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

Laser engraving and cutting system
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X-600 / X2-600
Laser Engraving and Cutting System
Safety, Installation, Operation,
and Basic Maintenance Manual
Universal Laser Systems, Inc.
16008 North 81st Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85260 USA
Customer Support Department
Phone: 480-609-0297
Fax: 480-609-1203
Web Based Email Support:
www.ulsinc.com
August 2001

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  • Page 1 X-600 / X2-600 Laser Engraving and Cutting System Safety, Installation, Operation, and Basic Maintenance Manual Universal Laser Systems, Inc. 16008 North 81st Street Scottsdale, AZ 85260 USA Customer Support Department Phone: 480-609-0297 Fax: 480-609-1203 Web Based Email Support: www.ulsinc.com August 2001...
  • Page 2 Notice This publication and its contents are proprietary to Universal Laser Systems, Inc. (ULS), and are intended solely for the contractual use of ULS, Inc. customers. While reasonable efforts have been made to assure the accuracy of this manual, ULS shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damage in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.

  • Page 3: How To Get Help

    We would like to thank you for purchasing the X-600 or X2-600 Laser Platform. Years of testing and refinements have made this unit the ultimate laser engraving and cutting system. With it’s small footprint design and the oversized 32” x 18” work area, the X-600 Laser Platform is now equipped with our unique ™...

  • Page 4: Specifications

    Model Number X-600 or X2-600 Resolution 1000 x 1000 DPI, 500 x 500 DPI, 333 x 333 DPI, 250 x 250 DPI 200 x 200 DPI, Draft Computer Needed Windows 95 or 98, PC compatible Work Area 32” x 18” (812.8 mm x 457.2 mm) Table Size 37”...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    SECTION 1 - Safety Description of Appropriate Use ... General Safety ... Laser Safety ... Safety Labels ... Safety Label Locations... EU Compliance (CE)... FCC Compliance... SECTION 2 - Installation Operating Environment Requirements... Electrical Requirements ... Exhaust Requirements... Passing Through a Narrow Doorway ... Leveling the System...
  • Page 6 SECTION 5 - Sample Materials Safety ... Materials... Acrylic - Cast and Extruded ... Acrylic - Mirrored ... Anodized Aluminum ... Brass - Painted... Corian / Avonite / Fountainhead ... Cork... Delrin (Seal Press) ... Glass / Crystal... Leather ... Marble ...

  • Page 7: Section 1 - Safety

    SECTION 1 Safety This section describes hazards that may occur if the laser is installed or used improperly. Description of Appropriate Use This device is designed for laser cutting and engraving of the materials listed in this manual, in laboratory, workshop or light duty manufacturing environments. This equipment must be properly installed and connected to an appropriate exhaust system meeting the specifications outlined in this manual.

  • Page 8: Laser Safety

    DO NOT remove them for any reason. If the labels become damaged or have been removed for any reason, DO NOT OPERATE the laser system and immediately contact Universal Laser Systems, Inc. for a free replacement. Labels are NOT to scale.
  • Page 9 Scottsdale, Arizona Model No: Manufactured: Serial No: Made in USA # 221-0004-0 WARNING # 221-0013-0 DANGER INVISIBLE AND VISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN AVOID EYE OR SKIN EXPOSURE TO DIRECT OR SCATTERED RADIATION # 221-0017-0 WARNING # 221-0020-0 SERIAL # : XXXXX DATE : XXXXX # 221-0007-0 THIS EQUIPMENT CONFORMS...

  • Page 10: Safety Label Locations

    Safety # 221-0031-0 # 221-0033-0 # 221-0034-0 221-0023-0 221-0056-0 Safety Label Locations 221-0032-0 221-0034-0 221-0018-0 221-0016-0 221-0012-0 221-0013-0...
  • Page 11 Safety 1-5 221-0016-0 221-0020-0 221-0015-0 221-0004-0 221-0023-0 221-0056-0 221-0021-0...

  • Page 12: Eu Compliance (Ce)

    This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures. I N C. X-600 and X2-600 Laser Engraving and Cutting Systems Universal Laser Systems, Inc. 16008 N. 81...

