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Safety, Installation, Operation, and Basic Maintenance Manual (Located on the back of the machine and inside the front door) 16008 North 81st Street Scottsdale, AZ 85260 USA Technical Support Department Phone: 480-609-0297 Fax: 480-609-1203 Web Based Email Support: www.ulsinc.com...
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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.
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We would like to thank you for your laser system purchase. Universal Laser Systems, Inc. (ULS) is the pioneer, and highest volume manufacturer, of large field, computer controlled laser engraving, marking, and cutting systems. ULS has devoted years of research and development to further the quality of our products that has resulted in a number of remarkable innovations within the laser industry.
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VersaLASER VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 System Operating Environment Requirements (User Provided) VLS3.60 VLS4.60 VLS6.60 Operating Well-ventilated office (recommended) or clean, light-duty manufacturing Environment Operating 50ºF (10ºC) to 95ºF (35º C) capable Temperature 73ºF (22ºC) to 77ºF (25º C) for best performance Storage Temperature 50ºF (10ºC) to 95ºF (35º...
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Model System Specifications VLS3.60 VLS4.60 VLS6.60 CO2 Laser, Interlocked Safety Enclosure = Class 1 Laser Safety Red Diode Pointer = Class 3R 24 x 12 in 24 x 18 in 32 x 18 in Work Area* (609.6 x 304.8 mm) (609.6 x 457.2 mm)
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Description of Appropriate Use ..................... General Safety ..........................Laser Safety ..........................Safety Labels ..........................EU Compliance (CE)........................FCC Compliance......................... Recycling............................. Establishing a Proper Operating Environment................Providing a Suitable Electrical Power Source................Extracting Fumes and Particulates ....................Software Installation and Operating System Requirements ............Computer Requirements ......................
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Air Assist ............................Air Assist Compressor........................Dual Head ............................. Honeycomb Cutting Table ......................Focus Lens Kits........................... Rotary Fixture..........................Printer Driver Controls........................Manual Control Tab ........................ Focusing Methods........................Making a Sample - Manual Control Tab ..................
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This device is designed for laser cutting and engraving, in a laboratory, workshop, or light duty manufacturing environment. Materials to be processed must fit completely inside the system for proper operation. Use of the equipment in a manner other than what is described in this manual can result in injury to yourself, others, or may cause severe damage to the equipment and your facility.
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SAFETY We suggest that you obtain the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from the materials manufacturer. The MSDS discloses all of the hazards when handling or processing that material. processing any material that shows signs of chemical deterioration of the laser system such as rust, metal etching or pitting, peeling paint, etc.
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SAFETY CDRH and CE regulations require that all laser manufacturers affix warning labels in specific locations throughout the equipment. The following warning labels are placed on the laser system for your safety. remove them for any reason. If the labels become damaged or have been removed for any reason, the laser system and immediately contact Universal Laser Systems, Inc.
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SAFETY WARNING WARNING TURN THE LASER SYSTEM OFF BEFORE TO AVOID RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK CONNECTING OR DISCONNECTING ALWAYS DISCONNECT POWER CORD THE ROTARY FIXTURE BEFORE REMOVING THIS COVER 221-0019-0 221-0020-0 INPUT POWER: 110 VAC; 50/60 Hz; 10 A 221-0021-0 REV A 221-0022-0 REV A THIS LASER MANUFACTURED BY UNIVERSAL LASER SYSTEMS...
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SAFETY WARNING THIS SYSTEM IS DESIGNED FOR USE WITH INERT AND NON-OXIDIZING GASES ONLY (i.e. DRY CLEAN AIR, CARBON INPUT POWER: DIOXIDE, HELIUM, NITROGEN). CONNECTING FLAMMABLE OR 230 VAC; 50/60 Hz; 5 A OXIDIZING GASES TO THIS SYSTEM CREATES A SERIOUS SAFETY AND/OR FIRE HAZARD.
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User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 VersaLASER VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 Front View Laser system and labels are not to scale Link to Table of Contents...
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User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book VersaLASER VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 Back View with Rear Door Open Laser system and labels are not to scale Link to Table of Contents...
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User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book VersaLASER VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 Back View Laser system and labels are not to scale Link to Table of Contents...
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SAFETY VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 Laser Engraving and Cutting Systems Universal Laser Systems, Inc. Universal Laser Systems GmbH 16008 N. 81 Lerchenfelder Guertel 43 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 A-1160 Vienna/Austria The manufacturer hereby declares that the equipment specified below is in...
