 73 Appendix D: Quick Start Steps Your Hobby Series is ready to use if you have read the manual to this point and followed all of the foregoing instructions. Please remember to use caution while operating the laser and make sure that all accessories are functioning properly before running any job.
  • Page 74 Appendix E: Warranty Information Within the first 30 days, Full Spectrum Laser will replace or repair any defective parts free of charge and pay for ground shipping of parts. Overnight shipping is available at extra charge. Outside the first 30 days, Full Spectrum Laser will replace or repair any defective part within the warranty period free of charge but shipping charges are the responsibility of the customer.
  • Page 75 Appendix F: Customer Support Full Spectrum Laser provides the best customer support in the industry. Contact us if you have any questions or issues with your Hobby Series Laser Cutter. We can also offer convenient purchasing of accessory upgrades and replacement of consumable items. Refer to this sheet for all your customer support and reordering needs.
  • Page 76 Appendix G: Workflow Checklist 1. Safety First ensure workspace is free of fire, electrical and other safety hazards. Be aware of all safety issues when cutting materials with a laser. Always have a fire extinguisher on hand. 2. Power on the laser and all of its components. 3.
  • Page 77 Join the Full Spectrum Laser Community Full Spectrum Laser invites you to join our community of hobby makers and professional manufacturers through our social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, etc.). We always have something positive to say about hobby maker culture or the industry we work in. You can follow us as we cross the country going to conventions and maker events or just check out all the awesome stuff we make.
  • Page 78 Have you hit the limits of your output quotas and want to see how the professionals do it? Step up to Professional Grade with Pro- Series by Full Spectrum Laser. Our Pro-Series C02 and Fiber Laser Cutters take your production to the next level.

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