  • Page 13: Fcc Compliance

    FCC Compliance This ULS laser system has been tested and found to comply with Federal Communication Commission (FCC) directives regarding Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC). In accordance with these directives ULS is required to provide the following information to its customers. FCC Compliance Statement and Warnings This device complied with FCC Rules Part 15.

  • Page 14: Section 2 - Installation

    SECTION 2 Installation Proper operating conditions are vital to a safe and productive environment. This section describes the ideal environment and setup of the laser system. Operating Environment Follow these guidelines to ensure a proper operating environment for the laser system. Operating the laser system outside of these guidelines can seriously damage the laser system and damages from this type of abuse WILL NOT be covered under warranty.

  • Page 15: Electrical Requirements

    Installation If planning to connect the laser engraving system to a computer through the parallel port, choose a • location where the computer will be placed within 6 feet of the machine since this is the maximum recommended parallel cable length. Included with your system is a high quality, IEEE1284 compliant, 6-foot parallel printer cable.

  • Page 16: Exhaust Requirements

    If electrical power fluctuations, brown outs, or constant power outages are a problem in your area, an electrical line stabilizer, UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), or backup generator might be required. If installing any of these devices, make sure that they meet the electrical requirements of the laser system. If there is any type of electrical problem present, please contact a locally licensed electrical contractor to correct the problem.

  • Page 17: Side View

    Installation DO NOT install forward incline, backward incline, in-line, or ventilator fans because these types of air handlers are inadequate and inappropriate for this type of installation. questions concerning blower specifications or exhaust system requirements, please contact our Service Department directly before installation. The following diagram shows a typical exhaust system layout.

  • Page 18: Front View

    FRONT VIEW SHUT OFF GATE Passing Through a Narrow If the doorway is not wide enough to allow to you roll the laser system through it, the system MUST be detached from the Cart Stand, rotated sideways, passed through the doorway, then re-attached to the Cart Stand.
  • Page 19 Installation 3. Locate and disconnect the two white Power Supply Cable Connectors. Gently push the cables all the way down into the cavity of the Power Supply enclosure. Close and latch the Rear Cover by pushing down on the latch until it clicks. 4.

  • Page 20: Leveling The System

    IS NOT plugged in at this time. The following procedure is for both the X-600 and the X2-600 Platforms. The difference is that the X2- 600 can accommodate one or two Laser Cartridges. No matter which system you have, if you only have one Laser Cartridge, install it in the TOP position.
  • Page 21 Installation Open the Rear Cover and visually locate the Laser Mounting Block(s), the Laser Latch(es), and Alignment Fork(s). Notice that the Alignment Fork(s) have two plates, one small and one large. Locate the gap between the two plates. Observe the “V” groove along the upper and lower part of the Laser Cartridge. Also locate the Alignment Plate at the end of the Laser Cartridge.

  • Page 22: Computer Requirements

    Plug in the Power Connector(s). Note that the Power Connector that is physically located higher is the one that you connect to the TOP Laser Cartridge because it has an extra wire that powers the Red Diode Laser Pointer located in the Laser Cartridge. The power connector(s) are keyed so it will only insert one way.

  • Page 23: Software Suggestions

    2-10 Installation Software Suggestions The following is a list of recommended software programs. We do not endorse any particular software program neither do we guarantee its full compatibility with the laser system. Appendices section on known bugs/anomalies related to these particular software programs, related versions, and ones that are not listed below.

  • Page 24: Making The Connections

    Helpful Tip If you are having any problems printing a font and you cannot figure out what is going on, select the font and “convert to curves” or “convert to paths” in your graphics software. This will convert the font into a bitmapped image and will print correctly to the laser system.

  • Page 25: Problem Prevention

    2-12 Installation If the red dot is centered, installation is complete. Remove the masking tape. • If you have second Laser Cartridge (the bottom one) installed, you must check it’s alignment • also. To do this, you must first turn OFF the laser system. Disconnect the wire harness from the top Laser Cartridge and connect it into the bottom •...

