About The Co2 Laser Source - Epilog Fusion M2 32 Manual

SECTION 15: SPECIFICATIONS

About The CO2 Laser Source

Hard Drive
This is the permanent memory in your computer. Many users feel that you can never have a large enough hard drive.
Luckily, most computer manufacturers put high capacity drives in new computers these days. When in doubt, buy bigger
than you think you might need. It's so in-expensive that it's worth the peace of mind to have it available.
Software
Many users use Corel as their graphics software. Many other Windows software applications can also be used, although
all software is different and may not be predictable, user friendly or functional. Additionally, the technical support staff at
Epilog may be less familiar with software other than Corel and less able to help with questions. Consult with your Epilog
distributor on software compatibility issues. Epilog does not guarantee compatibility with any software.
PhotoLaser Plus is a third party software for converting photos to laser compatible format. This is an indispensable option
for engraving photos. For more information see "PhotoLaser Plus" on page 148.
Heavy Duty Surge Protector
The need for a surge protector varies greatly throughout the world. If the laser is operated anywhere that the electrical
power is subject to spikes, outages, lighting, fluctuations, etc, a surge protector should be used on both the laser and the
computer. A surge protector is a very cheap insurance policy against catastrophic electrical damage. A surge protector
is designed to be an inexpensive device that absorbs any electrical problems before they can damage the expensive
equipment (computer and laser) they are protecting.
About The CO2 Laser Source
Your Epilog CO2 laser system uses the latest in laser technology to provide a powerful tool that is simple and safe to setup
and operate. The Epilog Laser can mark, engrave, and cut a variety of non-metallic materials.
The CO2 laser beam itself is invisible and operates at a wavelength of 10.6 microns. The beam is about half the diameter
of a #2 pencil. Unfocused, it will just make an ugly burn, leaving lots of charred material behind. The focus lens gives
the beam an hourglass shape. At the center point the energy density is concentrated, allowing the very precise and clean
material removal that is characteristic of laser engraving. The center of the hourglass is the focal point.
The laser beam path is completely enclosed within the cabinet. Please do not disassemble or modify any of the covers
or windows on the machine. If at any time you notice that the laser operates with a door or window open, please contact
Epilog technical support immediately.
The laser has two basic operating methods. For cutting (vector), the laser is driven along a path and the laser is left on all
the time. The path could be the outline of a letter or a geometric shape like a circle. The laser will cut entirely through the
material, separating the part from the background. For marking (engraving), the laser is swept across the work from left
to right, and the laser is turned on and off at the correct points to produce the first line of the image. Then the carriage
advances one line and the process is repeated, eventually assembling a full image.
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