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SAFETY 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. This device complied with FCC Rules Part 15. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1.
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User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book Software Installation and Requirements Your computer is a critical component in the operation of the VLS system. In fact, you cannot operate the VLS system if your computer is not connected, powered on, running Windows and running the Universal Control Panel (UCP) software. You can only run one VLS system per computer at a time.
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User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book Optimizing Windows XP Performance Vista Performance Windows XP, by default, displays many “visual Windows Vista, by default, displays many “visual effects” that slow down the computer. effects” that slow down the computer. recommend that you turn off these effects by recommend that you turn off these effects by clicking right-clicking on the “My...
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User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book Universal Control Panel (UCP) Installation CD-ROM At this point you need to install the Windows XP/Vista Universal Control Panel (UCP) and printer driver. In order to install the software, you need to have administrative privileges on the computer before starting installation. The Software Installation CD-ROM can be found on the inside of this manual reference guide.
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User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book The installation process will proceed as indicated by a progress bar. Be patient. Loading the files can take a few minutes depending on your computer’s processor speed. When the installation process is finished, the “ Completing the ULS Software Setup Wizard”...
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The following operational guidelines are vital to a safe and productive environment. It is your responsibility to provide a proper operating environment. This section will also give you step-by-step instructions for site preparation, and computer and software setup. Please follow the instructions in the order shown: 1.
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User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book Note: The following diagram shows a typical exhaust system layout. Use this as a guideline for proper exhaust system installation. Although this diagram serves as an example, we recommend you consult with a licensed contractor to meet local safety and building code requirements and to also calculate the correct size blower required for your particular installation.
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INSTALLATION constant power outages are a problem in your area, an electrical line stabilizer, UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), or backup generator might be required. You may also need to connect the laser system to a dedicated electrical line to resolve the problem. The laser system is designed as a Class I, Group A, pluggable device.
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Not all software can be used to run the laser system because many have limitations. Setting up your software correctly is essential to running the laser system properly. The following examples assume that you are configuring the software for a VersaLASER system. If you have a different laser system, substitute the correct maximum page size.
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User Guide User Manual Adobe Illustrator CS or CS2 Note: Adobe Illustrator CS or CS2, in combination with the new ULS printer driver version 5.24.38 or later, is now capable of both raster and vector output as well as full-field engraving capability. The following procedure assumes that you are familiar with the use and operation of Windows XP and Adobe Illustrator CS or CS2.
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User Guide User Manual Adobe Illustrator CS3 Part 1: Setting the Default Workspace Start Illustrator CS3 from your Windows XP/Vista compatible PC. Illustrator CS3 Preferences box will open. Select FILE CREATE NEW BASIC RGB DOCUMENT. The new document options box will open. Make the following settings: Set Units to inches.
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User Guide User Manual Part 3: Editing the Swatch Palette Open your Swatch Palette as follows: Main Menu Window Swatches Left Click “OK” Delete all swatches that are not basic RGB or gray scale by left clicking to select them and then clicking the “Delete Swatch”...
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User Guide User Manual AutoCAD 2000i, 2002 and 2004 Note: AutoCAD version 2000 is not compatible with ULS laser systems. You must upgrade to version 2000i or higher. Also, we recommend installing ULS printer driver version 5.24.38 or higher. Make sure the ULS Printer driver is installed prior to setting up AutoCAD. If AutoCAD is already installed and you are simply upgrading ULS printer drivers: Close all open programs.
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Note: For colors requiring Vector output, pen widths should be set to 0.001 inches (0.025mm), and for colors requiring Raster output, set pen widths to greater than 0.008 inches (0.203mm). VersaLASER can only plot Black, Blue and Red. Link to Table of Contents...
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User Guide User Manual ADD NEW PLOTTER Select FILE PLOTTER MANAGER Select ADD-A-PLOTTER WIZARD and click NEXT. Select System Printer and click NEXT. Select your Universal Laser System (i.e. VLS6.60) and click NEXT. Click the Edit Plotter Configuration button and select Modify Standard Paper Size (Printable Area). Select User-Defined LANDSCAPE (Modify) and change the margin values to zero.
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For example, 12 inches (305 mm) for a VLS3.60. If you would like the scale to be displayed in tenths, choose “10 per Tick”...