  • Page 26: Section 3 - System Operation

    SECTION 3 System Operation In this section you will learn how the laser system actually works and will familiarize you with laser system terminology. We will then start working with the control panel and learn how to get around in the menu system.
  • Page 27 System Operation NOTE: Before describing the complex functionality of the SUPERSPEED, in the following diagram, we demonstrate how a typical single-laser system works. SUPERSPEED builds upon this foundation and utilizes two Laser Cartridges to operate in a Dual Laser Single Beam Mode or Dual Laser Dual Beam Mode. Laser Cartridge The laser cartridge is a very sophisticated device.

  • Page 28: The Control Panel

    System Operation The “Focal Range” of the lens, where the beam is considered to be “in focus”, is equivalent to +/- 5% above and below the focus point. Shorter lenses produce a smaller spot size but also have a very narrow focal range.
  • Page 29 System Operation The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) The LCD is a four line display that displays the menus that control the laser system. It is a backlit type of display that enhances visibility even under low light environments. When the laser system is powered on, the laser system will perform a series of routines. “INITIALIZING” will display until the motion system and electronics have finished their routines.
  • Page 30 CONDITION The laser system is powered up, the top door is closed and the system is ready to receive a file The laser system has finished processing a file and has returned to the home position The laser system has been paused while running a file The top or front door is open The laser system is firing the beam in the Alignment Mode FLASHING...
  • Page 31 System Operation The “NEXT FILE” button displays the next file in the systems memory and makes it the current file and will stop at the last file in memory. The “PREV FILE” button displays the previous file in the systems memory and makes it the current file and will stop at the first file in memory.

  • Page 32: The Menu System

    System Operation The Menu System The LCD displays the menus of the laser system. Since this laser system has many features, we have included a “Menu System Flow Chart” on the next three pages. It diagrams and displays the menu items in the entire system and the button selections needed to access them.
  • Page 33 System Operation...

  • Page 34: Menu Descriptions

    System Operation MODEL NAME VERSION XX-XX-XX-XX Menu Descriptions The remainder of this section will describe each one of the menus and their significance. READY Menu When the system is first powered on “INITIALIZING” will appear for approximately 30 seconds until the laser system finishes performing its routine.
  • Page 35 3-10 System Operation FILE DISPLAY Menu Appears automatically after the first file is downloaded completely into the laser systems memory. This is the menu that you will remain in most of the time when operating the laser system. It has been designed to show all pertinent operating information at a glance so that constantly jumping from menu to menu is not needed.
  • Page 36 System Operation 3-11 There are two ways that a downloaded file will have a missing EOF. The first is if printing through the printer driver and printing is canceled, interrupted, or file size exceeds the remaining free memory space. If this occurs, chances are that the EOF never made it to the memory buffer and the memory buffer will show that it is empty or that the file does not exist.
  • Page 37 3-12 System Operation The Printer Driver compresses the file while it downloads to the laser system and the laser system decompresses the file while it runs. The amount of compression can be as little as 4 to 1 or as great as 48 to 1.
  • Page 38 System Operation 3-13 DOS POWER SETTINGS Menu The laser system allows eight different power settings to be saved, in non-volatile (permanent) memory, and used when processing a DOS based file. Since DOS based printer/plotter drivers do not have the ability to set the “POWER”, “SPEED”, and “PPI” settings, the settings must be set manually on the laser system.
  • Page 39 3-14 System Operation OPTIONS Menu Selecting this menu will allow the access to turn on certain options that the laser system might have. ONE FILE MEMORY Menu Pressing “SELECT” key while cursor is on this line will toggle the setting on and off. When off, it enables the multiple file memory buffer system (default).
  • Page 40 System Operation 3-15 AIR ASSIST Menu This class of laser system does have Air Assist as an option, but it is not computer controlled. Since we use the same menu system on other models, this menu selection for your model does absolutely nothing. If you did purchase the Air Assist option for this model, please refer to the instructions that came with that option.
  • Page 41 3-16 System Operation To restore the focus position back to the original factory setting, go back into this menu and press the up and down arrow keys simultaneously. You will see the motion system move to the 1 inch horizontal and the 1 inch vertical position (factory default).
  • Page 42 System Operation 3-17 If you would like to get the Rotary axis back to the original factory default setting, go back into the “SET ROTARY AXIS” menu. While in this menu, press the up arrow and down arrow keys simultaneously. The arm move will move back to its original factory default setting.
  • Page 43 3-18 System Operation In order to use the “SERIAL” port, the communication settings MUST match those of the computer. Refer to the computer’s hardware and software manuals for details on setting up the computer’s serial port. If using the “SERIAL” port, select the fastest possible “BAUD” rate for communication since this effects how quickly the computer can send files to the laser system.
  • Page 44 System Operation 3-19 DIAGNOSTICS Menu This menu leads to other menus that enable you to help diagnose problems, if they occur, with the laser system. It also will help our technicians solve problems that you may be experiencing. ALIGNMENT MODE Menu This menu allows access to firing the laser beam manually to determine if the laser systems optical alignment is correct.
  • Page 45 3-20 System Operation ABOUT Menu Use the up and down arrow buttons to position the cursor on this menu item. Press the “SELECT” button and our copyright notice along with the current versions of firmware will be displayed. The firmware version numbers are a diagnostic aid to our service technicians.

