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SECTION 11: SPECIFICATIONS
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 104.
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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