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User Guide User Manual While still in the “Options” dialog box, double-click on “Global” to expand the list. Double-click on “Printing” to expand the list. Now click on “Driver Compatibility. ” Make sure that the laser system name is displayed in the printer drop-down list.
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User Guide User Manual Graphic Page Configuration for Rotary (CorelDRAW) Note: If you are using the Material Database printer driver to engrave on an object, you do not need to change the page size of your graphic software. If you are using the Manual Control printer driver, please follow the steps below. With your graphics software open, proceed immediately to “Printer”...
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User Guide User Manual Activate the Rotary feature on the printer drive, by clicking on “Enable” box. Type the diameter of the object under “Diameter. ” Notice that while typing the diameter, the height dimension changes automatically. Remember or write down this new dimension.
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User Guide User Manual General Software Set-up There are many software programs that you can purchase off-the-shelf that will work with the laser system. Some of them can access more features of the laser system than others may. Whichever program you choose, it must be set up to work with the laser system, otherwise unexpected results may occur.
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User Guide User Manual If using a color other than the exact colors listed above, the driver will attempt to match it to a color in the driver that it most closely resembles. The driver will then use that color’s power setting and apply a halftone pattern to represent the original color’s shade.
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User Guide User Manual Hidden Vector Lines in Artwork The driver does not automatically filter out outlines that are overlapped by engraved objects such as fills. If there are filled objects with some hidden outlines underneath, the laser system will engrave the fill and cut the hidden outline on top of the fill.
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User Guide User Manual you may want to experiment by using your bitmap image-processing program to make the conversion. These software programs usually have more options for controlling the size, angle, shape and the amount of black and white dots (pixels) created when converting the image. Experiment with all of the controls to see which looks the best.
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We will now illustrate how to use the laser system to create a product from start to finish. As an example, we will raster engrave and vector cut a key chain from a 2 by 4 inch, 1/8 inch thick piece of hardwood. It is preferable to use a hardwood such as Cherry or Walnut as opposed to grainy wood such as Oak or a manufactured product such as plywood or melamine.
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MAKING A SAMPLE The following steps assume that CorelDraw X3 is being used as your graphics software and using the Materials Database Tab in the printer driver. Other graphic software programs may differ. When you are ready to print the file to the laser system, click FILE and then click PRINT.
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MAKING A SAMPLE be correct, the material is not suitable for laser engraving or cutting and you processing this material or any material that may cause damage to the laser system. While the laser system is processing the material, you may stop the process by clicking the PAUSE button and waiting for the system to finish what it was doing and move to the home position (upper right corner).
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BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 DIAGNOSTICS TAB Section 6-10...
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BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES The VersaLASER Keypad Section 6-11...
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BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES Material Database Printer Driver Category List Material List Intensity Adjustment Which Laser? (Dual laser systems only) Air Assist (Computer Controlled Air Assist systems only) Material (Only available when Manual Control Tab is activated) Material Editing Section 6-12...
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BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES Material Code Taper 3D Power Vector Marking - Blue Pen Vector Cutting - Red Pen Max Depth Shallow Cut Settings Deep Cut Settings Section 6-13...
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BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES How to create a new Category and Material Material Thickness Units Fixture Type None Rotary Custom Section 6-14...
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BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES Advanced Laser System Operation Note Manual Control Printer Driver Color, Power, Speed and PPI %Power %Speed Note Section 6-15...
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BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES Mode(Drop Down Menu) Laser (Dual laser catridge system only) Z-Axis Section 6-16...
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BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES Flow (computer Controlled Air Assist only) Flow Rate (Comouter Controlled Air Assist only) Set Button Save Button Load Button Default Button Cancel Button Apply Button Section 6-17...
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BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES Raster Sub-Tab Print Special Effects Clip Art Choose Your Material Establishing Nominal Power Section 6-18...
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BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES Engraving a Calibration Scale Section 6-19...
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BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES Setup Button Rubber Stamp Setup Button Section 6-20...
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BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES Image Density Section 6-21...
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BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES Definitions CONTRAST Section 6-23...
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BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES DEFINITION : DENSITY TUNING Procedure Section 6-24...
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BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES Step 2 : Using text to set the CONTRAST parameter Universal Laser Systems, Inc produces the “BEST” laser systems in the world! Step 3 : Adjusting DEFINITION to enhance the ascenders and descenders Step 4 : Reducing DENSITY as needed Step 5 : Fine tuning the raster strokes Section 6-25...