  • Page 46: Focusing The Laser Beam

    System Operation 3-21 Setting a new origin other than the default (0,0) position will shrink your field size. If you already have files already loaded into memory that utilize the entire engraving area, and you set a new origin, part of that graphic might fall out of the effective printing area.
  • Page 47 3-22 System Operation The cursor in the display will be flashing on top of the tenths digit. You can now move the table up or down by pressing either the up or down arrow button. If you push the button once and let go quickly, the table will move in .1 inch increments.
  • Page 48 System Operation 3-23 If you find that you need to place your materials in a position other than the upper left hand corner, you can change the default focus position to anywhere in the field that you like. Please refer to that menu item selection earlier in this section.
  • Page 49 The AUTOFOCUS sensor sends out an invisible beam across the table between the 1 inch and the 3 • inch mark in the Y axis ruler for the M-300 Platform and the 2 and 4 inch mark for the V-400, X-600 and X2-600 Platform laser systems. You will notice that it is indented slightly.
  • Page 50 To Adjust AUTOFOCUS: From time to time, you may need to re-adjust your AUTOFOCUS. The only time that you should need to re-adjust the AUTOFOCUS is when you have received a new or different length Focus Lens, have recently Flash upgraded the operating system of the laser, or had a dirty sensor or reflector and are adjusting it after you have cleaned those parts.

  • Page 51: Running The System

    SECTION 4 Running the System Step by Step In this section we will cover how to completely use the laser system to create a product from start to finish. From powering on everything to removing the finished product from the system, we will cover the entire process step by step.
  • Page 52 Running the System Step by Step Focusing Before attempting to adjust the focal height, visually check to make sure that the table is down low enough to prevent the focus carriage from hitting into the piece of wood. With the top door still open, press the “Z” button on the control panel of the laser system. You will see the focus carriage move to the (1,1) position directly over the piece of wood.

  • Page 53: Creating The Graphic

    Running the System Step by Step It does not matter whether you bring the table up to go out of focus, or down, the effect is the same. You should experiment on some scrap material at another time and note the difference. In this example, we will engrave in precise focus.

  • Page 54: Starting The Engraving Process

    Running the System Step by Step Find the “PRINT” command within your graphics program and click on it. Depending on which graphics program you are using, the menu command “PRINT” may be in various locations within your program. Usually after clicking on “PRINT”, you will then need to click on “OK”. A status screen may now appear showing a percentage of completion.

  • Page 55: Material Removal And Reloading

    Running the System Step by Step We will also remind you again to please comply with the warning label below. Material Removing and Reloading Once the laser system has completed processing you material, the laser beam will turn off, the motion system will move to its home position in the upper right hand corner, the system will beep twice, and the green light on the control panel will glow continuously.

  • Page 56: Options And Accessories

    SECTION 5 Options & Accessories There are several options and accessories available for this laser system. The new 3D Effects option is now available as a standard feature. The Rotary Fixture, Cutting Table, Air Assist System, Air Assist Compressor, various Focus Lens Kits, and the Dual Head option are available at additional cost. 3D Effects The 3D Effects option can be used to create rubber stamps or produce a three-dimensional engraving appearance on other materials.
  • Page 57 Options & Accessories PREVIOUSLY COMPLETED STAMPS COMPUTER GRAPHICS SCREEN COMPUTER GRAPHICS SCREEN Place the stamp (on screen) where you want it to engrave in laser system. Avoid the spots where you have already engraved and cut out other stamps. PREVIOUSLY COMPLETED STAMPS LASER ENGRAVING TABLE...
  • Page 58 Options & Accessories 5-3 Settings for a 30 Watt System There is a considerable difference between rubber blends, thickness, and hardness between different manufacturers. Use these setting as a starting point for a 30 Watt system. You might need to experiment with different settings to obtain the desired results.
  • Page 59 Options & Accessories Full Sheet Method The second method is to create a full sheet of rubber stamps and engrave them all at the same time. First create a stamp as a positive image as shown below. Create more stamps to fill the entire page. They can be the same stamp or different ones. If desired, output the page to a paper printer for proofreading.

  • Page 60: Rotary Fixture

    Options & Accessories 5-5 In the laser systems printer driver, use the same settings as the previous example but with only minor modifications. In the “3D Effects” tab, select all three “Special” options; “Add Shoulder”, “Print as Negative Image” and “Print as Mirror Image” as the diagram below illustrates. Print to the laser system.

  • Page 61: Cutting Table

    Options & Accessories The Rotary Fixture is placed on the engraving table as the following diagram illustrates. Please refer to the instructions supplied with the Rotary Fixture on how to properly install and use this option. Cutting Table The purpose of the Cutting Table is to support the material that you are cutting off of the engraving table’s surface to minimize surface contact area.

  • Page 62: Air Assist Compressor

    Options & Accessories 5-7 Air Assist System 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.