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BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES Vector Sub-Tab Vector Optimizer Vector Scaling CAUTION Section 6-26...
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BASIC SYSTEM FEATURES Engraving Field Sub-Tab Engraving Field Section 6-27...
Section 7 Basic Maintenance Motion System Components Diagram NOTE: #2 Mirror Cover and X-axis Motor Cover Plates have been removed for visibility. 1) Focus carriage 2) X-axis bearing (3) 3) #3 mirror (inside cover plate) 17) Y-axis drive gear (2) (one on right side, one on left side) 4) Focus lens (inside cover plate) 18) Y-axis shaft (2) (one on right side, one on left side) 5) X-axis rail (arm)
BASIC MAINTENANCE Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies • • • • • • CAUTION When using acetone or denatured alcohol, please follow the instructions on the printed label of these materials for safe handling procedures. • • • • System Cleaning and Maintenance Motion System •...
BASIC MAINTENANCE Adjustments and Lubrication Maintenance Schedule As a starting point, we recommend the following schedule: • As necessary Engraving table Main enclosure Top door window • Every 8 hours of engraving Clean X-axis and Y-axis bearings Clean X-axis and Y-axis rails and bearing tracks Clean X-axis belt.
ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION Manual Control Tab Color, Power, Speed, and PPI % Power % Speed Section 9-4...
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ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION Mode (drop down menu) • RAST/VECT • RAST • VECT • SKIP Laser (drop down menu) (PLS 6.150D only) Z-Axis (drop down menu) Flow (drop down menu) Flow Rate (drop down menu) Set Button Section 9-5...
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ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION Save Button Load Button Default Button Cancel Button Apply Button Raster Sub-Tab Print Special Effects Clip Art Section 9-6...
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ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION Choose Your Material Establishing Nominal Power Engraving a Calibration Scale Section 9-7...
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ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION Setup Button APPLY Button CLOSE Button DEFAULTS Button Section 9-8...
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ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION Rubber Stamp This image..turns into this ...and the engraved image by the driver... image looks like this. This image..turns into this ...and the engraved image by the driver... image looks like this. Setup Button Taper Selection Image Options Invert Page Mirror Page...
ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION STEP POWER % Material .002” STEP WIDTH Normal Rubber Stamp Setting ...will give you these results Image Density Print Direction Dithering Section 9-10...
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ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION Halftone IMAGE DENSITY ANGLE SHAPE LINES PER INCH 45 DEGREES ROUND 45 DEGREES ROUND 45 DEGREES ROUND 45 DEGREES ROUND 45 DEGREES ROUND Error Diffusion Black and White Mode Helpful Tip Image Enhancement Section 9-11...
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ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION Definitions CONTRAST: Universal Laser Systems, Inc. DEFINITION: Universal Laser Systems, Inc. DENSITY: TUNING: Procedure Step 1: Establish the nominal power setting. Section 9-12...
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ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION Step 2: Using text to set the CONTRAST parameter. Universal Laser Systems, Inc. produces the “BEST” laser systems in the world! Step 3: Adjusting DEFINITION to enhance the ascenders and descenders. Step 4: Reducing DENSITY as needed. Section 9-13...
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ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION TUNING Step 5: Fine tuning the raster strokes. Vector Sub-Tab Vector Optimizer ENHANCE AND SORT ENHANCE ONLY SORT ONLY • • Section 9-14...
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ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION NONE Vector Scaling Engraving Field Sub-Tab Units Language Engraving Field Width and Height Max Size Button Dual Head Section 9-15...
ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION Focusing Methods 1. Focus Tool Method 1) Material 5) Flat Edge 2) X-axis Rail 6) Top of Beveled Edge 3) Focus Carriage 7) Focal Length 4) Focus Tool Section 9-17...
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ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION 2. Material Thickness (Z-Axis) Method Section 9-18...
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ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION 3. AUTOFOCUS Method Making a Sample - Manual Control Tab Step 1 – Loading and Positioning the Material Step 2 – Creating the Graphic Section 9-19...
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ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION Step 3 – Printing to the Laser System (Manual Control Tab) Figure 3 Step 4 – Focusing your system Step 5 – Starting the Engraving Process • • • • • Section 9-20...
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ADVANCED SYSTEM OPERATION Step 6 – Material Removal and Reloading Section 9-21...
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