  • Page 63: Focus Lens Kits

    Options & Accessories Focus Lens Kits There are three optional Focus Lens Kits available other than the standard 2.0”, they are the 1.5”, 2.5”, and the 4.0” kits. Included in these kits are the focus lens, #3 mirror, front plate, thumbscrews, and a focus tool.
  • Page 64 Refer to the following chart for spot sizes and focal ranges of the lenses available. FOCAL LENGTH 1.5 “ 2.0 “ 2.5 “ 4.0 “ If you would like to order any of the accessories described in this section, please speak with your salesperson or call us directly to place an order or to get current pricing.
  • Page 65 SECTION 6 Sample Materials This section provides sample driver settings and helpful hints to get started engraving and/or cutting the materials listed. Safety NEVER LEAVE THE LASER SYSTEM RUNNING UNATTENDED FOR ANY REASON. Exposure to the laser beam can cause ignition of combustible materials. All laser cutting and engraving should be constantly supervised.
  • Page 66 Sample Materials Laser engraving or cutting materials other than those described in this manual can be a safety hazard and can damage the laser system. The laser system operator is liable for any damages caused, in whole or in part, for any economic loss, physical injury, lost revenue, lost profits, lost savings or other indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages incurred.
  • Page 67 Sample Materials NOTE When engraving very small objects, top speed cannot be achieved because acceleration and deceleration of the motion system requires time and distance. The laser system will automatically adjust itself to a maximum engraving speed that it can achieve due to the size and position of the graphic.
  • Page 68 Sample Materials RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE VECTOR CUTTING LASER WATTAGE ACRYLIC - CAST AND EXTRUDED POWER SPEED POWER SPEED PASS DEPTH .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” PASS DEPTH 1000 .2”...
  • Page 69 Sample Materials COMMENTS There are two types of acrylic available, cast and extruded. Cast turns white or frosted and extruded remains clear when engraved. Use extruded acrylic for paint filled engraving and cast for regular engraving. Cast engraves better without masking. Lightly engrave the surface to frost it with a low power setting such as the first setting listed above.
  • Page 70 Sample Materials RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE VECTOR CUTTING LASER WATTAGE ACRYLIC - MIRRORED POWER SPEED POWER SPEED 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 PASS DEPTH .003” .003” .003” .003”...
  • Page 71 Sample Materials COMMENTS Engraving mirrored acrylic is similar to engraving regular acrylic. The idea is to engrave through the mirrored backing enough to begin to penetrate into the acrylic. Engraving deeply will cause a crusty residue to form just like with non-mirrored acrylic. A double image will appear if engraving on the front side of the mirror.
  • Page 72 Sample Materials RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE VECTOR ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE ANODIZED ALUMINUM POWER SPEED POWER SPEED 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 PASS DEPTH .001” .001” .001” .001” .001”...
  • Page 73 There is a process called Laser Color Marking which enables the color filling of anodized aluminum. First, coat or spray the aluminum with a clear acrylic finish. After the finish has thoroughly dried, laser engrave the graphic onto the aluminum. Then take a water based marker, such as those found in an art supply store, and swab on the ink into the engraved area.
  • Page 74 6-10 Sample Materials RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE VECTOR ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE BRASS - PAINTED POWER SPEED POWER SPEED 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 PASS DEPTH .001” .001” .001”...
  • Page 75 The manufacturing processes for coated brass varies from one vendor to another. Some manufacturers do not polish the brass before coating it. Since CO when the coating is removed, the tarnished brass underneath will have a dull appearance that will need to be polished with a brass polishing compound.
  • Page 76 6-12 Sample Materials RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE VECTOR ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE CORIAN / AVONITE / FOUNTAINHEAD POWER SPEED POWER SPEED PASS DEPTH .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” PASS DEPTH .010”...
  • Page 77 If paint filling, mask the material first, then engrave through the masking. In this way, when ready to paint fill, the material is already masked. Spray painting seems to be the easiest. Use the paint sparingly. Excess paint can accumulate on the edges of the engraving, which will make mask removal difficult and leave unsightly ridges.
  • Page 78 6-14 Sample Materials RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE VECTOR CUTTING LASER WATTAGE CORK POWER SPEED POWER SPEED PASS DEPTH .010” .010” .010” .010” .010” .010” .010” .010” .010” .010” .010” .010” .010” .010” .010” .010” .010” .010” PASS DEPTH .060” .060” .060”...
  • Page 79 Cork is not very popular for engraving but it does engrave and cut nicely. Cork is mainly used for making gaskets by vector cutting the gasket patterns. LASER CUTTING THIS MATERIAL CAN CAUSE FLAMING AND SPARKING. Use caution when attempting to cut this material. It would be better to use a longer focal length lens to prevent the lens from being damaged during processing.
  • Page 80 6-16 Sample Materials RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE VECTOR CUTTING LASER WATTAGE DELRIN (SEAL PRESS) POWER SPEED POWER SPEED PASS DEPTH .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” PASS DEPTH .060”...
  • Page 81 MALE press, make several impressions onto 400 grit sandpaper to smoothen out the edges of the plastic. Make sure you turn the sandpaper over to get both sides of the seal. LASER CUTTING THIS MATERIAL CAN CAUSE FLAMING. Use caution when attempting to cut this material.
  • Page 82 6-18 Sample Materials RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE Note: Engrave at 333 DPI VECTOR ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE Note: Engrave at 333 DPI GLASS / CRYSTAL POWER SPEED POWER SPEED PASS DEPTH .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001”...
  • Page 83 Glass engraving is different from other types of engraving. A CO can it cut glass. Instead, laser interaction with glass causes the surface of the glass to appear frosted. Sometimes, placing a piece of newspaper on the glass and dampening is with water will improve the appearance of the engraving.
  • Page 84 6-20 Sample Materials RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE VECTOR CUTTING LASER WATTAGE LEATHER POWER SPEED POWER SPEED PASS DEPTH .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” .001” PASS DEPTH .050” .050” .050”...
  • Page 85 Sample Materials 6-21 COMMENTS Leather is a very simple material to engrave and most types of leather engrave very well with the laser system. Simulated leather engraves well also, but the results are not as nice as with the real thing. Engraving lightly will turn the surface of the leather dark brown giving it a high contrast in appearance.
  • Page 86 6-22 Sample Materials RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE VECTOR ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE MARBLE POWER SPEED POWER SPEED PASS DEPTH .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” PASS DEPTH .003” .003” .003”...
  • Page 87 Most marble and polished stones will turn white when engraved. Masking is not necessary and light engraving works out better than heavy and deep engraving. Engraving deeply will cause a highly detailed image to appear washed out. The objective is to engrave deep enough to turn the marble white and provide a good contrast.
  • Page 88 6-24 Sample Materials RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE VECTOR CUTTING LASER WATTAGE MAT BOARD POWER SPEED POWER SPEED PASS DEPTH .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” .005” PASS DEPTH .050” .050”...
  • Page 89 Sample Materials 6-25 COMMENTS Mat board (thick cardboard) is an excellent material to use for architectural modeling and for picture framing. It cuts and engraves very neatly and cleanly. It comes in a variety of shades and colors. Patterns can be engraved on the surface with a power setting for light engraving which just breaks through the very thin top layer and exposes the lighter colored underlying substrate.
  • Page 90 6-26 Sample Materials RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE VECTOR ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE MELAMINE - STANDARD ENGRAVING POWER SPEED POWER SPEED PASS DEPTH .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” PASS DEPTH .010”...
  • Page 91 Sample Materials 6-27 COMMENTS Engraving melamine is very similar to engraving regular wood with the added benefit of a consistent surface finish and uniform base material composition. Unlike regular wood that has grain patterns and density variations, melamine, when laser engraved, produces a flat and even engraved area. This characteristic gives this material superior engraving and paint filling qualities.
  • Page 92 6-28 Sample Materials MELAMINE - PHOTO/CLIPART ENGRAVING RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE COMMENTS: Engrave unmasked. Use a resolution of 500 DPI. RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE COMMENTS: Engrave unmasked. Use a resolution of 250 DPI. POWER SPEED POWER SPEED PASS DEPTH .008” .008”...
  • Page 93 Sample Materials 6-29 COMMENTS Engraving photographs can be challenging at first but becomes easier once there is an understanding of what to look for and how to achieve the desired results. In an image processing software, scan the image in at 300 DPI. Adjust the brightness and the contrasts to brighten the light colors and darken the dark colors.
  • Page 94 6-30 Sample Materials PLASTIC - ENGRAVERS MICROSURFACED RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE VECTOR CUTTING LASER WATTAGE POWER SPEED POWER SPEED PASS DEPTH .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” .003” PASS DEPTH .060”...
  • Page 95 Laser engraveable plastic comes in many different colors, thickness, coatings, and surface textures. Most engravers plastic will engrave and cut well with the laser system as long as it is microsurfaced and formulated for laser engraving. Removal of large amounts of material will warp the plastic. You might need to tape it down or hold it down flat somehow to prevent it from curling as you engrave.
  • Page 96 6-32 Sample Materials RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE 15 (Not recommended) 20 (Not recommended) PERFORATED VECTOR CUTTING LASER WATTAGE 15 (Not recommended) 20 (Not recommended) RUBBER STAMPS POWER SPEED POWER SPEED PASS DEPTH .030” .030” .030” .030” .030” .030” .030” .030” .030”...
  • Page 97 To create a rubber stamp, use the “3D Effects” tab in the driver (Section 3). In the above example, only one pass is necessary to achieve a deeply engraved rubber stamp. When cutting out the rubber stamp, we recommend using a very low PPI setting. This setting spreads the laser pulses far enough apart that they just touch at the edges.
  • Page 98 6-34 Sample Materials RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE VECTOR CUTTING (KISS CUT) LASER WATTAGE SIGN VINYL POWER SPEED POWER SPEED PASS DEPTH .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” .015” PASS DEPTH .003”...
  • Page 99 Sign vinyl comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns, thickness, finishes, and reflectivity. There are a few methods for using sign vinyl with the laser system. One method is to vector cut (unmasked) through the vinyl but not through the backing. This technique provides results equivalent to a vinyl cutter machine.
  • Page 100 6-36 Sample Materials RASTER ENGRAVING LASER WATTAGE VECTOR CUTTING LASER WATTAGE WOOD POWER SPEED POWER SPEED PASS DEPTH .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” .020” PASS DEPTH .125” .125” .125”...
  • Page 101 Sample Materials 6-37 COMMENTS When engraving wood with a laser, a brown, maple syrup like residue will deposit on the surface of the wood. This is normal and impossible to eliminate by POWER, SPEED, or PPI changes. More residue will be present when engraving deeper and/or slower. This residue washes off with water and a sponge. We recommend using a kitchen sponge with a nylon string mesh wrapped around it.
  • Page 102 6-38 Sample Materials with the laser system, add glue to the veneer, and apply the veneer into the engraved area of the other piece of wood and let dry. After the glue has thoroughly dried, sand the veneer until it is flush with the base wood.

  • Page 103: Suggested Cleaning And Maintenance Supplies

    SECTION 7 Maintenance Keeping the laser system clean will ensure the highest quality engraving. The frequency of cleaning will depend entirely on the type of material being engraved, the performance of your exhaust blower, the operating environment, and the amount of laser system usage over a given period of time.
  • Page 104 Maintenance...

  • Page 105: System Cleaning

    System Cleaning Turn off and unplug the laser system. • Open the Top Door and thoroughly remove all loose dirt and debris from inside the machine with a • vacuum cleaner. Clean the Engraving Table surface with either a soap solution, alcohol, or acetone, and paper towels. •...
  • Page 106 Maintenance #2 Mirror To gain access to the #2 Mirror, the mirror cover must be removed. Remove the thumbscrew, slide the cover to the right slightly and lift straight up. Inspect the #2 Mirror and clean it only if there is debris present. There are two ways to clean the mirror, with a moistened cotton swab or a moistened lens tissue.
  • Page 107 Maintenance 7-5 #3 Mirror and Focus Lens You must remove the front cover to the Focus Carriage to gain access to the #3 Mirror and the Focus Lens. To do this, hold the front cover with one hand and with the other hand, remove the three(3) thumbscrews that attach the front cover to the Focus Carriage, and pull the front cover straight out.
  • Page 108 Maintenance Beam Window The Beam Window is where the laser beam enters into the engraving area. It is located in the upper left hand corner of the engraving area against the back wall and is yellow in color. It is not necessary to remove the Beam Window for cleaning since it can only get dirty on the front side.

  • Page 109: Adjustments And Lubrication

    Adjustments and Lubrication There are no periodic adjustments required. The bearings in the motion system will self adjust to take up any clearances as they begin to wear. The belts are fiber reinforced and will not stretch under normal use so that periodic tension adjustment is not necessary.

  • Page 110: Cooling Fan Filters

    Maintenance Cooling Fan Filters This air-cooled laser system will require periodic cleaning of the cooling fan filters. ambient air is used to cool the laser tube, the air must be filtered before it enters the inside of the laser system otherwise dirt and dust can build up inside of the laser system and damage it.

  • Page 111: Troubleshooting

    SECTION 8 Troubleshooting Engraving Quality • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •...
  • Page 112 Troubleshooting • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •...
  • Page 113 Troubleshooting • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •...
  • Page 114 Troubleshooting Operational • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •...
  • Page 115 APPENDIX...

  • Page 116: Appendix A - Limited Warranty

    Appendix A - Limited Warranty Please refer to the Warranty Registration Form included with your shipment.
  • Page 117 Model Number X-600 or X2-600 Resolution 1000 x 1000 DPI, 500 x 500 DPI, 333 x 333 DPI, 250 x 250 DPI 200 x 200 DPI, Draft Computer Interface Windows 95, 98, and HPGL Table Size 37” x 23” (939.8 mm x 584.2 mm) Work Area 32”...

  • Page 118: Appendix C - Using Dos Based Programs

    Appendix C - Using DOS Based Programs DOS software is not standardized and each application will work differently. When using DOS applications, it is not possible to print through the Windows Printer Driver and for this situation, the system has been designed to automatically emulate a Hewlett Packard plotter. Plotters use a special language called HPGL that the laser system has been designed to accept.
  • Page 119 Appendix D - Using Macintosh Computers The laser system has primarily been designed to run under the Windows 95 or Windows 98 operating system. There is no Macintosh Driver available for this Platform at this time, however, there may be one in the future.

  • Page 120: Appendix E - Serial Port Cable Requirements

    Appendix E - Serial Port Cable Requirements...
  • Page 121 Step 4: If your local Sales Representative is unavailable, contact our Customer Service Department at: Universal Laser Systems, Inc. Technical Support/Parts Department 16008 North 81 Street...

This manual is also suitable for:

X2-600

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